School of Life Sciences

PhD Postgraduate research in Biological Sciences

PhD Part-time 8 years, Full-time 4 years

The PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Wolverhampton offers a collegiate research environment with first-class facilities. Our programme is distinguished by expert supervision from leading researchers, with each supervisory team including at least one academic with a proven track record of successful PhD completions.

The PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Wolverhampton offers a collegiate research environment with first-class facilities. Our programme is distinguished by expert supervision from leading researchers, with each supervisory team including at least one academic with a proven track record of successful PhD completions.

Award
PhD
Start date(s)
Variable start date
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Part-time (8 years),Full-time (4 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus
School
School of Life Sciences
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

PhD Supervisor

Photo of Dr Mark Morris

Dr Mark Morris leads a research group within the Research Institute of Healthcare Science (RIHS) investigating the molecular biology and genetics of cancer development.

Our PhD programme stands out for its comprehensive research support and exceptional supervision. Students benefit from:

  • Expert Supervision: Regular meetings with supervisors who are leading experts in their fields
  • Collegiate Environment: Dedicated postgraduate research spaces and access to the Harrison Learning Centre
  • Research Excellence: State-of-the-art laboratories and specialist research facilities
  • Professional Development: Regular colloquia presentations within the School of Life Sciences
  • Comprehensive Training: Access to Faculty and Doctoral College research development programmes

What's unique about this course?

  • Research Excellence Framework Recognition: Benefit from supervision by REF-recognised academic staff who are actively contributing to biological sciences research
  • Dedicated Research Facilities: Access our modern laboratories and the Harrison Learning Centre's extensive digital resources and databases
  • Expert Supervision Model: Each student has a supervisory team including at least one academic with proven PhD completion track record
  • Flexible Development Opportunities: Unique chance to develop teaching skills through involvement in undergraduate modules, enhancing your academic portfolio
  • Collaborative Research Environment: Regular research colloquia within the School of Life Sciences, fostering peer learning and networking
  • Comprehensive Support Structure: Individual research support complemented by Faculty and Doctoral College training programmes
  • Industry Connections: Strong links with biotechnology companies and research institutions, providing networking and collaboration opportunities
  • International Research Community: Join a diverse research community with opportunities to present at our annual University Research Conference

What happens on the course?

The programme follows three key milestones:

1. Registration

  • Submit an online 'Expression of Interest'
  • Receive guidance on research proposal development
  • Interview with potential supervisors
  • Final approval by Faculty Research Committee (FRC)

2. Progression (18 months full-time/36 months part-time)

  • Submit a detailed progress paper
  • Present research achievements and future plans
  • Independent assessment of progress
  • FRC review and recommendations

3. Examination

  • Submit doctoral thesis
  • Oral examination (viva voce)
  • Assessment by qualified examiners (minimum one external)
  • Final award recommendation

Research Training and Support

Students receive comprehensive support through:

  • Regular supervisory meetings
  • Research skills workshops
  • Access to specialist databases
  • Electronic resources
  • Presentation opportunities
  • Teaching skills development

Potential Career Paths

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

The University of Wolverhampton (UoW) is home to approximate 23,000 students. The UoW’s research and innovation activities have won the 2013 UK Knowledge Transfer Award, and the 2014 UK Collaborative IMPACT award. It is also the holder of the Athena Swan Bronze Award and the HR Excellence in Research Award.

The University offers unique advantages for doctoral researchers:

  • Annual University Research Conference participation
  • Dedicated Doctoral College training programmes
  • Teaching opportunities in undergraduate modules
  • Strong industry and academic networks
  • Access to research funding opportunities
  • International research community engagement

Research Areas

We welcome research proposals in areas including:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics
  • Environmental Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Microbiology

In addition to the regular supervision provided by supervisors, our PhD students will also be provided with training opportunities by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the University’s Doctoral College.

University Research Conference – The University Research Conference is held in June for research active staff and PhD students to showcase their areas of research and exchange research initiatives. Research students are welcome to make presentations during their period of study. Research students are also encouraged to disseminate final results of their research prior to submission.

University Research Training - Students are encouraged to participate in training provided by the Doctoral College not only because of its intrinsic value but also because these sessions may facilitate meetings with post-graduates outside the school.

Teaching Skills Development - At the Wolverhampton School of Sciences, we understand that postgraduate research students wish to develop their academic CVs while with us. For this reason, research students are provided the opportunity to undergo teaching skills development. The Wolverhampton School of Sciences seeks to ensure, wherever possible, that PhD students have the opportunity to teach on relevant undergraduate modules.

Through your research journey, you'll develop:

  • Advanced research methodologies
  • Specialist laboratory techniques
  • Academic writing and publication skills
  • Project management capabilities
  • Teaching and presentation abilities
  • Data analysis expertise
  • Independent research capabilities

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £4596 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £4596 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £4712 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £4786 per year 2024-25
Home Full-time £5006 per year 2025-26
Home Part-time £2298 per year 2022-23
Home Part-time £2298 per year 2022-23
Home Part-time £2356 per year 2023-24
Home Part-time £2393 per year 2024-25
Home Part-time £2503 per year 2025-26
International Full-time £14450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £15450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £15950 per year 2024-25
International Full-time £16950 per year 2025-26

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

 Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either:

 • a first or upper second class honours degree, or

 • a master’s degree, or

 • evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the Dean of Research.

For an applicant whose entry award was not delivered in English, or non-native speaker of English shall be required to demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score of 7.0 (no less than 6.5 in any component) or its equivalent. 

 

Financial support for research study:

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.


Government loans (Home Fee Status):

Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £28,673, to cover fees and living expenses. More information can be found at Doctoral-loans website.


Studying in the UK:Guidance for EU students

For 2021/22 new entrants, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status and financial support from Student Finance England.


Self-funded:

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.


Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:

To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

For full terms and conditions please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research Students


Research councils:

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.


University Research Studentships:

The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects. Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Institute or Centre - please contact them directly.


Other sources:

Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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