PhD Biological Sciences at University of Essex

Programme overview

PhD Biological Sciences offers supervised doctoral research in the School of Life Sciences, with staff expertise in biophysics, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, molecular medicine, environmental microbiology, photosynthesis, plant productivity, ecology and marine and environmental science.

Department: School of Life Sciences | Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time (part-time also available) | Intake: January 2027 (October, January or April starts available) | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Supervised doctoral research within collaborative research groups, with links to organisations such as the NHS, Public Health England, the Environment Agency, Cefas, Defra and Anglian Water.

Career pathways

Many graduates take postdoctoral positions in the UK and overseas; others work in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, or with governmental and non-governmental organisations and environmental agencies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A good honours degree or a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject, and a well-developed research proposal. Applicants are normally interviewed (in person or online), and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department. English language (international applicants): IELTS 6.5 overall, or equivalent, with 5.5 in all other components.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year. Fee stated per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Academic year not labelled. Source

International applicants: GBP 23,625 a year. Fee stated per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Academic year not labelled. Source

Intake: January 2027 (October, January or April starts available)

Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time (part-time also available)

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