PhD/MPhil Genetics / Programme details

Year of entry: 2024

Programme description

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

Geneticists seek to understand how biological information is replicated, transmitted or altered and how this affects organism phenotypes, populations and evolution. Modern technologies and quantitative approaches are used to study both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Projects in molecular genetics and genomics focus on how genes are organised and regulated to determine phenotypes. Transmission genetics covers how genes are transmitted and expressed from generation to generation, while studies in evolutionary and population genetics aim to understand how genes behave and change between populations over time. 

Areas of study include:

  • molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression;
  • genetic disorders;
  • developmental genetics;
  • genome organisation;
  • chromosome structure;
  • reproduction;
  • behavioural genetics;
  • population and quantitative biology;
  • ecological and evolutionary genetics;
  • mathematical models of inheritance and evolution;

Special features

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.

Teaching and learning

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.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas.

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the funded programmes and funding opportunities pages.

What our students say

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.

Facilities

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

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk