PhD Cell Engineering at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

Research degrees in the Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, an interdisciplinary centre spanning the School of Molecular Biosciences and the Bioengineering Group in the School of Engineering. Research explores how cells respond to their environment through changes in behaviour, differentiation, metabolism and development.

Faculty: College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences and College of Science & Engineering | Department: Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research topics include bioengineering the microenvironment, engineering approaches to control gene expression, bio-engineered interfaces, biomaterials, scaffolds and 3D printing, protein structure and function, protein engineering, stem cell maintenance and differentiation, and nanoparticles for theranostics. Application areas include bone repair, nerve repair, the blood-brain barrier and stem cell niches.

Career pathways

Graduates become postdoctoral research associates in Canada, the USA, Europe and the UK, or take positions in industry, for example at Collagen Solutions, BioGelX and Medtronic.

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. Required documents: academic transcripts and degree certificates, CV, MVLS cover letter and two references. International applicants from non-English-speaking countries: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no component below 6.5 (equivalent tests such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Duolingo are also accepted at published minimums).

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

International applicants: GBP 33,708 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual fee; part-time is half the full-time fee. Bench fees (research support costs) may be charged separately and are not included. Source

Intake: September

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

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