Program Overview

Overview

The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at Newcastle University offers a research-based MPhil and PhD program in Biology. The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to work with world-class academics and access state-of-the-art facilities, including molecular diagnostics laboratories and experimental farms.

Research Areas

The school's research is organized into three main areas:

• Ecology: This group works to understand patterns observed in nature, including species and habitats, and often includes anthropogenic effects. Research covers genetics, conservation, human-wildlife interactions, and ecology.
• Modelling, Evidence and Policy: This group focuses on analyzing the structure and dynamics of complex biological and clinical systems, with a specific interest in investigating spatially and temporally heterogeneous processes in biology. Research themes include disease control and epidemiology, spatial and community ecology, population biology and evolution, evidence synthesis, and biodiversity and conservation policy.
• Molecular Life Sciences: Research within this group investigates the molecular basis of plant, microbial, and invertebrate life, sharing expertise and methodologies in bioinformatics and genomics, cell biochemistry, imaging and microscopy, cellular and molecular physiology, synthetic biology, protein biochemistry, and more.

Qualifications Explained

The program offers two qualifications:

• MPhil (Master of Philosophy): A research training program that leads to the completion of a 40,000-50,000 word thesis.
• PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): A doctorate or doctoral award that involves original research making 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

Delivery and teaching methods include:

• Two supervisors from the research community
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities
• Training in a wide range of transferable skills through the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) Graduate School
• Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences

Your Development

The Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development program is designed to help students perform better as researchers, boost their career prospects, and broaden their impact. The program covers techniques for effective research, methods for better collaborative working, essential professional standards and requirements, and more.

Your Future

The program provides opportunities to connect with industry leaders through strong contacts across the sector. Biology PhD students can present their research at national and international conferences and enhance their skills and supplement their income by undertaking undergraduate laboratory demonstrating.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is recognized for its research excellence, with 42% of its research classified as 4* world-leading. The university is ranked among the top 140 universities globally and is known for its commitment to sustainable development.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the program vary, with home students and international students having different fee structures. The university offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities, including the Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarships and the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships.

Entry Requirements

The program requires a 2:1 honors degree or master's degree in a related subject, or an international equivalent. English language requirements also apply, with IELTS, Pearson, and Duolingo English Test scores accepted.

How to Apply

Applications for the program can be made online, with a brief description of the planned research area and contact information for a potential supervisor. International students may need to pay a deposit and obtain an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate. The application portal provides instructions and guidance throughout the application process.