Program Overview

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Genetics and Genomics

Overview

Our world-leading research is conducted at the University of Exeter facilities on the Streatham, St Luke’s, Royal Devon University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Cornwall campuses with:

• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities including Exeter Sequencing Services and the Living Systems Institute
• Opportunities to experience research at the cutting-edge of health innovation, where close working relationships with the National Health Service (NHS) and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre ensures our research continues to reflect national needs and priorities.

Research Overview

As a postgraduate student undertaking research in Genetics and Genomics in the Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, you will be part of a thriving research community, benefiting from expert supervision as well as access to outstanding facilities. Genetics and Genomics research at Exeter is highly interdisciplinary with research spanning multiple disease areas, bioinformatics, mathematical modelling, data science, epidemiology and clinical research.

You can learn more about our research here:

• Genomics of Rare Disease
• Monogenic Diabetes
• Hyperinsulinism
• Complex Trait Genomics
• Complex Disease Epigenetics Group
• Early Growth Genetics Consortium
• Reproductive Genomics Group
• Neurogenomics
• RNA-Research Projects

Our research delivers direct benefit to patients, the NHS and the pharmaceutical industry. Our aim is to understand the underlying molecular and genetic basis of disease and to apply this knowledge in innovative ways that lead to improved treatment and a better quality of life for patients.

Entry Requirements

• BA/BSc Honors degree (or equivalent), or an MSc in a related subject. Normally a strong background in the field of study at undergraduate level or an MSc in a related subject that would underpin the knowledge required to conduct independent research as an MPhil/PhD student. This would usually require a good 2:1 BSc degree for UK students.

English Language Requirements for international students

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for these courses fall under Profile B2.

How to Apply

PhD and Research Programme application process

The information below applies to self-funded PhD, MPhil and Masters by Research applicants, but if you are applying for a funded PhD studentship, please follow the specific instructions related to that application.

• Pinpoint your PhD research area
• Investigate whether this area is available at Exeter
• Ensure that you meet our English language entry requirements (international students only)
• Approach your potential supervisor(s) and confirm that they are willing to support your application
• In consultation with your potential supervisor(s) construct and refine your PhD research proposal
• Apply online

PhD studentships pages can be accessed in our Funding lists on Finance tabs under each research topic page, and are also available from the Postgraduate Research search results pages on this site, on the PhD projects tab.

Full details of the application process can be found on our Apply now webpage.

Supervision

You can expect:

• High-quality research supervision to develop and nurture your potential
• A tailored supervision approach to help best suit your requirements
• Accessible supervisors who are enthusiastic about working directly with postgraduate research students
• Regular timetabled meetings with your supervisor
• 'Open door' policy to all postgraduate students - instant access to world-leading researchers who will share their expertise and ideas with you
• Regular meetings with your supervisory team, other members of your research group, and mentors

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees per year 2025/26

• Home: £5,006 full-time; £pro-rata part-time
• International: £28,600 full-time

For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our Student Finance webpages.

Current funding opportunities

Our Postgraduate Funding webpage provides links to further information. If you are considering a PhD in the future, in addition to University of Exeter funding, we have been successful at securing postgraduate funding for PhD research through our Funded Centres.

Careers

Likely careers for graduates:

• Further research in an academia, biotechnology, or commercial setting
• Careers in the NHS
• Teaching (University or other educational setting)
• Civil Service
• Charity sector
• Medicine or Veterinary medicine
• Policy

Degree Types

• MPhil/PhD Genetics and Genomics
• MbyRes Genetics and Genomics

Duration

• Degree duration details

Start Date

• September, January or April

Locations

• Streatham Campus
• Penryn Campus
• St Luke's Campus

Study Modes

• Full time and part time
• Distance or split site may also be feasible

Study Mode Details

• Study mode details