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, September, April

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

Information for international students

For applicants whose first language is not English, or for those who have not recently studied in the United Kingdom, you must supply an official IELTS or TOEFL transcript to support your application, or provide a date on which you will be taking a test. Please note IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.

We require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 90. For the writing component, we expect that you have achieved a minimum of 6.0 (IELTS) or 21-23 (iBT). For each of the other components of the English test you should meet the minimum requirement of IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 18.

For more information about English language tests see English language requirements.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements, including English language, see entry requirements from your country .

Fees and funding

Qualification and course duration

PhD

MPhil