Program Overview

Overview

The Dentistry and Dental Sciences MPhil and PhD programmes are based within the Faculty of Medical Sciences. They are delivered in the School of Dental Sciences and in the relevant Research Institutes for Biosciences, Translational and Clinical Research, and Population Health Sciences.

Research in the School of Dental Sciences

Our mission is to conduct world-class multidisciplinary research. We aim to improve oral health through academic excellence, policy impact, and commercial innovation. We focus our research in three areas:

• Translational Oral Biosciences
• Applied Oral Health Research
• Dental Education

Qualifications Explained

• MPhil - Master of Philosophy: An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.
• PhD - Doctor of Philosophy: A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD, you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

How You'll Learn

• Delivery and teaching methods: Certain taught elements of the programme are compulsory, e.g., laboratory safety. Other taught components will be agreed upon between you and your supervisors. This will be decided on by your skills and the requirements of the research project.
• Assessment methods: Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
  • Thesis
  • Viva

Your Development

• Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) researcher development programme: Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
  • perform better as a researcher
  • boost your career prospects
  • broaden your impact
  • Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

Your Future

• Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.
• Visit our Careers Service website for more information.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 100 for Medical and Health – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 120 for Dentistry - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Facilities

We provide world-class facilities in the School of Dental Sciences and across the university. Our facilities include the Dental Clinical Research Facility and the Dental Science Laboratories.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)
  • Qualification: MPhil Full time: Home students: Not set, International students: £31,900-£46,000
  • Qualification: MPhil Part time: Home students: Not set
  • Qualification: PhD Full time: Home students: Not set, International students: £31,900-£46,000
  • Qualification: PhD Part time: Home students: Not set
• Why is this fee shown as a range? We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.

Entry Requirements

• Academic entry requirements:
  • MPhil: A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a science or medicine related subject.
  • PhD: A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Further research experience or a master’s degree would be advantageous.
• Qualifications from outside the UK: Check the university's website for country-specific requirements.
• English Language requirements: Check the university's website for English language requirements.

How to Apply

• Start Dates: There are usually three possible start dates, although in some circumstances an alternative start date can be arranged: September, January, April.
• Closing Dates: There is no application closing date for this course, but specific deadlines for funding may apply.
• Specialised application information: You do not need to identify a supervisor prior to submitting your application via the applicant portal. As part of your application, please upload a short (non-binding) research proposal to indicate your broad area of interest (outline any proposed methods if applicable). This helps us assess both your suitability for a research degree and whether we can offer supervision.