PhD/MPhil Developmental Biology / Programme details

Our PhD/MPhil Developmental Biology programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Developmental Biology.

Developmental Biology is the study of the processes by which complex organisms develop from fertilised eggs.

Research in Manchester investigates the fundamental events underlying normal development and how these are subverted in disease.

Specific interests include:

• pluripotency, cell fate specification and differentiation;
• patterning and organogenesis;
• cell signalling;
• epithelial development and morphogenesis;
• cell adhesion in development;
• the developmental role of genes involved in human diseases including epidermal, heart and craniofacial defects.

The Healing Foundation Centre investigates the cellular and molecular basis of tissue repair and regeneration.

Our research utilises a variety of model organisms including Caenorhabditis elegans, Dictyostelium, Drosophila, chick, mouse, Xenopus and zebrafish, and a diversity of state-of the-art techniques including various types of genetic analysis, transgenesis, gene targeting, expression profiling, functional genomics, proteomics, imaging, electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography.

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

PhD/MPhil programmes are based on individual research projects that last three to four years (PhD) or one to two years (MPhil), working with a specific Primary Supervisor and Co-Supervisor(s).

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Find out more about what it's like to undertake a postgraduate research degree at Manchester on the Doctoral Academy Blog and the support available through our Faculty Doctoral Academy.

You will have access to a range of  research and learning facilities  across the University and at some of our partner organisations.