PhD Cancer Biology at University of Essex

Programme overview

PhD in Cancer Biology in the School of Life Sciences at Essex, with research at the basic-clinical interface using molecular and cellular techniques. Current projects include stem cell-based therapies, mechanisms of therapy resistance, racial disparities in cancer, translational and clinical proteomics, drug design, and genomics and computational biology, many in collaboration with the NHS and regional hospitals.

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

What you will study

Independent research towards a thesis of up to 80,000 words, with two formal supervisory board meetings each year; students register as MPhil and transfer to PhD in the first half of the second year.

Career pathways

Graduates continue to postdoctoral positions in the UK and overseas or work in biomedical laboratories and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in research and development; a mentoring scheme and employability events support careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Good honours degree or a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject; a well-developed research proposal is essential. Normally an interview (including by video) is required, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall, or equivalent, with at least 5.5 in all other components. Research degrees have no application deadline; applicants are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator and to submit a brief research proposal before applying. Applications are normally answered within four weeks.

Intake: January 2027 (can also start October and April)

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

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