PhD/MPhil Cardiovascular Sciences / Programme details

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

Cardiovascular diseases are major causes of mortality and morbidity in developed and developing countries worldwide.

Our research spans five main themes:

• cardiovascular genetics and development;
• experimental cardiology;
• vascular biology/hypertension;
• stroke;
• clinical cardiovascular research;

We adopt an integrated 'bench-to-bedside' translational approach for understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for the functioning of the cardiovascular system in both health and disease.

To this end, there is a wide spectrum of research spanning clinical trials, small and large animal models of cardiovascular diseases, whole organs and tissues, cells and single molecule studies. Working together in purpose-built facilities provides for a stimulating and cutting-edge environment.

Examples of research programmes include:

• cardiac and vascular electrophysiology;
• cardiac conduction system;
• calcium and second messenger signalling in the heart and vasculature;
• heart failure and arrhythmias;
• hypertrophic signalling pathways in the heart;
• cardiovascular genetics and development;
• cellular and protein structure;
• comparative biology and mitochondrial function;
• computer modelling;
• hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes research;
• vascular biology of small and large arteries;
• angiogenesis and endothelial biology;
• stroke;
• cardiovascular imaging;
• induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) models of cardiovascular disease;
• cardiac and vascular regeneration;
• renal physiology and genetics;
• renal medicine;

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.