PhD Basic Dental Science (Stem Cell Biology): The University of Manchester

Course description

Stem cell research within the School of Dentistry focuses on several areas of this exciting, and sometimes controversial, subject. The overall aim of our research is to probe the fundamental areas of pluripotency, multipotency and differentiation to allow exploitation of stem cells in clinical applications and drug testing. They are also world leaders in the use of ES cells as a model system to study epithelial-mesenchymal transition events, a process associated with epithelial tumour cell metastasis.

PhD study within the School is a very challenging yet rewarding experience and it is important that you enjoy problem solving and are an innovative thinker. Flexibility is allowed within the parameters of the study to enable the research to evolve and instigate findings not envisaged at the outset of the work. This is complimented by a dedicated PhD training structure, which provides critical skills training, personal development and progression milestones. You will work in state-of-the-art laboratories under the supervision of experts within the field.

You will also experience an extensive landscape of related research at the University of Manchester, including the Northwest Embryonic Stem Cell Centre, the UK Centre for Tissue Regeneration, The Healing Foundation Centre, the Material Sciences Centre, the Manchester Centre for Integrative Systems Biology and the Manchester Centre of Excellence for Biopharmaceuticals. Techniques you can expect to use during your study include, but are not limited to, stem cell culture, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, fluorescent activated cell sorting, confocal microscopy and small molecule design and testing.

Career opportunities

A PhD in Basic Dental Science (Stem Cell Biology) will provide you with the core expertise in methods applicable to basic, applied and commercial research. As a result, your time at Manchester is likely to open up a wider career path than a basic or applied science PhD alone. Therefore, we anticipate that after you finish your studies at Manchester you will be capable of pursuing a career path in either academia or Pharma.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

All applicants will be required to provide evidence of a primary dental or science degree from a recognised institution.

English language:

Students whose first language is not English require a minimum of:

• IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6 in the written component)
• TOEFL:
  • 575 paper-based
  • 230 computer-based
  • 90 iBT