Biomedical Sciences research degrees
The length of programme registration will be longer as it includes the maximum writing-up phase. See further details on how research degrees are structured at Hull and thesis submission expectations.
Carry out your postgraduate studies at Hull and become part of a vibrant, forward-thinking research community.
About our Biomedical Sciences research degrees
Our postgraduate students are well integrated and fundamental to the work that we do, and we pride ourselves on supporting them to make sure that they achieve their full potential. We have developed an international reputation for our research in biomedical science. Our state-of-the-art research facilities include advanced instrumentation such as automated DNA sequencers and a self-contained ancient DNA laboratory.
We offer MSc by Thesis and PhD opportunities, and we have a network of exceptional research opportunities.
An MSc by Thesis is a postgraduate degree option with more research freedom than the more conventional taught pathways. On this programme, you spend a year on a research project closely advised by your research supervisor. At the end of your project you submit a research thesis, which will be evaluated by a research panel.
A PhD, meanwhile, is the ultimate form of student-centred learning, allowing you to focus your research interests and make an original and meaningful contribution to science.
Research topics
Our experts welcome applications from postgraduate students interested in higher degree research across a broad range of topics.
We focus on investigating the cellular processes involved in metabolism and energy transduction in health and disease. Focuses include:
The Postgraduate Training Scheme
It is now widely recognised by employers, professional bodies and research funding agencies that specialist expertise alone is not sufficient preparation either for research or a subsequent career. With this in mind, we require all our postgraduate research students to follow a research training programme relating both to their particular field of study and to generic skills; for example, information technology and communication skills.
Programme structure
PhD structure
| Full time | Part time |
|---|---|
| 3 years of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required | 6 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required |
Masters structure
| Full time | Part time |
|---|---|
| 1 year of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required | 2 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required |
Writing up and thesis submission
A standard full-time PhD programme comprised three years of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation (also referred to as “writing-up”). Part-time is six years plus up to 24 months thesis finalisation if needed. Full-time standard Masters programmes are comprised one year of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation needed; and part time Masters programmes have two years of research with up to two years of thesis finalisation.
For full-time students, the thesis finalisation phase should take three months but may be extended to one year without further paperwork. For part-time students, thesis finalisation should take six months, but may be extended to two years without further paperwork. The maximum thesis finalisation period is included in your overall programme length, which means that international PGRs will not need to apply for an additional visa to cover this phase.
If you need to move into the thesis finalisation period of your research degree, you must enrol for this phase and you will be liable to pay a continuation fee.
Thesis submission timelines
It is expected that you will submit your thesis within the timeframes outlined below:
Masters degrees
- Submission by one year and 3 months full-time.
- Submission by 2 years and 6 months part-time.
Doctoral degrees
- Submission by 3 years and 3 months full-time.
- Submission by 6 years and 6 months for part-time.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
You should normally have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a related discipline appropriate to your intended research.
Contacting your prospective supervisor before you submit your application is not essential but may be helpful.
Typical offer
2:1 in a relevant subject area
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Ready to get started?
Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.
Make your application online now, and our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible to make you an offer.
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International student? Please use the link below to get in touch with our international team for answers and advice.