Study at Cambridge
About the university, research at cambridge.
- Undergraduate courses
- Events and open days
- Fees and finance
- Postgraduate courses
- How to apply
- Postgraduate events
- Fees and funding
- International students
- Continuing education
- Executive and professional education
- Courses in education
- How the University and Colleges work
- Term dates and calendars
- Visiting the University
- Annual reports
- Equality and diversity
- A global university
- Public engagement
- Give to Cambridge
- For Cambridge students
- For our researchers
- Business and enterprise
- Colleges & departments
- Email & phone search
- Museums & collections
- Course Directory
PhD in Biochemistry
Postgraduate Study
- Why Cambridge overview
- Chat with our students
- Cambridge explained overview
- The supervision system
- Student life overview
- In and around Cambridge
- Leisure activities
- Student union
- Music awards
- Student support overview
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Disabled students
- Language tuition
- Skills training
- Support for refugees
- Courses overview
- Department directory
- Qualification types
- Funded studentships
- Part-time study
- Research degrees
- Visiting students
- Finance overview
- Fees overview
- What is my fee status?
- Part-time fees
- Application fee
- Living costs
- Funding overview
- Applying for University funding
- Doctoral training programmes
- External funding and loans
- Colleges overview
- College listing overview
- Accommodation
- Applying overview
- Application deadlines
- Entry requirements
- International qualifications
- English language requirements
- Find a supervisor
- Widening access and participation
- Supporting documents overview
- Writing a research proposal
- Preparing a personal statement
- Application fee overview
- Application fee waiver
- International applications
- Disabled applicants
- AI and postgraduate applications
- Admissions fraud
- How we assess your application
- Outcome of your application overview
- Appeals and complaints
- Your offer overview
- Visas and immigration
- Declaring criminal convictions
- Defer your application
- Prepare to arrive
- Track your application
- International overview
- International events
- International student views overview
- Akhila’s story
- Alex’s story
- Huijie’s story
- Kelsey’s story
- Nilesh’s story
- Get in touch!
- Events overview
- Upcoming events
- Postgraduate Open Days overview
- Discover Cambridge webinars
- Virtual tour
- Research Internships
- How we use participant data
- Postgraduate Newsletter
Primary tabs
- Overview (active tab)
- Requirements
- How To Apply
Students are based in a research group and undertake a research project agreed with the principal investigator (supervisor). Each student also has additional mentorship support from an advisor and a Postgraduate Thesis Panel. Although no formal, examined coursework exists, the student's progress is assessed at various stages. The most important is the First-Year Assessment, which comprises submitting a thesis report and an oral examination assessed by two examiners. Registration for a PhD is only possible following a satisfactory outcome from the First-Year Assessment. In their second year, students present their research work in poster form. In the third year, students present their work in a talk given to the whole Department.
The PhD in Biochemistry is designed to train students to be effective research scientists. In addition to developing deep knowledge of a subject area and a broader understanding of the relevant field, students will develop skills in:
- identifying experimentally answerable scientific questions and assessing the value of these questions to both science and society
- designing and executing experiments that test these scientific questions
- analysing and interpreting experimental data
- presenting the aims and outcomes of scientific research in both written and oral form
- sourcing, assessing, and critically evaluating scientific literature
- time, data, and resource management
- collaborative and interpersonal professional behaviour
The students will acquire many of these skills within the research group. Other skills will be developed outside their research group: at the beginning of their first year, students attend an in-house training course of lectures and workshops, and can subsequently continue their training in many areas, choosing from the wide range of courses available within the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences and the University. Students will also belong to a Peer Research Group, composed of other postgraduate students, within which workshops, student research projects, and scientific literature are presented and discussed.
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages .
Key Information
3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of biochemistry, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2025 (closed).
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Easter 2025
Michaelmas 2025, easter 2026, funding deadlines.
These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.
Postgraduate Admissions Office
- Admissions statistics
- Start an application
- Applicant Self-Service
At a glance
- Bringing a family
- Current Postgraduates
- Cambridge Students' Union (SU)
University Policy and Guidelines
Privacy Policy
Information compliance
Equality and Diversity
Terms of Study
About this site
About our website
Privacy policy
© 2024 University of Cambridge
- Contact the University
- Accessibility
- Freedom of information
- Privacy policy and cookies
- Statement on Modern Slavery
- Terms and conditions
- University A-Z
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate
- Research news
- About research at Cambridge
- Spotlight on...
DPhil in Biochemistry
- Entry requirements
- Funding and costs
College preference
- How to apply
About the course
This programme aims to train students in cutting-edge laboratory research applying techniques in bionanotechnology, biophysics, computational biology, microscopy, molecular biology, structural biology and systems biology to a broad range of fields including cell biology, chromosome biology, drug discovery, epigenetics, host-pathogen interactions, membrane proteins, ion channels and transporters, and RNA biology.
You will be admitted directly to a particular research area led by departmental members who will be appointed DPhil supervisors. If you are admitted to a particular research supervisor you will not normally do laboratory rotations. You will be based in a research lab and undertake research on a subject agreed with your supervisor.
Examples of research themes can be found on the department's website.
There are no taught courses examined by written papers, however you will have access to a wide range of lecture courses at foundation or preliminary level, as appropriate. If you have changed fields, this will allow you to fill in gaps in your background knowledge. There is also a wide range of courses and workshops which you can attend to acquire skills that will be necessary for the pursuance and presentation of your research, as well as your professional development as a research scientist.
Departmental seminars and colloquia bring students together with academic and other research staff in the department to hear about on-going research, and provide an opportunity for networking and socialising.
The length of the programme ranges from three to four years with the exact duration depending on the following factors as judged by your supervisor(s) and assessors:
- focus and rate of your research development and progress
- achievement of acceptable focus and scope of thesis
- publication quality research
- length of available funding.
A small proportion of DPhil students (about 5%) submit their theses within three years from starting, however on average most students submit within three to four years. By the end of the fourth year, 70-90% of students have submitted their theses.
Research at the Department of Biochemistry is divided into five main themes:
- cell biology, development and genetics
- chromosomal and RNA biology
- infection and disease processes
- microbiology and systems biology
- structural biology and molecular biophysics .
The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements.
Provision exists for students on some courses to undertake their research in a ‘well-founded laboratory’ outside of the University. This may require travel to and attendance at a site that is not located in Oxford. Where known, existing collaborations will be outlined on this page. Please read the course information carefully, including the additional information about course fees and costs.
Resources to support your study
As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of world-class resources including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources and IT services.
The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK. It includes the main Bodleian Library and libraries across Oxford, including major research libraries and faculty, department and institute libraries. Together, the Libraries hold more than 13 million printed items, provide access to e-journals, and contain outstanding special collections including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art and printed ephemera.
The University's IT Services is available to all students to support with core university IT systems and tools, as well as many other services and facilities. IT Services also offers a range of IT learning courses for students, to support with learning and research.
You will have access to:
- experimental facilities, as appropriate to your research
- IT support from the Department of Biochemistry
- library services, such as the Radcliffe Science Library and the Cairns Library .
The provision of project-specific resources will be agreed with the relevant supervisor during the planning stages of the research project.
There is the possibility to use facilities in other departments across the division and to access remote facilities at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, DIAMOND Light Source and Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
Supervision
For this course, the allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Department of Biochemistry and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Biochemistry.
Your supervisor may appoint a senior member of the laboratory as your day-to-day supervisor.
Most students have an opportunity to meet their supervisor on a weekly or fortnightly basis. In addition, Most laboratories also have weekly meetings where members present and discuss their results with other members of the laboratory.
Information about supervisors connected with this course can also be found at the Department of Biochemistry website.
You will begin your course as a probationary research student (PRS) and near the end of the first year you will apply to transfer to DPhil (PhD) status. To do this you write a research report and statement of future research plans. This will be assessed by two independent experts, who interview you as part of the process. Continuation in the programme is subject to passing the Transfer of Status exam.
After eight terms of study you will need to apply formally to confirm your DPhil status. This involves writing a short progress report and thesis outline and giving a presentation. The application is assessed by two independent experts. Continuation in the programme is subject to successfully completing the Confirmation of Status.
The final stage of the research programme is submission of your DPhil thesis, which needs to be done within four years. Your thesis is assessed by two independent experts (one of which will be external to the University of Oxford), who conduct a viva examination with you.
Graduate destinations
Approximately 80% of the department’s alumni who completed in the years 2015 to 2019 have pursued a career within academic or industrial research. Other graduates hold positions within a variety of different sectors including Patent Law, Management Consultancy, scientific publishing and teaching.
Changes to this course and your supervision
The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made if a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency occurs. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.
Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.
For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.
Entry requirements for entry in 2025-26
Proven and potential academic excellence.
The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .
We know that factors such as socio-economic circumstances and school performance can make it difficult for students to demonstrate their full potential. This course is taking part in an initiative to use contextual data to help us to better understand your achievements in the context of your individual background. For further details, please refer to the information about improving access to graduate study in the How to apply section of this page.
Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. Contextual data may also be used in the assessment of studentships.
Degree-level qualifications
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
- a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours.
The qualification above should be achieved in one of the following subject areas or disciplines:
- biochemistry
- cell biology
- molecular biology
- mathematics
- computation.
Please note that entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree.
A previous master's degree is not required in order to be considered for the programme.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.5 out of 4.0. However, most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7.
If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.
GRE General Test scores
No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
- Applicants are normally expected to have research experience in a biomedical or scientific field. Examples of suitable research experience include, but are not limited to, research projects carried out during previous degree-level study, research internships or work experience as a research assistant.
- A track record demonstrating an interest in research, including the ability to master technical/computational skills, and plan and execute experiments effectively, is likely to advantage your application
- You are expected to have a good understanding of your proposed area of research and be familiar with the recent published work of your proposed supervisor(s)
- Publications are not required but it may strengthen your application if you have already published your work in a scientific journal
English language proficiency
This course requires proficiency in English at the University's standard level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's standard level are detailed in the table below.
*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides further information about the English language test requirement .
Declaring extenuating circumstances
If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.
You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The How to apply section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.
Supporting documents
You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The How to apply section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.
Performance at interview
Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process.
The main round of interviews is held in January. Additional interviews may be held at later dates subject to the availability of places.
Applications are reviewed by a panel of academics associated with the course. A short-list of applicants is confirmed, based on assessment of achieved or predicted undergraduate degree grade, academic references, personal statement and CV.
Interviews are in person or by video link, take approximately 30 minutes, and are conducted by a panel of at least two interviewers. Applicants are asked to talk about any research project(s) that they may have pursued and questioned on aspects of their research training to date, understanding of the proposed area of study and motivation for undertaking a DPhil.
Offer conditions for successful applications
If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions .
In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:
Financial Declaration
If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a Financial Declaration in order to meet your financial condition of admission.
Disclosure of criminal convictions
In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any relevant, unspent criminal convictions before you can take up a place at Oxford.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
Some postgraduate research students in science, engineering and technology subjects will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate prior to applying for a Student visa (under the Student Route) . For some courses, the requirement to apply for an ATAS certificate may depend on your research area.
Other factors governing whether places can be offered
The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:
- the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the About section of this page;
- the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
- minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.
Biochemistry
The Department of Biochemistry comprises over 45 research groups and around 400 researchers and support staff, including more than 100 graduate students.
The Department of Biochemistry is a vibrant research and teaching department and benefits from state-of-the-art research facilities in its stunning purpose-built building. These include advanced fluorescence microscopy , advanced proteomics , NMR spectroscopy , molecular biophysics , and crystallography .
Research in the department is very broad and encompasses all aspects of modern molecular and cellular biochemistry, from atomic resolution biophysics to cell biology and imaging. The quality of research is outstanding, as demonstrated by an impressive publications output and the international standing of many of the department's researchers.
View all courses View taught courses View research courses
For entry in the 2025-26 academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.
If you apply by the December deadline shown on this page and receive a course offer, your application will then be considered for Oxford scholarships. For the majority of Oxford scholarships, your application will automatically be assessed against the eligibility criteria, without needing to make a separate application. There are further Oxford scholarships available which have additional eligibility criteria and where you are required to submit a separate application. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.
To ensure that you are considered for Oxford scholarships that require a separate application, for which you may be eligible, use our fees, funding and scholarship search tool to identify these opportunities and find out how to apply. Alongside Oxford scholarships, you should also consider other opportunities for which you may be eligible including a range of external funding , loan schemes for postgraduate study and any other scholarships which may also still be available after the December deadline as listed on our fees, funding and scholarship search tool .
Details of college-specific funding opportunities can also be found on individual college websites:
Select from the list:
Please refer to the College preference section of this page to identify which of the colleges listed above accept students for this course.
For the majority of college scholarships, it doesn’t matter which college, if any, you state a preference for in your application. If another college is able to offer you a scholarship, your application can be moved to that college if you accept the scholarship. Some college scholarships may require you to state a preference for that college when you apply, so check the eligibility requirements carefully.
Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the department's website.
Annual fees for entry in 2025-26
Information about course fees.
Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .
Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.
Continuation charges
Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.
Where can I find further information about fees?
The Fees and Funding section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility and your length of fee liability .
Additional information
There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.
Living costs
In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.
Living costs for full-time study
For the 2025-26 academic year, the range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between £1,425 and £2,035 for each month spent in Oxford. We provide the cost per month so you can multiply up by the number of months you expect to live in Oxford. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for the costs of a student visa and immigration health surcharge and/or living costs for family members or other dependants that you plan to bring with you to Oxford (assuming that dependant visa eligibility criteria are met).
Further information about living costs
The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. For study in Oxford beyond the 2025-26 academic year, it is suggested that you budget for potential increases in living expenses of around 4% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. For further information, please consult our more detailed information about living costs , which includes a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs.
Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs).
If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief introduction to the college system at Oxford and our advice about expressing a college preference .
If you are a current Oxford student and you would like to remain at your current Oxford college, you should check whether it is listed below. If it is, you should indicate this preference when you apply. If not, you should contact your college office to ask whether they would be willing to make an exception. Further information about staying at your current college can be found in our Application Guide.
The following colleges accept students on the DPhil in Biochemistry:
- Balliol College
- Brasenose College
- Campion Hall
- Christ Church
- Corpus Christi College
- Exeter College
- Green Templeton College
- Hertford College
- Jesus College
- Lady Margaret Hall
- Linacre College
- Lincoln College
- Magdalen College
- Merton College
- New College
- Oriel College
- Pembroke College
- The Queen's College
- Reuben College
- St Anne's College
- St Catherine's College
- St Cross College
- St Edmund Hall
- St Hilda's College
- St Hugh's College
- St John's College
- St Peter's College
- Somerville College
- Trinity College
- University College
- Wadham College
- Wolfson College
- Worcester College
- Wycliffe Hall
Before you apply
Before you begin an application, we recommend that you consult the Medical Sciences Graduate School's website to identify the most suitable course for your intended area of research.
Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .
If it is important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under the December deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the information about deadlines and when to apply in our Application Guide.
Application fee waivers
An application fee of £20 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:
- applicants from low-income countries;
- refugees and displaced persons;
- UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and
- applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.
You are encouraged to check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver before you apply.
Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students
If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .
Application fee waivers for eligible associated courses
If you apply to this course and are considering applying (or have already applied) to any of the associated courses listed below , you can request an application fee waiver so that you only need to pay one application fee. We recommend that you use your application fee waiver to apply only for eligible courses that are closely related in research area to this one.
For full details about how to request an application fee waiver, please select the course you are interested in from the list below and refer to the equivalent section of its course page.
The following associated courses are taking part in this application fee waiver scheme:
- Autonomous Intelligent Machines and Systems , EPSRC CDT
- Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (Oxford-GSK) , DPhil
- Cancer Science (Biological background) , CDT
- Cancer Science (Clinician) , DPhil
- Cancer Science (Intercalation) , DPhil
- Cancer Science (Maths/Physics background) , CDT
- Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet , CDT
- Engineering Biology , BBSRC and EPSRC CDT
- Fundamentals of AI , EIT CDT
- Fusion Power , EPSRC CDT
- Genomic Medicine and Statistics , DPhil
- Healthcare Data Science , EPSRC CDT
- Inflammatory and Musculoskeletal Disease , DPhil
- Inorganic Materials for Advanced Manufacturing , EPSRC CDT
- Intelligent Earth , UKRI CDT in AI for the Environment
- Interdisciplinary Life and Environmental Science , DPhil
- Materials 4.0 , EPSRC CDT
- Mathematics of Random Systems: Analysis, Modelling and Algorithms , CDT
- Neuroscience (1+3) , DPhil
- Quantum Informatics, EPSRC CDT (expected to open in early-2025 )
- Robotics and AI for Net Zero, EPSRC CDT ( expected to open in late-2024)
- Statistics and Machine Learning , EPSRC CDT
- Superconductivity: Enabling Transformative Technologies , EPSRC CDT
Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?
We welcome and strongly encourage you to contact potential supervisors that you are interested in working with. The purpose of contacting a supervisor is to learn more about the project and/or lab and determine whether there would be a good fit between what you are looking for and what the lab can offer.
To contact supervisors, begin by looking through the academic profiles and available projects on the department website and identify supervisors you may be interested in working with. Send an email to these potential supervisors indicating that you are interested in applying for a DPhil in their lab. You should explain why you are interested in their project/lab and include any questions you may have about it.
Further advice on how to contact potential supervisors can be found on the How to find a research supervisor page of the application 'How-to guide' .
If you do not receive a response after two weeks, please send a follow-up email to [email protected] . We encourage you to contact more than one supervisor.
Improving access to graduate study
This course is taking part in initiatives to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications, to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly. It is taking part in the 'Close the Gap' project which aims to improve access to doctoral study.
Socio-economic data (where it has been provided in the application form) will be used as part of an initiative to contextualise applications at the different stages of the selection process.
Completing your application
You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .
For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .
If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.
Proposed field and title of research project
Under 'Proposed field and title of research project' enter the advertised research project codes of at least one, and up to three chosen supervisors. You should list them in order of preference or indicate equal preference. The project code is shown when you expand the section beneath each supervisor's name on the department's webpage. You should not use this field to provide your own research proposal.
Proposed supervisor
Under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the names of at least one, and up to three, academics who you would like to supervise your research. You should list them in order of preference or indicate equal preference. The supervisors that you choose should correspond with the projects that you indicated in the previous section.
Referees Three overall, academic preferred
Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.
References should generally be academic though a maximum of one professional reference is acceptable where you have completed an industrial placement or worked in a full-time position. Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, and your ability to work in a group.
Official transcript(s)
Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.
Statement of purpose/personal statement: A maximum of 500 words
You should provide a statement of your research interests, in English, describing how your background and research interests relate to the programme. If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.
It will be normal for students’ ideas and goals to change in some ways as they undertake their studies, but your personal statement will enable you to demonstrate your current interests and aspirations.
The statement should focus on academic or research-related achievements and interests rather than personal achievements and interests.
This will be assessed for:
- your reasons for applying;
- evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study;
- the ability to present a reasoned case in English;
- capacity for sustained and focused work; and
- understanding of problems in the area and ability to construct and defend an argument.
Start or continue your application
You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please refer to the requirements above and consult our Application Guide for advice .
Apply Continue application
After you've submitted your application
Your application (including the supporting documents outlined above) will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed. You can find out more about our shortlisting and selection process in our detailed guide to what happens next.
Find out how to manage your application after submission , using our Applicant Self-Service tool.
ADMISSION STATUS
Open - applications are still being accepted
Up to a week's notice of closure will be provided on this page - no other notification will be given
12:00 midday UK time on:
Tuesday 3 December 2024
Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Applications may remain open after this deadline if places are still available - see below
A later deadline under 'Admission status'
If places are still available, applications may be accepted after 3 December . The Admission status (above) will provide notice of any later deadline.
*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2022-23 to 2024-25)
Further information and enquiries
This course is offered by the Department of Biochemistry
- Course page on the department's website
- Funding information from the department
- Academic and research staff
- Departmental research
- Medical Sciences Graduate School
- Residence requirements for full-time courses
- Postgraduate applicant privacy policy
Course-related enquiries
Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page
✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 613210
Application-process enquiries
Application guide
Other courses to consider
You may also wish to consider applying to other courses that are similar or related to this course:
View related courses
Alternatively, use our A–Z index
Attend an open day
Discover more about postgraduate research
PhD Biological Chemistry / Overview
Year of entry: 2025
- View full page
The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).
Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.
Full entry requirements
Apply online
In your application you’ll need to include:
- The name of this programme
- Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name)or area of research
- Your proposed supervisor’s name
- If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
- A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
- Details of your previous university level study
- Names and contact details of your two referees.
Before applying we recommend that you read the 'Advice to Applicants' section.
Find out how this programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals , including learning which relates to:
Goal 3: Good health and well-being
Goal 11: sustainable cities and communities, goal 12: responsible consumption and production, goal 15: life on land, programme options, programme description.
The Department of Chemistry offers research opportunities and projects in a wide range of research themes including biological chemistry and organic synthesis, computational and theoretical chemistry, materials chemistry, magnetic resonance and structural chemistry, radiochemistry and environmental chemistry, nanoscience, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biotechnology, genetics, gene expression, molecular biology, microbiology, structural biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, toxicology and biomolecular sciences.
The department boasts state-of-the-art facilties including new laboratories and equipment, and first-rate spectroscopic services support with each researcher supported by at least one supervisor and an advisor with pastoral responsibility.
In addition to superb research facilities, postgraduates in the department have a graduate common room and use of a computer cluster, and training in health and safety, fire fighting, library skills and written and oral presentation skills.
Visit our 'Events and Opportunities' page to find out about upcoming open days and webinars.
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:
- PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Band A - TBC; Band B - £7,400; Band C - £10,500; Band D - £15,200; Band E - £25,700 International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £29,400; Band B - £31,500; Band C - £37,300; Band D - £45,200; Band E - £59,900
- PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Band A £TBC; Band B £7,400; Band C £10,500; Band D £15,200; Band E £25,700 International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £29,400; Band B £31,500; Band C £37,300; Band D £45,200; Band E £59,900
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.
All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit the postgraduate fees page .
Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.
Scholarships/sponsorships
There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.
To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.
For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Contact details
Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality. Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Programmes in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.
- Biochemistry
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .
Biochemistry PhD
Most students complete this programme in 4 years full-time.
We are renowned for our broad range of world-leading and internationally excellent research on animals, plants and microorganisms.
The research areas covered by this programme are:
- Cell and developmental biology
- Evolution and biodiversity
- Infection and immunity
- Medical and industrial biotechnology
Most of our PhD students go straight into careers as postdoctoral scientists in academic institutions, research institutes, industry and healthcare. Others have entered a diverse range of careers from scientific writing/journalism, teaching, management and business/finance.
Find out what our research graduates go on to do
Department of Life Sciences
- Programme structure
Most students complete this programme in 4 years. You cannot take less than 2 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 4 years.
You may start this programme at any time. Most students start in September.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.
Academic milestones
- Registration
- Candidature
- Confirmation
- Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
- Submission for examination
- Examination (Viva Voce)
- Examiners report
- Final submission of thesis / portfolio
- Programme content
- Doctoral skills online
- Doctoral skills workshop
- Research project
- Supervisory team
Research content
The great strength of the department is its academic breadth with specialisms including:
- Biodiversity
- Molecular structure and function
- Neuroscience
- Plant sciences
You will benefit from working with academics and their groups operating at the cutting-edge of their discipline – you will quickly become an expert yourself and learn how to become an independent researcher capable of designing and carrying out your own research. In addition you will learn how to work in teams, gain technical expertise, develop your skills of critical analysis and learn how to present scientific data in an accessible form through writing and oral presentation within the department and at conferences.
You will also have fun through your research and the vibrant postgraduate culture that exists in our department and will be encouraged to share your enthusiasm for your discoveries.
Professional Development
Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.
Read more about professional development support
Assessment methods
Assessment description.
Most research students who do a PhD register in the first instance as probationer for the degree of PhD. Candidates are expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of their chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis.
The confirmation of the PhD programme (and the end of the probationary period) is subject to students passing an assessment process, which normally involves submission of written work and on oral examination which usually takes place 12 months after the initial registration.
The final stage of the PhD degree is the oral or viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners.
- Entry requirements
Academic requirements
We normally require a student to have a first or upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant subject.
English Language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
- TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.
If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.
Two references are required. At least one of these should be an academic reference from the most recent place of study.
- Fees and funding
Fees and funding information for Biochemistry PhD
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee status
Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.
Find out more about student fees
Funding options
Find funding for Doctoral research
Payment options
You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.
Paying your tuition fees
- Application information
- Programme title Biochemistry PhD
- Final award PhD
- Mode of study Full-time
- Course code RSBB-AFM02
- Department Department of Life Sciences
- Location University of Bath Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
3 months prior to the intended start date (for international applicants) or 2 months prior to the intended start date (for home applicants). For example, for an end of September start, the deadline is 30 June (international) and 31 July (home).
- Regulator The Office for Students (OfS)
Applicant profile
See our guide about how to apply for doctoral study
Immigration requirements
This PhD is covered by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international student, you may require an ATAS certificate to join this course and you can find out more about the visa requirements for studying in the UK .
For additional support please contact the Student Immigration Service for matters related to student visas and immigration.
- Programme enquiries
Doctoral Admissions
- Apply for this programme
- Related programmes
- Biochemistry PhD part-time
On this page
Unable to find any suggestions for your query...
The Essex website uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are consenting to their use. Please visit our cookie policy to find out which cookies we use and why. View cookie policy.
PhD Biochemistry
- Ask a question
- Get a prospectus
Entry requirements
Fees and funding.
- What's next?
Research in our School of Life Sciences covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems, and this broad-based structure provides opportunities for developing novel ideas and inter-disciplinary projects. We offer supervision in all areas of staff expertise in biochemistry, and our projects encompass studies of fundamental biochemical mechanisms as well as the biochemical basis of disease states.
As a research student at Essex, you will work at the heart of our internationally acknowledged, well-resourced and well-connected research community. We offer world-class supervision and training opportunities, and encourage you to engage with other researchers, professionals, practitioners and research users, where possible, for example using the generous funding from Proficio to attend conferences and training courses.
Part-time research study is also available. You can start this degree in October, January or April. An MPhil and MSD are also available.
- We have an international reputation for outstanding teaching and research, with the latter reflected in the large number of publications in high-profile journals.
- You will be part of our collaborative Research Groups that work on important international and national problems using cutting-edge techniques.
- We provide a supportive research and training environment. In particular, the Annual Graduate Forum provides an opportunity to showcase your findings as a poster, presentation or by organising the event at the end of your first, second and third year, respectively.
Our expert staff
Within our School of Life Sciences, you will be allocated a supervisor whose role it is to guide you through the different stages of your research degree. In some cases, you may be jointly supervised.
The support provided by your supervisor is a key feature of your research student experience and you will have regular one-to-one meetings to discuss progress on your research. Initially, your supervisor will help you develop your research topic and plan.
Twice a year, you will have a supervisory board meeting, which provides a more formal opportunity to discuss your progress and agree your plans for the next six months.
Your technical and intellectual development will be enhanced by becoming part of a Research Group, and participating in School Seminars.
Specialist facilities
Our School is fully equipped to perform cutting-edge biochemical research using a combination of conventional and custom-designed apparatus including:
A dedicated study room allows all our postgraduate research students to have access to a desk and a computer outside of the research laboratories. This provides a focal point for our postgraduates, facilitating reading and writing as well as good communication and a sense of community.
Your future
Many of our postgraduates continue their scientific research by taking up postdoctoral positions in the UK and overseas. Others have embarked on careers in biomedical laboratories and in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, both in research and development. We support your career development by a mentoring scheme and employability events.
UK entry requirements
International & eu entry requirements.
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at [email protected] to request the entry requirements for this country.
English language requirements
Course structure.
A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding. In communicating that understanding, through a thesis or other means, you have a rare opportunity to generate knowledge. A research degree allows you to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks. It can open doors to many careers.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.
Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.
The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.
In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.
Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code . For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:
COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY
This module is for PhD students who are completing the research portions of their thesis.
View Biological Science - Research on our Module Directory
The aim of undertaking your PhD within our School of Life Sciences is to train you to become independent researchers who can critically assess research work, and who have a comprehensive understanding of at least one area of biology.
Our PhD programme is usually three to four years duration and all our students are initially registered as MPhil students, then transfer to the PhD in the first half of their second year of study if they have made satisfactory progress.
Dissertation
Within our School of Life Sciences, you attend two formal supervisory board meetings each year, where you submit literature reviews and research reports to the Board members. At these meetings, the documents are discussed with you and your progress is assessed.
We encourage PhD students to submit within three years and certainly expect completion of PhDs within a four-year period.
Home/UK fee
£4,786 per year
International fee
£21,500 per year
Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
Masters fees and funding information
Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information
What's next
We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:
- tour our campus and accommodation
- find out answers to your questions about our courses, graduate employability, student support and more
- talk to our Fees and Funding team about scholarship opportunities
- meet our students and staff
If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing [email protected] and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.
You can apply for this postgraduate course online . Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.
We encourage you to make a preliminary enquiry directly to a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator within your chosen Department or School. We encourage the consideration of a brief research proposal prior to the submission of a full application.
We aim to respond to applications within four weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.
For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘ how to apply ' information.
Visit Colchester Campus
Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.
Virtual tours
If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360 degree virtual tour allows you to explore the Colchester Campus from the comfort of your home. Check out our accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.
At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.
The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications . The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.
Related courses
- Colchester Campus
Want to quiz us about your course? Got a question that just needs answering? Get in touch with us on live chat!
- Course Finder
- Undergraduate study
- Postgraduate study
- Short courses and CPD
- International students
- Study online
- Apprenticeships
- Summer Schools
- Student life
- Student accommodation
- Essex Sport
- Southend Campus
- Loughton Campus
- Careers and Employability
- Student support
- Research excellence
- Research showcase
- Media requests
- Research Excellence Framework (REF)
- Research institutes and centres
- Departments
- How to pay your fees
- General - [email protected]
- Undergraduate - [email protected]
- Postgraduate - [email protected]
- +44 (0) 1206 873333
- University of Essex
- Wivenhoe Park
- Colchester CO4 3SQ
- Accessibility
- Our privacy statements
- Our transparency return
- Modern slavery and human trafficking
Biochemistry
- MSc by research
PhD, MSc by research Biochemistry
As a school, we believe that part of our mission is to train the next generation of life scientists. We take great pride in the standard of our postgraduate provision and offer both three- and four-year PhD programmes. It is also possible to pursue a one-year Master's by Research (MScR) which allows an additional year of write-up time if necessary. Competition for places on our postgraduate programmes is high, but we believe that we offer a unique and nurturing environment for talented students.
You will receive extensive research training that covers methodology, critical interpretation and problem-solving, as well as transferable skills training in communication, presentation, teamwork, time management and teaching. You will also be encouraged to participate in personal development planning, which is considered a valuable adjunct of your professional development. Training is also available in enterprise and entrepreneurship.
You will have access to the world-class Wolfson Bioimaging Facility and GW4 high-resolution cryoEM facility, which provides a suite of state-of-the-art light and electron microscopes. In addition, the Proteomics Facility offers bespoke proteomics services for researchers.
Programme structure
Our research activity in the school is guided by focusing on 3 key themes:
Dynamic Molecular Cell Biology
Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism
Synthetic Biology
All researchers across the school identify with one or more of the themes. The school usually has 100 research postgraduates at any one time, working in a wide variety of subject areas and adopting a range of different research approaches.
Read more about our Research Areas and research in the Faculty of Life Sciences .
World-leading research
The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK ( Times Higher Education ).
94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
A first or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a biomedical science discipline is required for entry to the PhD programme. We may consider MSc by research applications from candidates with a lower second-class degree (or international equivalent).
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels .
Fees and funding
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support .
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Funding to support postgraduate studentships is provided by the BBSRC and MRC from September 2024 onwards (eligibility criteria apply). A limited number of University scholarships are also available for exceptional UK, EU and overseas students, although international students are often self-funded or supported by funds from their own governments.
Details about funded places and scholarships are listed on the Faculty of Life Sciences website .
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Most of our postgraduate students become highly productive researchers, publishing in leading peer-reviewed biomedical journals. Over 75 per cent of our students go on to postdoctoral research in academia and industry.
Other students use the transferable skills gained during their study to enter postgraduate-level employment, including publishing, management and administration. We are committed to promoting the advancement of women and under-represented minorities in science, engineering and technology.
Meet our supervisors
The following list shows potential supervisors for this programme. Visit their profiles for details of their research and expertise.
Research groups
Research in the school covers all aspects of modern biochemistry and this is reflected in the wide range of postgraduate projects available.
The school has an international reputation in cell biology, and enjoys an association with the Wolfson Bioimaging Facility and GW4 high-resolution cryoEM facility, which houses the state-of-the-art light and electron microscopes. Our work in this area of dynamic molecular cell biology covers intracellular trafficking, cell shape and movement, and the control of cell death and proliferation.
We have also earned an international reputation for our research in structural biology and biophysics, including rational drug design, mathematical modelling of protein structure and folding, pioneering work on the interactions between DNA and proteins, and structural biology of complex systems including membrane proteins and complexes. Synthetic biology is another key area of active research within the school, which is supported by the BrisSynBio Centre and the Bristol BioDesign Institute - world-class flagships for multi-disciplinary studies in this area.
The fundamental research supported by the school is often translated into practical applications aimed at understanding disease mechanisms and improving human health. Our research has made significant contributions towards understanding cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, malaria, neurodegenerative diseases, and many other aspects of clinical research.
How to apply
When applying you must indicate one or two potential supervisors whose research interests you. We recommend that you contact these supervisors by email in advance of making your application. Details of the members of staff that could serve as supervisors are available on Dynamic Molecular Cell Biology , Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism , Synthetic Biology
Apply today via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.
Application deadline - MScR and PhD
Please check our funding webpages for details of funding application deadlines. Applications from self-funded students are welcomed and have no fixed deadline. However, if you wish to join in September 2025, please apply with a complete application by 30 June 2025 if you are an overseas student and 31 July 2025 if you are a home student.
Faculty Education Team
+-44-0117-374-6625
+ 44 0117 374 6625
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
School of Biochemistry
Explore more
Find out about the bristol doctoral college.
Study at Cambridge
About the university, research at cambridge.
- Undergraduate courses
- Events and open days
- Fees and finance
- Postgraduate courses
- How to apply
- Postgraduate events
- Fees and funding
- International students
- Continuing education
- Executive and professional education
- Courses in education
- How the University and Colleges work
- Term dates and calendars
- Visiting the University
- Annual reports
- Equality and diversity
- A global university
- Public engagement
- Give to Cambridge
- For Cambridge students
- For our researchers
- Business and enterprise
- Colleges & departments
- Email & phone search
- Museums & collections
Postgraduate Study
- Department of Biochemistry
- About the Department
- How to find us
- Disabled access
- Job opportunities
- Wellbeing, Inclusion, Diversity, Equality overview
- Wellbeing in Biochemistry
- Alumni overview
- Alumni Events overview
- Biochemistry Centenary Alumni Day
- Biochemistry Alumni Day 2023
- Alumni Festival 2020
- Alumni Festival 2019
- Alumni Festival 2018
- Alumni Newsletter
- Alumni benefits
- Engaging with us
- Keep in touch
- Photos and history overview
- Department pictures overview
- Class pictures (1949/1950 - 1959/1960)
- Class pictures (1960/1961 - 1969/1970)
- Class pictures (1970/1971 - 1979/1980)
- Class pictures (1980/1981 - 1989/1990)
- Class pictures (1990/1991 - 1999/2000)
- Class pictures (2000/2001 - 2009/2010)
- Class pictures (2010/2011 - 2019/2020)
- Support us overview
- How to make a donation
- 1924 – 2024: Biochemistry centenary travel fund
- History of the Department overview
- Establishing the Department overview
- Biochemistry: a new science
- The coming of Hopkins
- Hopkins arrives in Cambridge
- The foundations of metabolism
- Expansion after World War I
- Teaching biochemistry
- A new School of Biochemistry
- Haldane and the Sex Viri
- Low Temperature Research Station
- The Dunn Institute
- The Sir William Dunn Institute overview
- New arrivals
- The Academic Assistance Council
- Synge, Martin, Dixon and Mitchell
- Needham, Sanger and Stephenson
- The Colman Library overview
- Sir Jeremiah Colman
- Establishing the Library
- Reflections on the early years overview
- Malcolm Dixon on the Department
- Rudolph Peters on Hopkins
- The legacy of Hopkins
- Major events since 1945
- Commemorating Hopkins
- Biographies overview
- Sir William Dunn Professors and Heads of Department
- Former members of Department
- Nobel Prizes overview
- Frederick Gowland Hopkins
- Albert Szent-Györgyi
- Ernst Boris Chain
- Richard Laurence Millington Synge
- Hans Adolf Krebs
- Frederick Sanger
- Luis Federico Leloir
- Rodney Robert Porter
- Peter Dennis Mitchell
- César Milstein
- Roger Yonchien Tsien
- Photographic archive
- Latest news
- Publications blog
- 2018 News Archive
- 2017 News Archive
- 2016 News Archive
- 2015 News Archive
- 2014 News Archive
- 2013 News Archive
- Teaching Overview
- Applying to do Biochemistry
- First year overview
- Molecules in Medical Science overview
- Aims and Objectives
- Course Overview
- Additional Course Information
- Biology of Cells
- Evolution and Behaviour
- Mathematical Biology
- Second year overview
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology overview
- Cell and Developmental Biology
- Third year overview
- Part II Biochemistry overview
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Fourth year overview
- Part III Biochemistry overview
- Systems Biology
- Information for Supervisors and DoS overview
- Moodle for Supervisors
- Information for Demonstrators
- Contact information
- Postgraduate overview
- Funding Your Post Graduate Studies
- Current Postgraduate students
- Contact Information
- Research overview
- Research Group Leaders overview
- Current Faculty overview
- Bill Broadhurst
- Mark Carrington
- Marc de la Roche overview
- de la Roche Group website overview
- Group members overview
- Marc de la Roche
- Thomas Foets
- Helena Rannikmae
- Heidi Funke
- Publications
- Paul Dupree overview
- Dupree Group website overview
- Group members
- Jenny Gallop
- Camilla Godlee
- Florian Hollfelder
- Chris Howe overview
- Howe Group website overview
- About the Lab overview
- Postgraduate and Postdoctoral opportunities
- Biological Photovoltaics (BPV)
- Members overview
- Paolo Bombelli (Postdoctoral Researcher)
- Jack Hervey (Graduate Student)
- Ellen Nisbet (Senior Research Associate)
- Elfadil Osman (Graduate Student)
- Stephen Rowden (Graduate Student)
- Barnaby Slater (Graduate Student)
- Laura Wey (Graduate Student)
- Lab Publications overview
- 2004 - Present
- Prior to 2004
- Conference Proceedings, Commentaries, Book Chapters etc.
- Lab Adventures overview
- Christmas Party 2012
- P2P overview
- Construction
- The Solar Panel
- The Living Wall
- The Main Concept
- 14 Photo-active Models
- BEST overview
- Travel Route
- Commercial Partners overview
- Anaero Technology
- Lamda Stretch
- Academic Partners
- Device Electrical Output overview
- The BEST device
- Marko Hyvönen
- Tony Jackson
- Kathryn Lilley
- Ben Luisi overview
- Luisi Group website overview
- Useful Links
- Sarah Lummis
- Laura Machesky
- Helen Mott overview
- Mott and Owen Group website
- Daniel Nietlispach
- Darerca Owen overview
- Mott and Owen Group website overview
- PhD Projects
- Structure Gallery
- Luca Pellegrini overview
- Pellegrini Group website overview
- Lab members
- List of publications
- Lab resources overview
- MALS theory and practice
- FRET theory and practice
- CryoEM overview
- Former members
- Jeanne Salje
- Dee Scadden
- Chris Smith
- Jussi Taipale
- Iva Tchasovnikarova
- Alecia-Jane Twigger
- Ross Waller
- Martin Welch
- Evgeny Zatulovskiy
- Affiliated and Associate faculty overview
- John McCafferty
- Andrew Grace
- Brian Hendrich
- Steve Jackson
- Facility Managers overview
- Dima Chirgadze
- Shilo Titus
- Katherine Stott
- Nianshu Zhang
- Emeritus faculty overview
- Tom Blundell
- Kevin Brindle overview
- Gerard Evan
- Richard Farndale
- Robin Hesketh
- Ernest Laue overview
- Laue Group website overview
- Using single cell Hi-C to study 3D genome organisation
- Single-molecule imaging to study the function of the NuRD complex
- Investigation of nucleosome remodelling by CHD4/NuRD
- Peter Leadlay
- Jim Metcalfe
- Steve Oliver
- George Salmond
- Jean Thomas
- Former faculty overview
- Philip Zegerman
- Svetlana Khoronenkova
- Alex Borodavka
- Austin Smith
- Trevor Littlewood
- Richard Jackson
- Ellen Nisbet
- Jules Griffin
- Simone Weyand
- Stephanie Jung
- Jasmin Fisher
- Nancy Standart
- Rick Livesey
- Nick Robinson
- Giorgio Favrin
- Monique Gangloff
- Hee-Jeon Hong
- Karen Lipkow
- Natasha Murzina
- Independent Research Fellowships in Biochemistry
- COVID-19 projects overview
- Modulation of host cell RNA-binding proteins through the infectious cycle of SARS-CoV-2
- Analysing the human-coronavirus RNA interactome
- COVID-19 diagnostics for Africa
- Development of multiplex serological assays for evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 immunity
- Targeting conserved RNA elements in SARS-CoV-2 for therapy
- Affinity reagents for functional neutralisation of nCoV-19
- Structural and computational biology of COVID-19
- Facilities overview
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy
- Crystallography
- DNA Sequencing
- BioPath Stores overview
- Biochemistry: Standing order request
- Library overview
- Click and Collect service
- Multimedia Lab overview
- Vehicle Pool overview
- Booking form
- Intranet overview
- Undergraduate Teaching
The Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge offers MPhil and PhD programmes across a wide range of research disciplines. As the largest Department in the School of the Biological Sciences, our students have tremendous exposure to cutting-edge research fields and technologies.
Deputy Head of Dept for Postgraduate Education
- Professor Laura Machesky
Postgraduate Admissions
School of Life Sciences
School of the Biological Sciences
Internship programme
Department of Biochemistry Hopkins Building Downing Site Tennis Court Road Cambridge CB2 1QW
Contact: [email protected]
About this site.
- Privacy policy
Connect with us
© 2024 University of Cambridge
- Contact the University
- Accessibility
- Freedom of information
- Privacy policy and cookies
- Statement on Modern Slavery
- Terms and conditions
- University A-Z
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate
- Research news
- About research at Cambridge
- Spotlight on...
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
The PhD in Biochemistry is designed to train students to be effective research scientists. In addition to developing deep knowledge of a subject area and a broader understanding of the relevant field, students will develop skills in: ... The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We ...
PhD/MPhil Biochemistry. Tackle the biggest challenges in biology, medicine and health in a world leading research environment, and prepare for your future career. Home; Study; ... PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £TBC, Low £11,500, Medium £17,500, High £23,500
Studying Biochemistry in United Kingdom is a great choice, as there are 29 universities that offer PhD degrees on our portal. Over 551,000 international students choose United Kingdom for their studies, which suggests you'll enjoy a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience and make friends from all over the world.
As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of world-class resources including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources and IT services.. The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK. It includes the main Bodleian Library and libraries across Oxford, including major research libraries and faculty, department and institute libraries.
The Department of Chemistry offers research opportunities and projects in a wide range of research themes including biological chemistry and organic synthesis, computational and theoretical chemistry, materials chemistry, magnetic resonance and structural chemistry, radiochemistry and environmental chemistry, nanoscience, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biotechnology, genetics, gene expression ...
The confirmation of the PhD programme (and the end of the probationary period) is subject to students passing an assessment process, which normally involves submission of written work and on oral examination which usually takes place 12 months after the initial registration.
Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at [email protected] to request the entry requirements for this country. English language requirements If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall, or equivalent, with a score of 5.5 in all other components.
Research in the school covers all aspects of modern biochemistry and this is reflected in the wide range of postgraduate projects available. The school has an international reputation in cell biology, and enjoys an association with the Wolfson Bioimaging Facility and GW4 high-resolution cryoEM facility, which houses the state-of-the-art light and electron microscopes.
PhD Study Research interests span the scales from molecules to organisms, including humans. We have particular Research strengths in structural and molecular biology, evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology, cell biology, development and neuroscience.
Masters and PhD programmes (by research) The Department of Biochemistry offers an MPhil programme (1 year full-time, 2 years part-time) and a PhD programme (3 to 4 years full-time, 4 to 7 years part-time). Both programmes are research-based with students undertaking a research project agreed with their Principal Investigator.