PhD/MPhil Endocrinology & Diabetes

Attending an open day is a great way to find out what undertaking postgraduate research at Manchester is like. Find out about our  upcoming open days .

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our website . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January 2022 entry: 31 October 2021
• April 2022 entry: 15 January 2022
• September 2022 entry: 15 June 2022

In addition to the formal online application, candidates should send all supporting documents (CV, transcripts, certificates, confirmation of funding, English language ability (if applicable) and a personal statement).

About the personal statement   

We recommend that your personal statement summarises:

• any research experience and your interests;
• your motivation for postgraduate research study;
• why you want to do a postgraduate research degree in Manchester;
• your career development to date;
• your future career plans;
• other supporting information: recent publications if any or other research training and experience;

If you have completed a research project during your undergraduate/master's study, please give a short description of the work you undertook, including the following details:

• the research problem
• your key findings
• techniques acquired and skills learned

This information is especially important for applicants from overseas, so we can fully assess your practical background and experience alongside your academic qualifications. Failure to include this information may delay the processing of your application.

See further guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application  on our website  .

Our PhD/MPhil Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Endocrinology and Diabetes.

Endocrinology is the study of hormones: chemical messengers secreted into the bloodstream by specialised cells from particular tissues and organs.  Every cell in the body is under hormonal regulation. Hormone action can also be autocrine (the same cell) or paracrine (neighbouring cells) making growth factors and many cytokines part of endocrinology. The goal for clinical endocrinology is to improve care for patients with disorders of the hormone-secreting organs or defective hormone action on target cells.

Diabetes is defined by a failure to control circulating glucose levels within set limits due to inadequate amounts and/or action of the hormone insulin. Insulin is secreted from the beta-cells of the pancreatic islets and regulates much of the body's metabolism, not just glucose levels. Cellular damage due to long-term diabetes affects many organs and tissues including the eyes, kidneys, nerves and the heart.  Because of this complexity and importance, diabetes has grown into its own specialty alongside endocrinology. Our principal investigator-led research spans discovery science in the laboratory translated through to internationally-funded clinical trials and innovative new treatment strategies, such as islet transplantation. 

Research activities within this programme run from fundamental basic research through to clinical translation and patient based research. An integrated 'bench-to-bedside' translational approach is essential for understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for regulating our physiology in both health and disease.  Working together in purpose-built facilities provides for a stimulating and cutting-edge environment.

Research within this programme is focused on the following themes:

Biological Timing - Our internal body (circadian) clock is essential in regulating most aspects of our physiology and behaviour. The University of Manchester has one of the largest group of circadian biologists in Europe, housed within the Centre for Biological Timing (CfBT).  Example research programmes include: molecular mechanisms within the body clock; the impact of light, environment and behaviour on our body clock, health, and wellbeing; circadian control of metabolism, inflammation and behaviour.

Endocrinology and Diabetes - We have active research programmes across endocrinology, including energy metabolism, diabetes complications, epidemiology, human development, and the interplay between circadian rhythms and the endocrine system. Work across our grouping employs a variety of approaches including cell biology, pre-clinical model organisms of behaviour, and human studies ranging from experimental medicine to large-scale cohort analysis.

Gastroenterology and nutrition - Research activities extend from understanding basic physiology and mechanisms of gut and liver disease, through to innovations in investigation and treatment. Key research areas are neurogastroenterology, inflammatory bowel disease, liver fibrosis and clinical nutrition. We adopt multidisciplinary approaches from basic model systems through to clinical studies and interventional trials.

Metabolism and obesity - We are also interested in the brain and how it regulates appetite, blood glucose levels, body weight and energy expenditure.  An understanding of these systems may allow them to be manipulated in the future to control metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes.

Molecular and cellular physiology - We have active interests across physiology, including the extracellular homeostasis, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying fibrotic disease, as well as sensing of calcium, glucose, fatty acids, ions and other fundamental nutrients, both in health and disease.   We employ a variety of in vitro and in vivo approaches, including bioimaging, and advanced molecular and functional techniques to address a range of metabolic questions.

Training and development

All of our postgraduate research students attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Centre for Academic and Researcher Development (CARD).

The programme provides key transferable skills in areas such as commercial awareness, academic writing and public engagement. This training equips our postgraduates 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.

See the  training and development  page for more information.

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 study at Manchester on the   Doctoral Academy Blog .

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

Your postgraduate research degree will open up a range of career opportunities after you graduate. Find out more on the  Careers  page.