Biotechnology (Medical Sciences) Newcastle University

Research in Biotechnology (Medical Sciences) at Newcastle spans the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) and the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE). We invite proposals for MPhil and PhD projects in biotechnology across the fields of medical sciences, biological, agricultural and environmental sciences, and marine science and technology.

We offer MPhil and PhD supervision in the following research areas:

Medical sciences

In medical sciences our research focuses on translational medicine, from drug discovery and development to effective product commercialisation and process optimisation. Our key areas are:

• the development of drugs for the treatment of cancer and psychiatric disorders
• novel antibiotic innovation
• design and development of integrated electrochemical and bio-microelectromechanical (bio-MEMS) sensors for application to point-of-care diagnosis of disease processes and sensor technologies for real-time, high content intracellular analysis using polymer-based nanosensor systems

Biological, agricultural and environmental sciences

In biological, agricultural and environmental sciences our research focuses on:

• the search and discovery of commercially significant natural products
• the production of crops with novel traits
• the fundamental role played by micro-organisms in the turnover of pollutants and the production of high value novel compounds, including pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

Marine science and technology

Our work has led to pioneering advancements in developing novel antibiotics and omega-3 oils from plankton. We also explore the industrial applications of marine organisms such as the development of environmentally friendly antifouling coatings.

Research Degree Training and Skills Development

Depending on your specific area of research, our Medical Sciences Graduate School or Science, Agriculture and Engineering Graduate School will provide you with a comprehensive research training programme. This includes training in professional skills and research techniques, and support for personal development. They each have a thriving postgraduate research culture, with additional support for international students.

See How to Apply tab in the Programme information in our online Prospectus for full information.

Entry requirements

MPhil

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a science or medicine related subject.

PhD

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in the above subjects plus further research experience and/or a further qualification such as an MRes.

International Students

MPhil and PhD in Biotechnology (Medical Sciences)

To study these courses you need to meet the following English Language requirements:

IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills).

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.

MPhil and PhD in Biotechnology (Biological, Agricultural, Environmental Sciences and Marine Science and Technology)

To study these courses 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 one of the following Pre-sessional English Language courses.

• 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 our Pre-sessional English Language courses at INTO Newcastle University Centre.

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.