Overview
Within Biomedicine PhD, MD and MPhil, we focus on exploring:
- the mechanisms of disease
- understanding how disease impacts lives
- utilising new diagnostic techniques
- utilising new therapeutic techniques
- developing new treatments
As part of the MPhil, MD and PhD Biomedicine, you’ll register with a University research institute.
You’ll have a structured programme of supervision and training. This is via our Faculty of Medical Sciences Graduate School.
Areas of research
We undertake the following areas of research and offer MPhil, PhD and MD supervision in:
Applied immunobiology (including organ and haematogenous stem cell transplantation)
Newcastle hosts one of the most comprehensive organ transplant programmes in the world. This clinical expertise has developed with the applied immunobiology and transplantation research group. We are currently investigating aspects of:
- the immunology of autoimmune diseases
- cancer therapy
- transplant rejection.
We also have themes to understand the interplay of the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. This is via responses by a variety of pathways. We also look at how these are manipulated for therapeutic purposes. A further research theme focuses on primary immunodeficiency diseases.
Dermatology
There is an emphasis on the integration of clinical investigation with basic science. Our research themes include:
- cell signalling in normal and diseased skin. This includes mechanotransduction and response to ultraviolet radiation
- dermatopharmacology including mechanisms of psoriatic plaque resolution in response to therapy
- stem cell biology and gene therapy
- regulation of apoptosis/autophagy
- non-melanoma skin cancer/melanoma biology and therapy
We also research the effects of UVR on the skin including mitochondrial DNA damage as a UV biomarker.
Diabetes
This area places emphasis on translational research. It links clinical- and laboratory-based science. Our key research themes include:
- mechanisms of insulin action and glucose homeostasis
- insulin secretion and pancreatic beta-cell function
- diabetic complications
- stem cell therapies
- genetics and epidemiology of diabetes
Diagnostic and therapeutic technologies
Our focus is on applied research and aims to underpin future clinical applications. We conduct technology-oriented and demand-driven research. This relates to health priority areas such as:
- bacterial infection
- chronic liver failure
- cardiovascular and degenerative diseases
Our research involves internal and external collaborations. We work with leading UK and European academic and industrial groups. We aim to deploy next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic systems. These are utilised in the hospital and healthcare environment.
Kidney Disease
There are various research programmes exploring:
- the genetics, immunology and physiology of kidney disease
- kidney transplantation
We maintain close links between basic scientists and clinicians. They have translational programmes of work. These span from the laboratory to first-in-man and phase III clinical trials. Specific areas of interest include:
- haemolytic uraemic syndrome
- renal inflammation and fibrosis
- the immunology of transplant rejection
- tubular disease
- cystic kidney disease
The liver
We have particular interests in:
- primary biliary cirrhosis (epidemiology, immunobiology and genetics)
- alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- fibrosis
- the genetics of other autoimmune and viral liver diseases
Magnetic Resonance (MR), spectroscopy and imaging in clinical research
Novel non-invasive methodologies using magnetic resonance applied to clinical research. Our research falls into two categories:
- MR physics projects involve the development and testing of new MR techniques. They make quantitative measurements of physiological properties using a safe, repeatable MR scan.
- Clinical research projects involve the application of these novel biomarkers. They aid the investigation of human health and disease.
Our studies cover a broad range of topics including:
- diabetes
- dementia
- neuroscience
- hepatology
- cardiovascular
- neuromuscular disease
- metabolism
- respiratory research
They have a common theme of MR technical development. They explore the application to clinical research.
Musculoskeletal disease (including auto-immune arthritis)
We focus on connective tissue diseases in three, overlapping research programmes. These programmes aim to understand:
- what causes the destruction of joints (cell signalling, injury and repair)
- how cells in the joints respond when losing tissue (cellular interactions)
- whether we can alter the immune system and ‘switch off’ auto-immune disease. This includes targeted therapies and diagnostics
This research theme links with other local, national and international centres of excellence. It has close integration of basic and clinical researchers. It hosts the only immunotherapy centre in the UK.
Pharmacogenomics (including complex disease genetics)
Genetic approaches to the individualisation of drug therapy are a focus, including:
- anticoagulants and anti-cancer drugs
- the genetics of diverse non-Mendelian diseases, from diabetes to periodontal disease
We utilise a wide range of knowledge and experience. This is in both genetics and clinical sciences. We have access to high-throughput genotyping platforms.
Reproductive and vascular biology
Our scientists and clinicians use:
- in situ cellular technologies
- large-scale gene expression profiling.
We study the normal and pathophysiological remodelling of vascular and uteroplacental tissues. We developed a novel approach to cellular interactions. They use a unique human tissue resource. Our research themes include:
- the regulation of trophoblast and uNk cells
- transcriptional and post-translational features of uterine function
- cardiac and vascular remodelling in pregnancy
We also have preclinical molecular biology projects in breast cancer research.
Respiratory disease
We conduct a broad range of research activities into acute and chronic lung diseases. We conduct scientific studies into disease mechanisms. There is also a particular interest in translational medicine approaches to lung disease. This means studying human lung tissue and cells. We use this to explore the potential for new treatments. Our current areas of research include:
- acute lung injury – lung infections
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- fibrotic disease of the lung, both before and after lung transplantation
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics
Our research projects address the harmful effects of chemicals. This includes prescribed drugs. We look to find ways to prevent and minimise these effects. We are attempting to measure the effects of small amounts of chemicals. This is to provide ways of giving early warning of the start of harmful effects. We also study the adverse side effects of medicines. We explore how liver disease and heart disease can develop in people who take medicines. They may be taking these for completely different medical conditions. Our current interests include:
- environmental chemicals
- organophosphate pesticides
- warfarin
- psychiatric drugs
- anti-cancer drugs
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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.
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
MD – Doctor of Medicine
An MD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It combines your research findings with clinical practice. To complete the MD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. For professionally qualified doctors, an MD (Doctor of Medicine) is awarded. 
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
How you’ll learn
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
Your development
Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS)Â researcher development programmeÂ
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 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 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
