Biology Newcastle University

We invite proposals for MPhil and PhD research projects in our three main research areas of biodiversity and conservation, agri-environment, and microbiology. Our PhD students play a very important role in our active research portfolio.

Ecology and conservation

Our Ecology and Conservation Research Group works to understand patterns observed in nature - species and habitats. This often includes anthropogenic effects.

We collaborate with a variety of organisations concerned with species and habitat conservation, including statutory responsibility. We work with research partners and conservation practitioners from the UK and across the globe.

Our research covers:

• genetics
• conservation
• human-wildlife interactions
• ecology

Biological, clinical and environmental systems modelling

The Biological, clinical and environmental systems modelling group focuses on analysing the structure and dynamics of complex biological and clinical systems. We have a specific interest in investigating spatially and temporally heterogeneous processes. We are driven by practical problem solving through the use of modelling.

Applied and Environmental Biology

We conduct research on organisms and processes of commercial and environmental importance. Our experimental approaches include:

• genomics
• molecular biology
• biochemistry
• physiology

Some examples of the commercial applications we develop include:

• natural products discovery
• creation of novel antimicrobials and biopesticides
• sustainable methods of reducing food spoilage
• microbes involved in biofuel production
• uses of microbes in bioremediation of polluted environments

Learn more about the Applied and Environmental Biology group.

You can find more information about staff specialisms on the School of Biology website.

We invite you to propose your own research topic, or you can follow one of the projects suggested on the School website. You will benefit from two supervisors from our research community. You are encouraged to present your research results at our annual Postgraduate conference. You'll also benefit from training in a wide range of transferable skills, such as statistics and web design, through the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) Graduate School.

Industry

The School of Biology has good contacts with industry and hosts seminars and workshops, some of which are attended by visiting professors from industry. Students have the opportunity to participate at national and international conferences and to supplement their income by undertaking undergraduate laboratory demonstrating.

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree or master's degree in a related subject, or international equivalent.

International Students

To study this course you need to meet our Band 2 English Language requirements:

Direct Entry : IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a pre-sessional English course.

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

Pre-sessional English Course Requirements

• 6 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)
• 10 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 5.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.0 in all sub-skills)

You can study a pre-sessional English course at our INTO Newcastle Centre.

You may need an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate. You'll need to get this before you can get your visa or study on this programme. We'll let you know about the ATAS requirement in your offer letter.