Cardiovascular Sciences

Entry requirements

We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Months of entry

January, April, September

Course content

Our PhD/MPhil Cardiovascular Sciences programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Cardiovascular Sciences.

Cardiovascular diseases are major causes of mortality and morbidity in developed and developing countries worldwide.

Our research spans five main themes:

• Cardiovascular genetics and development;

• Experimental cardiology;

• Vascular biology/hypertension;

• Stroke;

• Clinical cardiovascular research.

We adopt an integrated 'bench-to-bedside' translational approach for understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for the functioning of the cardiovascular system in both health and disease.

To this end, there is a wide spectrum of research spanning clinical trials, small and large animal models of cardiovascular diseases, whole organs and tissues, cells and single molecule studies. Working together in purpose-built facilities provides for a stimulating and cutting-edge environment.

Examples of research programmes include:

• Cardiac and vascular electrophysiology;

• Cardiac conduction system;

• Calcium and second messenger signalling in the heart and vasculature;

• Heart failure and arrhythmias;

• Hypertrophic signalling pathways in the heart;

• Cardiovascular genetics and development;

• Cellular and protein structure;

• Comparative biology and mitochondrial function;

• Computer modelling;

• Hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes research;

• Vascular biology of small and large arteries;

• Angiogenesis and endothelial biology;

• Stroke;

• Cardiovascular imaging;

• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) models of cardiovascular disease;

• Cardiac and vascular regeneration.

• Renal physiology and genetics

• Renal medicine.