Overview
Newcastle University produces world-leading research in health sciences. The School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences comprises highly skilled researchers from a range of disciplines and areas of expertise. We work together to form a vibrant interdisciplinary academic community, with the ultimate goal of improving human health and wellbeing.
We take diverse approaches to understanding and improving health, from molecular biology to population health research. Our research often crosses disciplines and involves working with non-academic partners from industry, healthcare, and charity sectors.
Key areas of research include:
- interventions to help prevent or manage different chronic diseases
- understanding the biology underpinning health behaviours
- food and nutrition sustainability
- using computer technology to interpret biological data
Find out more about our research.
You will be based in one of our Research Institutes within the Faculty of Medical Science:
- Biosciences Institute
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute
- Population Health Sciences Institute
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
PhD
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
Your development
Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) 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.
Find out more about the FMS researcher development programme
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:
- Newcastle Liverpool Durham BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership
- Discovery Medicine North – MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Molecular Sciences for Medicine (MoSMed)
Your future
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.
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 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
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
PhD
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Further research experience or a master’s degree would be advantageous.
