PhD Biochemistry & Biotechnology at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

PhD in Biochemistry & Biotechnology studies the molecules of life, including the structure and function of DNA, RNA and proteins, using structural, molecular and biochemical approaches, with applications in molecular medicine, biotechnology, synthetic biology and industry.

Faculty: College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students carry out a research project aligned with the expertise of principal investigators, ranging from fundamental science to applied or translational work. Areas include cell signalling, mitochondrial biogenesis, DNA rearrangements, synthetic biology circuits, plant molecular biology, NMR and X-ray crystallography, structural bioinformatics and protein folding and trafficking.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Usually a 2.1 honours degree with a significant component in Life Science, Biomedical Science or Physical Science. Applicants submit academic transcripts and degree certificates, CV, MVLS cover letter and two references (one academic, the other academic or professional). English language (applicants from non-English speaking countries as defined by the UK Government): IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no subtest below 6.5 (General Training not accepted); TOEFL iBT 98 overall for tests taken from 21 January 2026 (96 overall with Reading, Listening and Speaking at least 23 and Writing at least 24 for earlier tests); PTE Academic (test centre only) 70 overall with Reading 62, Listening 62, Speaking 75, Writing 68. Tests must be within 2 years 5 months of programme start and met in a single sitting.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). UK full-time annual tuition fee for 2026/27; the 2027/28 UK fee is to be confirmed. Part-time study is half the full-time fee. Source

International applicants: GBP 33,708 a year (2027/28). International and EU full-time annual tuition fee; part-time study is half the full-time fee. Bench fees (research support costs) may apply separately. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time

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