Program Overview

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Research in our School of Life Sciences covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems, and this broad-based structure provides opportunities for developing novel ideas and inter-disciplinary projects. We offer supervision in all areas of staff expertise in immunology, which includes projects involving understanding a variety of cell-membrane receptors in infection and immunity. For example, investigating how gram-negative bacteria infect cells, how macrophages respond to bacteria and what leads to ‘septic shock syndrome' and multiple organ failure. Our projects also look at the relationship between the maternal immune system during pregnancy and its influence in embryonic development and fetal tolerance. As a research student at Essex, you will work at the heart of our internationally acknowledged, well-resourced and well-connected research community. We offer world-class supervision and training opportunities, and encourage you to engage with other researchers, professionals, practitioners and research users, where possible, for example using the generous funding from Proficio to attend conferences and training courses. A PhD and MPhil are also available. Both full- and part-time study can be supported, and you can start this course in either January, April or October. Why we're great.

• We have an international reputation for outstanding teaching and research, with the latter reflected in the large number of publications in high-profile journals.
• Collaborate with our research groups working on important international and national problems using cutting-edge techniques.
• You will be part of our collaborative Research Groups that work on important international and national problems using cutting-edge techniques.

Our expert staff

Within our School of Life Sciences, you will be allocated a supervisor whose role it is to guide you through the different stages of your research degree. In some cases, you may be jointly supervised. The support provided by your supervisor is a key feature of your research student experience and you will have regular one-to-one meetings to discuss progress on your research. Initially, your supervisor will help you develop your research topic and plan. Twice a year, you will have a supervisory board meeting, which provides a more formal opportunity to discuss your progress and agree your plans for the next six months. Your technical and intellectual development will be enhanced by becoming part of a Research Group, and participating in School Seminars.

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Specialist facilities

Our School of Life Sciences has comprehensive facilities for cellular and molecular biology research with dedicated molecular biology and cell/tissue culture rooms facilitating the use of recombinant DNA, the study of protein function, siRNA library screens, various cellular assays and the generation and use of recombinant viruses. Our advanced bioimaging suite is equipped with modern equipment to visualise and process images of biological processes in real time. A dedicated study room allows all our postgraduate research students to have access to a desk and a computer outside of the research laboratories. This provides a focal point for our postgraduates, facilitating reading and writing as well as good communication and a sense of community.

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Your future

Many of our postgraduates continue their scientific research by taking up postdoctoral positions in the UK and overseas. Others have embarked on careers in biomedical laboratories and in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, both in research and development. We support your career development by a mentoring scheme and employability events.