ASTON UNIVERSITY · UNITED KINGDOM
PhD - Health and Life Sciences
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€26k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- TEF GoldTeaching Excellence Framework
- Specialist facilitiesAccess to industry-standard labs
- Leading academicsLearn from experts in their fields
- Supportive communityMultidisciplinary research environment
Embark on a world-leading research journey with a PhD in Health and Life Sciences at Aston University, Birmingham. This program is designed for individuals eager to delve deep into a specific research area, make an original contribution to knowledge, and develop essential lifelong research skills. You will become part of a supportive and diverse community that champions multidisciplinary approaches to original research, benefiting from excellent facilities and expert guidance. At Aston, you'll find comprehensive support from your supervisory team and the broader research community, including the Aston University Graduate School. This ensures you have the resources and environment needed to develop into a leading researcher in your chosen field, with opportunities for both funded and self-funded projects across a range of specialisms from biomedical sciences to neuroscience.
Careers
A PhD in Health and Life Sciences from Aston University prepares you for high-level careers in academia and research-intensive industries. Beyond specialist knowledge, you will develop invaluable transferable skills such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, teamwork, and advanced communication, all highly sought after in diverse professional settings.
- Academic Researcher
- Healthcare Professional (research-focused)
- Industry Researcher
- Research Scientist
- Policy Analyst (research organizations)
- Charitable Sector Researcher
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Health and Life Sciences?
- You typically need a First or Upper Second Class award in a relevant undergraduate degree. For a Masters degree, a Merit or Distinction is required, alongside a First or Upper Second Class undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.
- What is the tuition fee for international students for this PhD programme?
- The tuition fee for international students is £22,950 per year for the 2026/27 academic year.
- How do I apply for this PhD programme?
- You need to complete the online application form. If you are self-funding and proposing your own project, you must reach out to academic research groups first. For funded studentships, check the Aston University Graduate School website for adverts.
- What are the English language requirements for international applicants?
- International applicants generally need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any band.
- Are there any scholarships available for this PhD?
- Aston University offers its own scholarships, and there are also fully or partially funded studentships available through Doctoral Training Partnerships like BBSRC MIBTP and ESRC DTP.
- What are the application and offer acceptance deadlines?
- The final application deadline for international students requiring a visa is TBC for the October 2026 intake. The deadline to accept your offer, including any deposit, will be specified in your offer letter and varies by application date.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA First or Upper Second Class award in a relevant subject.
Undergraduate and Masters DegreeA First or Upper Second Class award in an undergraduate degree and a Merit or Distinction in a Masters degree, both in a relevant subject.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in any band)
Qualifications from overseas institutions will be considered for equivalence.
Fees
Tuition (international)£22,950 per year (2026/27)
Tuition (home)£5,238 per year (2026/27)
Living—
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation (Retail Price Index). UK students may be eligible for a non-means tested Doctoral Loan.
How to apply
1. Access the Online Application FormUse the 'Select Online Application Form' link provided on the course page to open the application portal. Then click 'Apply for selected Degree Programme'.
2. Complete the ApplicationFill out all required sections of the online application form.
3. Propose a Project (Self-funded)If proposing your own project, reach out to academic research groups or individual researchers to discuss project availability. You will need to submit a research proposal for consideration, which must be agreed upon with your potential supervisor.
4. Apply for Funded StudentshipsFor fully or partially funded studentships, refer to the adverts on the Aston University Graduate School website, which include full project details.
5. Meet English Language RequirementsIf you are from a non-majority English-speaking country, ensure you meet the university's English language proficiency requirements, typically an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in any band).
6. Submit Required DocumentsPrepare and submit all necessary supporting documents, which typically include academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, a research proposal (if self-proposing), and references.
7. Accept Your OfferIf successful, you will receive an offer letter detailing your deadline to accept the offer and pay any required deposit. This deadline varies based on your application date.
8. Meet Offer Conditions and Visa ApplicationThe final deadline to meet all offer conditions will align with the CAS Shield submission deadlines, which vary by course and country. International students requiring a visa for study in the UK must ensure they meet these deadlines.
Scholarships
Aston University ScholarshipsVaries (to lower tuition and living costs)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP)Fully or partially funded
Midlands Graduate School (MGS) ESRC DTPFully or partially funded
Aston-Deakin Cotutelle PhD Program (IHN)Fully or partially funded
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Health and Life Sciences?
+
You typically need a First or Upper Second Class award in a relevant undergraduate degree. For a Masters degree, a Merit or Distinction is required, alongside a First or Upper Second Class undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.
What is the tuition fee for international students for this PhD programme?
+
The tuition fee for international students is £22,950 per year for the 2026/27 academic year.
How do I apply for this PhD programme?
+
You need to complete the online application form. If you are self-funding and proposing your own project, you must reach out to academic research groups first. For funded studentships, check the Aston University Graduate School website for adverts.
What are the English language requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants generally need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any band.
Are there any scholarships available for this PhD?
+
Aston University offers its own scholarships, and there are also fully or partially funded studentships available through Doctoral Training Partnerships like BBSRC MIBTP and ESRC DTP.
What are the application and offer acceptance deadlines?
+
The final application deadline for international students requiring a visa is TBC for the October 2026 intake. The deadline to accept your offer, including any deposit, will be specified in your offer letter and varies by application date.