The School of Biological and Medical Sciences at Oxford Brookes University offers MPhil, PhD, and Masters by Research degrees, providing a vibrant and supportive research environment. With approximately 40 research students, the department delivers a structured training program across Cell and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, and Environmental Biology. Students benefit from close partnerships with hospitals and local industry, with opportunities for research placements or work in the department's advanced laboratories. The program welcomes applications for projects aligned with its core research themes: Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, and Environmental Biology. Both full-time and part-time study options are available, accommodating students in employment who wish to integrate their research with their professional work. The university also periodically advertises funded studentships.
The program's training is designed to foster excellence in research, preparing graduates for a variety of career paths. Many alumni pursue postdoctoral research positions, demonstrating the program's success in developing future researchers. For students whose long-term goals are outside academia, the university provides support in identifying suitable employment sectors and developing the necessary skills. Oxford Brookes aims to maintain strong connections with its alumni, supporting their career development beyond graduation.
All students must be able to dedicate a minimum of 35 hours per week (full-time) or 15 hours per week (part-time) to their research program. Applications from those with qualifications other than the above will be considered on their individual merits and proposed research scope, requiring two academic referees.
Living costs are estimates and depend on individual choices and lifestyle. University halls of residence offer self-catered rooms with utilities included, while private shared housing may incur additional utility bills. The university offers Student Money Advisers for budgeting and financial support.
For direct PhD entry, you typically need a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with research training and a project. In exceptional cases, a strong first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree with relevant research experience and publications may be considered. You will also need to demonstrate English language proficiency, usually with an IELTS Academic score of 6.5-7.0 overall, with at least 6.0 in each component.
International tuition fees are available by contacting hlsapplications@brookes.ac.uk or checking the university's website. Estimated annual living costs range from £16,796 to £22,256, covering accommodation, food, and other personal expenses.
The programme offers both full-time and part-time study options. Specific duration details are not provided but should be discussed during the application process.
The programme focuses on core research themes including Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, and Environmental Biology. You are encouraged to align your research interests with these themes and identify potential supervisors.
The application process involves an initial enquiry via email to hlsapplications@brookes.ac.uk, submitting your CV and a brief outline of your research interests. It is recommended to allow at least four months between application submission and your desired start date.
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in research, with many pursuing postdoctoral research positions. The university also offers support for students seeking employment outside academia.