PhD/MPhil Bioinformatics / Programme details

Our PhD/MPhil Bioinformatics programme enables you to undertake a research project that offers training in state-of-the-art computational approaches to study an aspect of biological and/or biomedical science.

Manchester is a leading centre for bioinformatics and computational biology, with one of the largest concentrations of academic groups in any UK higher education institute.

Biology is increasingly becoming a more digital science that generates large volumes of complex data, requiring allied informatics skills to process, analyse and store the information generated, leading to better interpretation of biological function, and potentially novel predictions. This can be used in both biology and clinical settings, for prediction of gene function in biological processes as well as in diagnostics and prognostics linked to disease.

This growth in the area has, in the main, been driven by the expansion of genomic and post-genomic technologies (e.g. next generation sequencing and allied 'omics) that generate high volumes of sequence and gene expression information, for example for the human 100,000 genomes project.

Incresingly, this can also involve spatial and temporal information such as imaging data, as well as recent developments in protein structure prediction. By integrating such data sources including evolutionary, environmental, text-mining and more, new understanding and discoveries can be made which place bioinformatics at the core of modern bioscience research.

We cover the full range of skills and expertise across an exciting portfolio of research topics, ranging from sequence analysis of nucleotides and proteins, through to integrated systems biology and mathematical modelling and machine learning.

We analyse data and generate tools linked to topics such as noncoding gene function, transcriptional networks, systems biology of cancer, antimicrobial resistance, protein folding and aggregation, quantitative proteomics and metabolomics in organisms ranging from viruses, microbes and model organisms to man. This often involves informatics approaches to help close the genotype-phenotype gap - i.e. why does varying at the genetic level lead to a particular change in phenotype, such as genetic disease. 

Bioinformatics postgraduate research students also often form part of highly collaborative and multidisciplinary teams tackling major problems in biomedical science, offering opportunities to work closely with experimental colleagues in a mutually supportive environment.

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.