PhD/MPhil Biotechnology / Programme details

As genome projects for animals, plants and microorganisms continue to advance, new opportunities arise that offer huge potential benefits in healthcare, agriculture and the environment through the production of new drugs, novel crops and bioremediation.

The University of Manchester is home to the UK Centre for Tissue Engineering and enjoys strong links with industry. We are well placed to exploit emerging research opportunities with industry through the purpose-built BioSciences Incubator, where companies that spin out from our basic research are located.

Research in biotechnology is diverse, and the following areas represent just a few examples:

• wound healing
• injury and repair
• cancer biology
• arthritis research
• appetite and body weight
• neurodegeneration and movement disorders
• animal cell biotechnology
• microbial pathogenicity and production of therapeutics
• biofuels
• genetic engineering of crops
• containment of transgenes in the environment
• bioremediation of terrestrial and aquatic environments
• bioinformatics

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.