Program Overview

Introduction to the Dentistry PhD / MSc (Res) Program

The Dentistry PhD / MSc (Res) program at the University of Birmingham is designed to cultivate the skills needed to contribute to research that focuses on the scientific basis of oral and dental disease. This program provides innovative solutions to important problems significantly impacting the population and helps deliver a vision for improving oral and general health.

Course Overview

The program allows students to work amongst renowned researchers to produce original and world-leading research, striving to provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic solutions to the most common oral and general health problems. The PhD program can be undertaken full-time (minimum 36 months) or part-time (minimum 72 months), with applications accepted all year round and flexibility on the start date.

Course Structure

• The program is structured to support students in their research journey, with a focus on producing high-quality research training.
• Students will be required to submit a progress review form and a project report based on the first year of research.
• The Annual Progress Review (APR) meeting will take place with two academics, with one being an internal expert.

Research Areas

The School of Dentistry focuses on two major research themes:

• Clinical and Experimental Oral Sciences: This research identifies and develops new and improved diagnostics and preventative dental treatments for patient benefit.
  • Periodontal Research Group
  • Oral Diseases
  • Ultrasound and Nanotechnology
  • Clinical Epidemiology and Dental Public Health
  • Phototherapy
• Oral Regeneration Rehabilitation Sciences: This research utilizes cutting-edge, multidisciplinary approaches to develop new therapies for repairing and rebuilding the human body, which has become damaged due to disease or trauma.
  • Dental and Biomaterials Science
  • Dental and Craniofacial Stem Cell Biology

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, students will need to meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course. The application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether the application should receive an offer.

• 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject area
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band

Fees and Scholarships

• The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, supervision, assessment, and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
• Fees for 2026 entry: £5,181 (full-time), £2,591 (part-time)
• A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants.

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, students will need to submit their application and supporting documents online. If applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.

Career Opportunities

A PhD is the highest level of academic achievement available and vital for the continued professional development of scientists. Completing a PhD at Birmingham will extend students' knowledge base in their chosen subject, as well as enhancing their problem-solving and analytical, communication and teaching, and leadership and management skills.

Careers Network

At Birmingham, researchers are prepared to make an impact across every sector of society. The Careers Network offers a range of events and support services, including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs, and links with leading graduate recruiters.

Student Experience

At Birmingham, the university experience isn’t just about studying. Students will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life. The university offers a variety of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, as well as all the support and advice needed.