Postgraduate research
Biological sciences
Work with a supportive team of expert academics and use the latest facilities on MPhil or PhD biological sciences research.
About
Biological Sciences at Southampton offers the latest learning and biological research facilities. 100% of our research has been rated world-leading or internationally excellent for its impact on society (REF, 2014).
Our research follows themes that focus on the causes and resolutions of some of the most substantial challenges facing humanity and the natural world today. You'll work with us on the latest scientific developments.
In our graduate school, you will also gain the broader personal and professional skills essential both for your PhD research and for your lifelong career choices.
We have a strong record of supporting postgraduate research students in this exciting and rapidly developing subject area.
Main areas of research
Our main areas of research are:
- computational and systems biology
- developmental biology
- ecology and evolution
- microbiology
- molecular and cellular biosciences
- neuroscience
- plants and food security
Similar research degree topics
Find a research project
Structured studentships are advertised PhD projects with a title, supervisor, remit and funding already in place.
These projects are set up through collaborations with industry, external partners or through one of several centres for doctoral training that we take part in.
Taking one of our structured studentships will give you access to additional training, conferences and secondments.
Advertised PhD research projects
0 research degree opportunities
You can still propose your own PhD idea.
Funding and fees
Funding options
Fees
Find a funded PhD project
We offer a wide range of fully funded studentships. We run several of our PhD studentships in partnership with doctoral training centres, meaning you'll benefit from enhanced training and guaranteed funding.
These studentships:
- are fully funded
- come with a maintenance grant to help towards living costs
- are open to UK and international students
Doctoral training partnerships
You can explore PhD funding from these sources. This is not an exhaustive list. Check the doctoral training partnership websites for application details:
- South Coast Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme
- Interdisciplinary Southampton Partnership for Investigators Researching the Environment
- Medical Research Council doctoral training partnership
Scholarships
We offer scholarships and teaching bursaries ourselves. Your potential supervisor can guide you on what is available.
If you’re an international student you may be able to apply for a scholarship from your country.
Find out more about scholarships
Fund your own PhD research project
Once you've found a supervisor, they can help you with potential funding sources. We offer match funding in some cases.
You'll need to state how you intend to pay for your tuition fees when you submit your application.
Find out more about funding your PhD
Take out a PhD loan
You can borrow up to £26,445 for a PhD starting in 2022. Doctoral loans are not means tested and you can decide how much you want to borrow.
Find out about PhD loans on GOV.UK
Apply for funding from a charity
You may be able to win funding from one or more charities to help fund your PhD.
| PhD | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £4,596 | £18,000 |
| Part-time | £2,298 | £9,000 |
Alumni discount
You're eligible for a 10% alumni discount on a self-funded PhD if you're a current student of graduate from the University of Southampton.
Potential supervisors
Research institutes, centres and groups
Our research institutes, centres and groups bring together specialists to share knowledge and solve problems.
Institute for Life Sciences
We bring together expertise in research and education from different disciplines to create scientific opportunities and address important issues in health, society and enterprise.
Biofilms
Biofilms are a collective of one or more types of microorganisms that can grow on different surfaces. Their impact is central to some of the most urgent global challenges, including food and water security, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), infections disease and contamination and more.
Computational and Systems Biology
Our research areas include molecular and cell biology, cancer, neurosciences and ecology.
Developmental Biology
The Developmental Biology research group's research spans basic processes in reproduction and early development and their relevance to postnatal diseases from cancer to osteoporosis.
Ecology and Evolution
The Ecology and Evolution research group covers the interactions of species with their environment.
Microbiology
We work on topics like patient treatment regimens, catheter design and management, and surgical instrument decontamination.
Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
We explore how molecular interactions between proteins and small molecules, defined at atomic resolution, govern biochemical output and in turn control cell behaviour.
Neuroscience
We work on national and global priorities of health and well-being, underpinning research in neuroscience, and age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
Plants and Food Security
We study the response of plants to the environment at the molecular, whole plant and ecological levels. This includes interactions with nematodes, insects and microbes.
How to apply
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Choose your project type
Decide whether to apply to an advertised research project or create your own proposal.
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Contact your potential supervisors
It's a good idea to email potential supervisors to discuss the specifics of your project. It's best to do this well ahead of the application deadline.
You’ll find supervisors’ contact details listed with the advertised project, or you can search for supervisors in the staff directory.
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Gather your application documents
You’ll need to send us
- your CV with details of your academic record and research interests
- your academic transcript
- details of 2 current academic referees, with their institutional email addresses
- a short statement of your research interests
- IELTS or TOEFL certificate if English is not your first language
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Apply
Facilities
Entry requirements
You'll need either:
- an upper second class honours (2:1) degree
- an equivalent set of qualifications, for example a lower second class (2:2) honours degree, plus an MSc
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you'll need an IELTS minimum level of 6.5 with a 6.0 in writing, reading, speaking and listening. Your awarded certificate needs to be dated within the last 2 years.
Visit our English language proficiency pages to find out more about other qualifications we accept.
If you need further English language tuition before starting your degree, you can apply for one of our pre-sessional English language courses.
Programmes and durations
Research degrees have a minimum and maximum duration, known as the candidature. Your candidature ends when you submit your thesis.
Most candidatures are longer than the minimum period.
PhD programmes
| Programme | Full time | Part time |
| Biological sciences | 2 to 4 years | 3 to 7 years |