Biosciences and Medicine MD

• Contribute to a fast-paced area of research that’s becoming increasingly relevant to modern society
• Champion our ‘One Health, One Medicine' approach, which brings together expertise from a broad range of multidisciplinary areas
• Complete a combination of research and clinical practice over a period of two to three years (full-time) or four to six years (part-time)
• Embrace a ‘bench to bedside’ philosophy, with the potential to take part in molecular and computational studies as well as clinical trials
• Work alongside world-leading researchers who are published in established clinical academic journals, including the BMJ, Nature and The Lancet, and regularly give expert media commentaries.

Depending on your research project, you’ll likely complete a clinically orientated project to generate data that will underpin your final thesis. Some research areas will be primarily or entirely related to the analysis of existing scientific or clinical data sets; however, all projects will require some statistical analysis. Some projects will be conducted at Surrey, whereas others will involve collaboration with other institutions.

Our current students are researching topics including:

• Combining multi-omic data analysis methods to increase understanding of key diseases, such as diabetes and cancer
• Computational approaches to modelling biological systems
• Developing the molecular and physiological bases of circadian rhythms, sleep, immunity and cardiovascular disease
• Improving the detection of colorectal cancer
• Optimising perioperative support.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

You’ll have a confirmation assessment to formally review your project. If you're a full-time student, this will take place around 9-12 months into your studies or 18-24 months if you’re studying part-time. You’ll be required to submit a written report and successfully complete an oral examination.

Progress reviews

In addition to the confirmation process, you’ll have six-monthly progress reviews with your supervisors. These meetings are an opportunity to reflect on your progress, discuss successes and challenges and set targets for the next six months. These reviews will be monitored by postgraduate research directors and recorded on your student record.

You’ll also have one formal meeting with your supervisors every month and can expect to have more frequent meetings between these. The regularity of these will depend on the nature and stage of your project.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.