Program Overview

Overview

The Biotechnology (Biological, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) MPhil and PhD programs at Newcastle University offer a vibrant and dynamic environment for postgraduate study, with opportunities for research in various areas, including enzyme discovery, natural product biosynthesis, crop protection, and bio-inspired materials.

Research Areas

• Enzyme Discovery and Industrial Applications: development of novel enzymes from marine and terrestrial sources for use in industrial processes
• Natural Product Biosynthesis: discovery, characterization, and commercial development of bioactive natural products
• Crop Protection and Genetic Engineering: use of RNA interference and CRISPR technologies to develop crops with enhanced resistance to pests and environmental stresses
• Bio-inspired Materials and Biocomposites: creation of functional biocomposites for energy recovery and waste recycling
• Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering: design and engineering of biological systems to produce fuels, chemicals, and novel antibiotics

Qualifications Explained

• MPhil: a research training program leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis
• PhD: a doctorate or doctoral award involving original research that makes a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject, resulting in a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis

How You'll Learn

• Assessment methods: thesis, viva
• Additional assessment information: discussion of research topic and resource requirements with supervisor(s)
• Postgraduate research student support: tailored wellbeing support, courses, and activities

Your Development

• Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme: training in professional skills and research techniques
• Doctoral training and partnerships: opportunities for collaborative research, company creation, and knowledge transfer partnerships

Your Future

• Many MPhil and PhD projects are conducted in partnership with industry, including Proctor and Gamble, Northumbrian Water, AstraZeneca, DSTL, and Fera Science
• Association with the Centre for Excellence in Industrial Biotechnology
• Careers Service: support for career development, including workshops and activities

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Facilities

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including electron and cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing, microarray analysis, proteomics, confocal and TIRF microscopy, flow cytometry with cell sorting, X-ray crystallography, HPLC, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, flow chemistry systems, high-throughput liquid handling robotics, containment level 3 laboratories, high-performance computing, and controlled environment rooms

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):
  • MPhil Full time: Not set
  • MPhil Part time: Not set
  • PhD Full time: Not set
  • PhD Part time: Not set
• International students: £31,900-£42,100 per year
• Scholarships: available for EU and international students, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships

Entry Requirements

• Academic entry requirements: 2:1 honours degree or Master's degree in a related subject, or international equivalent
• Qualifications from outside the UK: country-specific requirements
• English Language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or other accepted qualifications

How to Apply

• Start dates: September, with January and April start dates considered on an individual basis
• Closing dates: no application closing date, but specific deadlines for funding may apply
• Specialised application information: contact a potential supervisor to discuss planned research before applying
• Deposit: £1,500 for international students or students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who need a visa to study in the UK
• ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme): may be required for certain research topics

Open Days and Events

• Overseas events: regular travel to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University
• Online events: virtual open days and webinars

Get in Touch

• Postgraduate Research Administrator: contact for questions about the course
• Online enquiry form: for general enquiries
• Live chat: available for immediate answers to questions
• Social media: follow the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences for updates and news