PhD Life Sciences at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

A PhD in Life Sciences will help you to develop research skills that support, research and/or academic careers. You will work closely with a team of specialist academics in your chosen field, and receive excellent support tailored to your individual needs.

Faculty: Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences | Department: Sport and Life Sciences | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time | Study mode: full-time/part-time | Intake: September 2026, February 2027, May 2027 | Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

A PhD enables you to follow a programme of self-directed, independent study, supported by experienced supervisors who are themselves experts in their area. You will also be supported by the wider research community in the Faculty and you will have regular opportunities to attend research seminars, conferences and symposia.

Career pathways

The Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is recognized worldwide and is often an essential requirement for those wishing to follow an academic or research career in industry or commerce. Our Life Sciences PhD research degree will help you create opportunities to develop research skills that support professional practice, research and/or academic careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

To apply for our Life Sciences PhD research degree you should have, or expect to be awarded, a Masters degree in a relevant Life Science area at British or overseas university. Exceptional applicants without a Master's degree, but holding a first class or high second class Bachelors degree in Biomedical Science or Biomedical Engineering, may be considered dependent upon the academic coherence and promise of their research proposal, and its consonance with the academic expertise of the college. Please send us an initial PhD enquiry containing your brief PhD research proposal (1500 words), and/or any questions or queries you may have. You’ll notice that it asks you whether you’ve thought about potential supervisors. You may wish to contact one of our members of academic staff to discuss a potential project, and you are encouraged to do this. Applications, however, should be sent through official channels, beginning with the initial enquiry form. We will review your initial enquiry to ensure your research proposal compliments one of our PhD research interests and you will be invited for an interview. Requirements for International Students.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). full-time, 3-4 Years; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 15,420 a year (2026/27). full-time, 3-4 Years; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

Intake: September 2026, February 2027, May 2027

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time

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