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The University of Southampton
MedicinePostgraduate study

Integrated PhD Biomedical Science

Our four-year Integrated PhD programme reflects some of the major research strengths of the University, it offers an opportunity to develop the advanced research and associated quantitative and bioinformatics skills required to become an independent researcher in biomedical sciences.

Introducing your degree

Our four-year Integrated PhD in Biomedical Science degree has been designed to produce the next generation of leaders in biomedical research, one of the major research strengths of the University of Southampton. The PhD degree programme provides broad training in the intellectual and practical basis of scientific research as well as a focused individual research experience. The combination of a choice of laboratory rotations and a three-year project offers an enhanced student experience to better prepare you for a career in scientific research.

The programme offers an opportunity to develop the advanced research and associated quantitative and bioinformatics skills required to become an independent researcher in biomedical sciences. The programme leads to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) award. An interim award of Master of Research (MRes) will be awarded to those students who are considered by the Board of Examiners to have successfully completed Year 1 of the programme.

In the first year of the programme, students will undertake taught modules in research skills, in biomedical sciences, quantitative cell biology and thematic optional modules. Students will also undertake three research projects to develop a broad range of laboratory skills and experience working in different research environments. In this first year, students will develop core research skills including critical appraisal, scientific writing, written and oral presentation, statistical analysis and a range of key techniques used in biomedical research. In years 2-4 students will complete a focused piece of research leading to a PhD.

View the Course Description Document (PDF 112KB)

To Apply

Apply for our Integrated PhD in Biomedical Science.

If you would like more information please contact the Faculty of Medicine Graduate School:  fmed-pgr-apply@southampton.ac.uk

On submission of your application, you will automatically be considered for any available studentships for which you are eligible.



Key facts

Start date: End of September

Intake: variable

Average applications per place: 10-12

Duration

Duration of candidature up to 4.5 years full time or 8 years part-time.

 

An intermediate award of MRes is made after successful completion of the first year.

Typical entry requirements

Applicants must hold a 1st class or 2:1 degree in life, physical or mathematical sciences. With a life-sciences degree, maths, statistics or computing modules at A-Level or above are desirable. With a physics or maths degree, life-sciences modules at undergraduate level are essential.

English language: IELTS 7.0 or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University is required for speakers of other languages.

Selection process

How to apply

If you would like more information, please contact the Faculty of Medicine Graduate School: fmed-pgr-apply@southampton.ac.uk or visit our DTP website guidance for applicants

Apply online

Closing dates and interviews

All Integrated PhD Studentships will be advertised on our Studentships web page.

Applicants invited to interview will be asked to give a short presentation as part of the selection process.

For more information, please contact the Faculty of Medicine Graduate School: fmed-pgr-apply@southampton.ac.uk

Apply online

 

 

This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country.

Typical course content

The programme is 1 year MRes + 3 year PhD. In year 1 you will choose three rotation projects in research groups, alongside taught modules and practical training. In years 2-4 you undertake your PhD, usually developing one of your rotation projects. 

The first year is modular in structure and leads to the qualification of Master of Research (MRes). A total of 90 ECTS credits must be successfully completed during this year, which will consist of the three Research project modules, the modules in Quantitative Cell Biology and Research Skills for Biomedical Science 1 and 2, which makes 80 ECTS for the core modules, alongside a minimum of 10 ECTS on the thematic optional modules. Each of the three Research Project modules (A, B and C) will typically be performed with a different supervisor in a different research laboratory.

The Research Skills for Biomedical Science-1 (RSBS-1) module uses a combination of taught and practical sessions to introduce students to the core concepts underlying statistical analysis and study design supporting students in handling their own data and critically appraising data. In RSBS-2, students will build on their learning in RSBS-1 and develop a research proposal for their substantive PhD project in years 2-4.

In the Quantitative Cell Biology module students are introduced to a range of techniques and core concepts through a series of facilitator-led workshops focusing on key technologies including genomics and genetic disease, bioinformatics analysis of “omics” datasets (RNAseq, microarray), high throughput and high content screening strategies and deriving clusters, networks, pathways and models from large datasets. Integral to these workshops will be a mix of facilitator and peer to peer learning sessions. This module will also be attended by students from Queen Mary University London (QMUL), who will be taught and assessed by the University of Southampton as part of the Medical Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership (MRC DTP) that exists between the two institutions.

In the thematic optional modules students will deepens their thematic and specialist knowledge and develop the skills required to understand and critically interpret research findings.

 

In the three research projects(A-B-C), students will be introduced to a range of laboratory skills gaining valuable practical experience of research methodology, experimental design, data interpretation and scientific writing. Students will also present work from one of their projects at a programme away day jointly held with our MRC DTP partner QMUL.


On completion of the MRes and successful completion of the PhD competence reviews, students will enter Year 2. During years 2-4 students will conduct their PhD research project under the supervision of a supervisory team, which consists of independent supervised research into a subject of their choice with the purpose of making a unique and significant contribution to knowledge and understanding, including being encouraged to produce articles and papers for publication. Students will be expected to complete a 75,000-word thesis based on a three-year research project normally with one of the supervisors from the three short research projects undertaken in Year 1.

 

 

Tuition fees

Fees for postgraduate research degrees vary across the University. All fees are listed for UK, EU and international full-time and part-time students alphabetically by course name.

View the full list of course fees

Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you through your course. Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin. These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.

Explore funding opportunities

When applying to this programme, you will automatically be considered for studentships linked to the iPhD programme.

Explore funding opportunities

Study locations

University Hospital Southampton

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospital Southampton (formerly known as Southampton General...Find out more

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