Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology PhD

UK

3

What will I learn?

Research overview

Your research degree is bespoke at the University of Nottingham, and allows you to choose your own area of interest to research, under the title of your choosing.

Our Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology grouping is made up of the following available PhD and MRes courses:

Synthetic Biology

Biotechnology

Our supervisors in the school are at the forefront of research in their fields. Utilising industry standard facilities, along with cutting edge equipment, and the guidance of our supervisors, you will advance the area of life sciences that interests you.

Your degree and research area is bespoke to you and you should contact a supervisor to discuss your proposed research further.

Post-graduate Community

Here in the School of Life Sciences we’re committed to supporting our students’ wellbeing to ensure that your experience studying with us is the best it can be. Whether you’re studying silk-weaving spiders or looking for new ways to fight infection, we want all of our students to feel part of our vibrant and diverse research community.

There are loads of opportunities to meet your fellow researchers and get involved with student activities and projects during your time at the University of Nottingham including:

Monthly social trips - Attenborough Nature Reserve, Nottingham Ice Skating Arena, Yoga Retreats, and more

  • Pint of Science
  • PubhD
  • Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity
  • University of the Third Age
  • (U3A)

  • Wonder
  • Careers

    Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided,

  • we’re here to support you every step of the way.
  • Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

    International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the

  • Graduate immigration route
  • . Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

    Which department am I in?

    University of Nottingham

    Study options

    Full Time (3 years)

    Tuition fees
    £22,600.00 (24,62,410) per year
    PhD: £22,600 for low-cost, £30,200 for lab-based, £35,750 for high-cost lab-based or £41,000 for exceptional technically intensive or specialised projects with high consumable costs.

    This is a fixed fee

    *Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

    Start date

    October 2025

    Venue

    Queen's Medical Centre

    Nottingham Education Centre,

    NOTTINGHAM,

    NG7 2HA, CENTRAL ENGLAND, England

    Full Time (3 years)

    Tuition fees
    £22,600.00 (24,62,410) per year
    PhD: £22,600 for low-cost, £30,200 for lab-based, £35,750 for high-cost lab-based or £41,000 for exceptional technically intensive or specialised projects with high consumable costs.

    This is a fixed fee

    *Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

    Start date

    October 2025

    Venue

    University Park Campus

    University Park,

    Nottingham,

    Nottinghamshire,

    NG7 2RD, CENTRAL ENGLAND, United Kingdom

    Entry requirements

    For international students

    British Honours degree at least 2:1 or equivalent. Applicants currently studying Masters in the UK will be accepted with a minimum average of 60% (Merit) in taught elements, if they have a 2:1 or equivalent at undergraduate level. IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element) as a minimum Except all Virology programs, which requires IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.5 in any element) as a minimum. TOEFL (IBT): 90 (minimum 19 in writing and listening, 20 in reading and 22 in speaking)

    *There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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    About University of Nottingham

    Students can discover a world of extraordinary learning, pioneering research and life-changing experiences at Nottingham, a leading global university.

    • Top 20 UK University (QS World University Rankings 2025)
    • Top 50 globally for Education (QS Subject 2025)
    • Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework
    • Outstanding careers support and opportunities