School of Life Sciences

PhD Postgraduate research in Microbiology

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

Our PhD programme in Microbiology offers cutting-edge research opportunities in a supportive academic environment. Based at the University of Wolverhampton's School of Life Sciences, you'll conduct pioneering research alongside expert supervisors who are leading authorities in their specialist areas.

Our PhD programme in Microbiology offers cutting-edge research opportunities in a supportive academic environment. Based at the University of Wolverhampton's School of Life Sciences, you'll conduct pioneering research alongside expert supervisors who are leading authorities in their specialist areas.

Award
PhD
Start date(s)
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (4 years),Part-time (8 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.

The PhD in Microbiology at Wolverhampton provides an exceptional research environment where you'll develop advanced expertise in microbiological research. Our programme stands out for its:

  • Expert-led research supervision from internationally recognised microbiologists
  • Comprehensive training in advanced microbiological techniques
  • Strong links with industry partners and research institutions
  • Support for publishing and presenting research findings
  • Opportunities to engage with the wider scientific community

What's unique about this course?

  • Specialist Facilities: Access state-of-the-art microbiology laboratories with advanced analytical equipment and research tools
  • Expert Supervision: Work with leading microbiologists who have proven track records in PhD supervision
  • Collaborative Environment: Join our vibrant research community with opportunities for interdisciplinary projects
  • Industry Connections: Benefit from our established links with pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms
  • Research Support: Regular academic meetings, seminars, and development workshops
  • Teaching Experience: Opportunities to develop academic skills through undergraduate teaching
  • Conference Participation: Present your research at our annual University Research Conference

What happens on the course?

Your research journey follows three key milestones:

1. Registration

  • Submit detailed research proposal
  • Interview with potential supervisors
  • Faculty Research Committee approval
  • Project resource allocation

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

  • Progress review paper
  • Oral presentation
  • Independent assessment
  • Future planning

3. Examination

  • Thesis submission
  • Viva voce examination
  • External expert assessment

Following the oral examination, the examiners will make recommendations to the University’s Research Award Sub-Committee (RASC) whether the research degree sought can be awarded.

Potential Career Paths

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

At Wolverhampton, you'll benefit from our comprehensive research support structure. Our School of Life Sciences provides a collegiate research environment with first-class facilities. We offer:

Regular research training through our Faculty of Science and Engineering and Doctoral College enriches your research experience. Our annual University Research Conference provides a platform to showcase your work and network with fellow researchers.

The School actively supports teaching skill development, offering opportunities to gain valuable experience in undergraduate teaching. This combination of research excellence and practical experience prepares you for a successful career in academia or industry.

Skills You Will Gain

  • Advanced Laboratory Techniques
  • Molecular Biology Methods
  • Data Analysis and Interpretation
  • Research Project Management
  • Academic Writing and Publication
  • Teaching and Presentation
  • Grant Writing
  • Industry-standard Software Usage

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.

Research Areas

We welcome research proposals in areas including:

  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Industrial Microbiology
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Microbial Biotechnology
  • Food Microbiology

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 £ 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 £ 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 £ 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.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no individual element less than 6.0. The only exemption to this is for students who are not required to do so as per UKVI regulations: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english. 

 

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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