School of Life Sciences

PhD Postgraduate research in Molecular Biology

PhD Full-time 4 years

Our PhD programme in Molecular Biology offers an advanced research environment for doctoral candidates to pursue cutting-edge research in molecular mechanisms and cellular processes. Based at the University of Wolverhampton's School of Life Sciences, you'll work alongside leading experts in molecular biology and benefit from state-of-the-art research facilities.

Our PhD programme in Molecular Biology offers an advanced research environment for doctoral candidates to pursue cutting-edge research in molecular mechanisms and cellular processes. Based at the University of Wolverhampton's School of Life Sciences, you'll work alongside leading experts in molecular biology and benefit from state-of-the-art research facilities.

Award
PhD
Start date(s)
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (4 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus
School
School of Life Sciences
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

PhD Supervisor

Photo of Dr Mark Morris

Dr Mark Morris leads a research group within the Research Institute of Healthcare Science (RIHS) investigating the molecular biology and genetics of cancer development.

Our Molecular Biology PhD programme stands out for its comprehensive research support and exceptional facilities. You'll benefit from:

  • Expert supervision from internationally recognised molecular biologists
  • Access to cutting-edge molecular research equipment
  • Strong links with biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
  • Regular research seminars and symposia
  • Opportunities to present at our annual University Research Conference
  • Support for academic publication and grant writing
  • Teaching opportunities in undergraduate programmes

Our postgraduate research students are afforded the opportunity to develop their research skills through participation in training events organised by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the University’s Doctoral College.

What's unique about this course?

  • Advanced Laboratory Suite: Access to specialist molecular biology equipment including next-generation sequencing platforms and proteomics facilities
  • Expert Supervision: One-to-one support from leading molecular biologists with proven PhD supervision track records
  • Research Excellence: Strong focus on contemporary molecular research areas including gene editing, protein engineering, and molecular diagnostics
  • Collaborative Environment: Work within our vibrant research community with opportunities for interdisciplinary projects
  • Publishing Support: Guidance for academic publishing and conference presentations
  • Teaching Development: Opportunities to gain valuable teaching experience in undergraduate molecular biology modules

What happens on the course?

The programme follows three key milestones:

1. Registration

  • Submit research proposal
  • Interview with potential supervisors
  • Faculty Research Committee approval
  • Resource allocation and project setup

2. Progression (18 months)

  • Progress review paper
  • Oral presentation
  • Independent assessment
  • Future research planning

3. Examination

  • Thesis submission
  • Viva voce examination
  • External expert assessment

Following the oral examination, the examiners will make recommendations to the University’s Research Award Sub-Committee (RASC) whether the research degree sought can be awarded.

Potential Career Paths

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

The University of Wolverhampton (UoW) is home to approximate 23,000 students. The UoW’s research and innovation activities have won the 2013 UK Knowledge Transfer Award, and the 2014 UK Collaborative IMPACT award. It is also the holder of the Athena Swan Bronze Award and the HR Excellence in Research Award.

At Wolverhampton, you'll join a supportive research community with access to our Harrison Learning Centre and specialized molecular biology facilities. Our School of Life Sciences provides comprehensive research training through the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the University's Doctoral College.

We offer regular opportunities for professional development, including teaching experience through our undergraduate programmes and participation in our annual University Research Conference.

Skills You Will Gain

  • Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques
  • Bioinformatics and Data Analysis
  • Research Project Management
  • Academic Writing and Publication
  • Grant Writing
  • Teaching and Presentation
  • Laboratory Management
  • Technical Expertise in Specialist Equipment

In addition to the regular supervision provided by supervisors, our PhD students will also be provided with training opportunities by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the University’s Doctoral College.

University Research Conference – The University Research Conference is held in June for research active staff and PhD students to showcase their areas of research and exchange research initiatives. Research students are welcome to make presentations during their period of study. Research students are also encouraged to disseminate final results of their research prior to submission.

University Research Training - Students are encouraged to participate in training provided by the Doctoral College not only because of its intrinsic value but also because these sessions may facilitate meetings with post-graduates outside the school.

Teaching Skills Development - At the Wolverhampton School of Sciences, we understand that postgraduate research students wish to develop their academic CVs while with us. For this reason, research students are provided the opportunity to undergo teaching skills development. The Wolverhampton School of Sciences seeks to ensure, wherever possible, that PhD students have the opportunity to teach on relevant undergraduate modules.

Research Areas

We welcome research proposals in areas including:

  • Gene Expression and Regulation
  • Protein Structure and Function
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Cell Signalling
  • Molecular Pathology
  • Synthetic Biology

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £4596 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £4596 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £4712 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £4786 per year 2024-25
Home Full-time £ per year 2025-26
International Full-time £14450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £15450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £15950 per year 2024-25
International Full-time £ per year 2025-26

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

 Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either:

 • a first or upper second class honours degree, or

 • a master’s degree, or

 • evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the Dean of Research.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no individual element less than 6.0. The only exemption to this is for students who are not required to do so as per UKVI regulations: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english. 

 

Financial support for research study:

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.


Government loans (Home Fee Status):

Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £28,673, to cover fees and living expenses. More information can be found at Doctoral-loans website.


Studying in the UK:Guidance for EU students

For 2021/22 new entrants, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status and financial support from Student Finance England.


Self-funded:

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.


Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:

To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

For full terms and conditions please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research Students


Research councils:

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.


University Research Studentships:

The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects. Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Institute or Centre - please contact them directly.


Other sources:

Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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