Biosciences and Medicine PhD

• 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 and collaboration with national and international partners
• Complete research over a period of four years (full-time) or eight 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 Surrey’s world-leading researchers who are published in top academic journals, including Nature and The Lancet and regularly give expert media commentaries.

Our PhD in Biosciences and Medicine will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of your chosen research area. Throughout the programme, you’ll enhance your laboratory and analytical skills, acquire a general awareness of contemporary biomedical research, and hone your ability to solve academic and practical problems.

Depending on your research project, you’ll most likely complete extensive laboratory work 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 entirely conducted at Surrey, whereas others will involve collaboration with UK-based or international 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
• Defining the nutritional value of micro- and macro-nutrients
• Discerning host-pathogen (viruses and bacteria) interactions in health and disease
• Dissecting the molecular basis of and innovative ways to treat cancer, especially of the prostate
• Improving disease surveillance and health outcome measurements.

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 12-15 months into your studies or 24-30 months if you’re studying part-time. You’ll be required to submit a written report and successfully complete an oral examination.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which you will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners

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.