Biosciences

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Further research experience or a master’s degree would be advantageous. If you are applying for a MD you need a MBBS, or equivalent medical degree.

Months of entry

January, September, April

Course content

Bioscience research at Newcastle is part of the Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences. We integrate traditional bioscience disciplines to investigate the steps from genotype to phenotype. Our research also incorporates chemistry, biophysics and eukaryotic-microbial models.

We offer MPhil, PhD and MD supervision in all of our main research areas. You will join a vibrant research community of about 100 postgraduate research students in the Institute. You will work in one of our established research groups alongside postdoctoral researchers, senior students and staff. You will be encouraged to present your work in the Institute and at scientific meetings.

Our research is divided into four themes, each linked to a research group.

Bacterial Cell Biology Group

The Bacterial Cell Biology Group focuses on the fundamental aspects of cell biology, biochemistry and pathogenicity of eubacteria. Together with colleagues from Computing Sciences, they form the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology (CBCB). The CBCB is the world’s largest research centre focussed on the molecular and cellular biology of bacterial cells and bacterial cell wall biosynthesis.

Epithelial Biology Group

The Epithelial Biology Group focuses on universal organising principles that include the processes governing the specialised roles of epithelial cells in epithelial transport, nutrition, microbial-interactions and health and disease.

Proteins: Structure, Function and Evolution Group

The Proteins: Structure, Function and Evolution Group is united by the common goal of seeking to understand the nature of protein:protein and protein:ligand structure/function relationships at the molecular level.

Sensing, Signalling and Expression Group

The Sensing, Signalling and Expression Group is concerned with how DNA is replicated and expressed, and how this expression can be altered by sensing change, in the environment or within the eukaryotic cell. Research in this area is aimed at explaining the molecular signalling pathways that regulate membrane, cytoplasmic and nuclear events in eukaryotic cells.

Department specialisms

Bacterial cell biology and biochemistry: Eukaryotic cell biology and biochemistry.

Information for international students

To study this course you need to meet the following English Language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills). You may need an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate.

Fees and funding

See our programme fees and funding web page.

Qualification and course duration

PhD

MD

MPhil