Program Overview

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Overview

The Radiobiology and Radiotherapy PhD/MPhil/MD research degree offers the opportunity to make significant impact on strategies to detect and treat cancer. This program explores the application of molecular and/or computational approaches to the study of cancer mechanisms and personalized treatment strategies that impact upon medicine and ultimately patient outcomes.

Introduction

The Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB) was established to integrate cutting-edge and clinical research across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Programmes of work across ISMIB are varied and are led by world experts in their fields. Radiotherapy is one of the cornerstones of cancer treatment and a key focus for research in the Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine.

Research Topics

Aspects of research where the focus of your PhD could align with the research interests and expertise of our academic staff include:

• Cellular responses to DNA damage induced by radiation, with the aim of understanding the processes that lead to cancer development and constitute potential therapeutic targets
• Clinical studies conducted with the intent to improve radiation therapy by improving models and developing more effective treatment protocols
• Investigations in humans and human materials which examine the radiation responses of cells and tissues
• Translational research, taking advantage of new and on-going clinical trials in cancer, developing novel predictive and prognostic biomarkers, and exploring modifications of existing therapies
• Development of preclinical models of cancer and assessing response to therapies using non-invasive imaging technologies
• Using artificial intelligence in a multi-modal approach to predict responses to radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer

Research Culture

The broad range of fundamental research interests within the Department provides for world-class research in cancer biology with translational links supported by world-class clinical research into several major types of cancer.

How to Apply

To apply for the Radiobiology and Radiotherapy PhD/MPhil/MD, follow these steps:

1. Identify potential supervisors: Explore our staff lists for the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology for details of potential supervisors.
2. Prepare your application documents: You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

• A research proposal
• University transcripts and degree certificates to date
• Passport details (international applicants only)
• English language certificates (international applicants only)
• A personal statement
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Contact details for two proposed supervisors
• Names and contact details of two referees

3. Apply: Register and apply online.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK fees: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time place, per year - £2,619
• International fees: Full-time place, per year - £32,200; Part-time place, per year - £16,100

Additional Costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Funding Your PhD

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs. There's also a variety of alternative sources of funding, including funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities, and trusts.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses, including:

• Duncan Norman Research Scholarship: Full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £23,000 per year
• John Lennon Memorial Scholarship: Financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research

Facilities and Resources

The Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology is situated primarily across the University's north campus, including the Biosciences, Sherrington, William Henry Duncan, and Waterhouse Buildings. Researchers benefit from access to world-class equipment and facilities via the Liverpool Shared Research Facilities.

Careers and Employability

Once you graduate after completing your PhD, you'll gain free access to Prosper to help you unlock your potential and kickstart your postdoctoral research career. You can also access online resources, including the Prosper portal, to manage your personal and professional development at your own pace.

Meet Our PhD Researchers

Our postgraduate researchers are shaping their future, and the future of the world we live in, advancing knowledge with each discovery.

Entry Requirements

You'll normally be expected to hold both:

• A UK honours degree, or overseas equivalent, at 2:1 or above, in a relevant subject
• A UK master's degree, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject

English Language Requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you're from a majority English speaking country. We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

Qualification Type

• PhD/MPhil/MD

Study Mode

• Full-time
• Part-time

Duration

• 3-4 years (full-time)
• 5-6 years (part-time)

Apply By

• Year round

Start Date

• Year round

Subject Area

• Health Sciences and Nursing