Overview
Biosciences research encompasses over 100 different research groups. It brings together biochemists, bioengineers, and cellular, molecular, systems and computational biologists. Together they form a vibrant multi-disciplinary community. Our research in fundamental biology drives forward mechanistic understanding of human diseases with the ultimate goal of improving human health.
We offer MPhil, PhD and MD supervision in a wide variety of research areas including:
- cell division & signalling
- chromosomes and genome instability
- gene expression, epigenetics and chromatin
- RNA biology and protein translation
- technology and drug development
- molecular and human genetics and genomics
- molecular microbiology, metabolomics and antimicrobial resistance
- host-pathogen interactions
- microbiota
- fungal microbiology
- biochemistry and structural biology
- bioinformatics
- neuroscience
- immunity and inflammation
- cancer biology
- ageing and geroscience
- animal and human behaviour
- stem cell biology
- tissue engineering
- epithelial physiology and disease
- mitochondrial biology and disease
- sensory, perceptive and cognitive neurology
- developmental biology and genetics
- proteomics
- comparative and evolutionary genomics
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) 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:
- Discovery Medicine North – MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Molecular Sciences for Medicine (MoSMed)
- Sustainable Electric Propulsion Centre for Doctoral Training
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 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Facilities
Our facilities include:
- cell imaging
- high throughput technologies
- bioinformatics and proteomics
- transcriptomics and X-ray crystallography
- proteomics and biological mass spectrometry
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
MPhil
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a science or medicine related subject.
PhD
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Further research experience or a master’s degree would be advantageous.
MD
A MBBS, or an equivalent medical degree.
