PhD Biotechnology: The University of Manchester

Course description

PhD programmes are based on individual research projects that last 3 or 4 years, working with a specific academic supervisor (principle investigators). Applicants are specifically matched with a principle investigator based on their research interests and background.

As genome projects for animals, plants and microorganisms continue to advance, new opportunities arise which offer huge potential benefits in healthcare, agriculture and the environment, through the production of new drugs, novel crops and bioremediation. The Faculty houses the UK Centre for Tissue Engineering and there are strong links with industry. The Faculty is well placed to exploit emerging research opportunities with industry as the first purpose-built BioSciences Incubator is situated adjacent to the Faculty and is where companies which spin out from their basic research can be located. Research in Biotechnology is diverse, and the following represent just a few examples:

• Wound Healing
• Injury and Repair
• Cancer Biology
• Arthritis Research
• Appetite and Body Weight
• Neurodegeneration & Movement Disorders
• Animal Cell Biotechnology
• Microbial Pathogenicity & Production of Therapeutics
• Fungal Biotechnology & Protein Production
• Genetic Engineering of Crops
• Containment of Transgenes in the Environment
• Bioremediation of Terrestrial & Aquatic Environments
• Bioinformatics

Career opportunities

In terms of career progression, the majority of their postgraduate students remain in research, while others move into related areas such as education, information technology, consultancy and management, helped by the  comprehensive skills training they gain during their programme of study.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

The standard entry requirement for PhD study is a First or Upper Second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject. In certain circumstances, a Lower Second class honours degree supplemented by a Masters degree, or appropriate relevant work experience, may be acceptable.

English language:

For PhD applicants whose first language is not English an IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL 577 (paper based), TOEFL 233 (computer based) or TOEFL 90 (internet based) is required as a minimum.