Overview
Join us for your MPhil or PhD in Biology. Our research-active academic staff will support you. Supervision is available in a number of research areas.
Our biology research has a focus on understanding biological and ecological systems. We’re using our findings to solve global problems.
Ecology and conservation
Our Ecology and Conservation Research group works to understand patterns observed in nature – species and habitats. This often includes anthropogenic effects.
We collaborate with a variety of organisations concerned with species and habitat conservation, including statutory responsibility. We work with research partners and conservation practitioners from the UK and across the globe.
Our research covers:
- genetics
- conservation
- human-wildlife interactions
- ecology
Biological, clinical and environmental systems modelling
The Modelling, Evidence and Policy group focuses on analysing the structure and dynamics of complex biological and clinical systems. We have a specific interest in investigating spatially and temporally heterogeneous processes in biology. We are driven by practical problem-solving through the use of modelling.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
MPhil – Master of Philosophy
An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 – 50,000 word thesis.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.
PhD – doctor of Philosophy
A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
How you’ll learn
Delivery and teaching methods
You’ll benefit from two supervisors from our research community. You’re encouraged to present your research results at our annual Postgraduate conference.
You’ll also benefit from training in a wide range of transferable skills, such as statistics and web design, through the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) Graduate School.
Assessment methods
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Thesis
- Viva
Additional assessment information
We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.
Postgraduate research student support
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Find out more about our postgraduate research student support
Our staff
You can find more information about staff specialisms on the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences website.
Your development
Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.
You’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
Doctoral training and partnerships
There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:
- Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
- Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:
- they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
- you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
- they’re often interdisciplinary
- your PhD may be funded
If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.
The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:
- EPSRC Aura Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy and the Environment
- IAPETUS2 Doctoral Training Partnership
- Discovery Medicine North – MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Molecular Sciences for Medicine (MoSMed)
- ONE Planet Doctoral Training Partnership
Your future
Industry links
The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences has good contacts with industry. We host seminars and workshops, some of which are attended by visiting professors from industry.
Biology PhD students have the opportunity to participate in national and international conferences. You can supplement your income by undertaking undergraduate laboratory demonstrating.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 110 for Biological Sciences – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 125 for Life Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 90 for Life Sciences and Medicine – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree or master’s degree in a related subject, or international equivalent.
