PhD in Biomedical Science
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Course overview
About the Course
You will be placed in one of our research labs to undertake a three-year tailored research project. During this period, you will receive formal training in research-related skills. At the end of your research project, you are expected to write a thesis on your studies and to defend this in a viva examination.
Our research programme brings together expertise from across many subject areas in the biomedical sciences to provide you with training in several key areas of current research interest.
The programme focuses on experimental science and a research-informed dissertation. It will provide you with practical laboratory-based experience with access to specialist techniques in state-of-the-art facilities.
Additionally, you will be enabled to develop skills in:
- Research papers interpretation
- Critique and literature review
- Data analysis, interpretation, and discussion
- Thesis writing
- Defence of your findings at your viva.
You will also be extended the opportunity to:
- Present your research data at national or international conferences.
- Be published in peer scientific journals.
- Experience a research environment with senior and junior researchers, post-docs, PhD and MSc students, and laboratory technicians.
- Translational research skills to enhance your employment opportunities in academic and private research institutions, as well as in pharmaceutical industry.
Entry Requirements
Essential
- First class or upper second-class undergraduate UK degree, or an equivalent overseas qualification, with statistical content.
- Standard English language entry requirements for The University of Buckingham.
- A passion for research and drug discovery.
- 3000-word research proposal.
Desirable
- A Master’s degree in life Science or Biomedical Science with.
- Skills in of cell culture (primary and/or established cell lines), molecular biology (western blotting PCR, RT-PCR) and immuno-enzymatic methods (EIA, ELISA).
- Significant previous experience in a research laboratory would also be highly considered.
Research Proposals
Applications should be accompanied by a 3000-word research project proposal referring to the current research scopes of IBBR in human and animal cell physiology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, pharmacology, nutrition, and the physiology of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, and other diabetic-related diseases, as well as in plant-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) research and development.
Your proposal will be assessed to see:
- Whether the project is likely to be completed within three years of full-time research
- Whether it can be effectively supervised at the university
- Whether you are competent and motivated for completion
- Whether the project fits a growing or established research priority of the university
- how the proposal fits with the current cohort and the research IBBR environment and scopes.
Within the proposal, you should take the opportunity to clearly outline your research idea, your research methodology and critical approaches, your experience in this field of research where you can, and how your research proposal will be offering an original contribution to knowledge, theories and/or practice.
International students: We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country. The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English levels
If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection process
All applicants are interviewed by prospective supervisors or appropriate academic members of staff. This also provides an opportunity for the applicant to discuss their project proposal.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact them on +44 01280 820229 or by email FMHS-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk
For more information about the research topics please get in touch with Professor Mohamed Zaibi, by phone on +44(0)1280 820370, or by email: mohamed.zaibi@buckingham.ac.uk
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
Fees & Scholarships
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | First Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Flexible 2025 Full-time (3 Years) Start anytime January to December 2025 | UK | £8,099 | £24,297 |
| INT | £14,172 | £42,516 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Postgraduate loan scheme
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD. The loan is worth up to £27,892.
More details can be found on the gov.uk website.