Engineering Biology (EPSRC and BBSRC CDT) at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A four-year research-based doctoral course combining synthetic biology, engineering and computing to develop real-world biotechnological solutions, with training in innovation, ethics and interdisciplinary collaboration. It is run jointly with the University of Bristol and leads to a DPhil.

Department: Department of Engineering Science (run jointly with the University of Bristol) | Duration: 4 years full-time | Intake: 13 September 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year one has foundation training (four weeks in Oxford, tailored to your background), six weeks of specialised engineering biology training at Bristol (modelling and control theory, AI and machine learning, gene circuit design, protein design, tissue engineering), a retreat, a group innovation project, two short research projects and a summer school; years two to four are the DPhil project. Themes include robust methods for bioengineering, rational biomolecular and biosystems design, evolution-guided biodesign and digital cells and AI.

Career pathways

Graduates of the preceding Synthetic Biology course progressed into industry (50%), academia (40%) and start-ups (10%).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold or be predicted a first-class or strong upper second-class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in engineering, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, medicine or related disciplines; US degrees normally need a minimum GPA of 3.6/4.0, though most successful applicants have higher. Experience of and interest in interdisciplinary research, experience of research projects involving modelling and/or wet lab research, and a publication record commensurate with the applicant's opportunities are expected. No GRE or GMAT scores are sought. English language (higher level, if first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 with minimum Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24; C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Test must be taken no more than two years before the course start. Application deadline for 2027-28 entry: 6 January 2027 (12:00 UK time; needed for Oxford scholarship consideration); final deadline 2 March 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,940 a year (2027/28). Home fee, per year, 2027-28 Source

International applicants: GBP 36,260 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, per year, 2027-28 Source

Intake: 13 September 2027

Duration: 4 years full-time

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