Overview
Lancaster’s PhD programmes in Biomedical and Life Sciences bring students from all over the world to our world-class research facilities. Over a three or four-year period you will develop and execute a significant body of research in your chosen field of biomedical science that will contribute to the development of new knowledge.
Areas of PhD research fall within, but are not limited to, the diverse biomedical portfolio of our academic staff - global health, cancer biology, diseases of the brain, infectious disease, drug discovery and biomedical ethics.
Working under the supervision of world-leading, research-active supervisors, you will be encouraged to contribute substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches as you pursue research in your chosen field at an advanced level.
You will enjoy the autonomy to pursue an independent research project whilst acquiring a substantial body of knowledge, placing yourself at the forefront of an academic discipline.
You will become a competent researcher, equipped with advanced technical skills and the ability to take responsibility for decisions made in complex and unpredictable situations.
Our programme benefits from a dual focus: on your research, and on you and your development as an effective researcher. This means that whilst your technical abilities will be honed throughout the extended period of study, we will also strive to instil in you a respect for intellectual integrity, a robust ethical approach and an appreciation of scholarship.
These attributes are invaluable in forging lasting relationships within both academia and industry, enabling you to co-operate and collaborate with professionals and academics alike.
Our graduates develop the confidence and competence that opens doors to careers in the NHS, industry, government and science communication. Your skills in advanced research, project planning and management, critical analysis and evaluation, and your ability to communicate with specialist and non-specialist audiences, help you to gain a competitive edge in the employment marketplace.
Please contact one of our research team leaders whose interests align with your own to discuss the proposed focus of your research undertaking. Alternatively, for more general enquiries or if you are unsure about your preferred area of research, please contact the Department.
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
Additional Requirements
As part of your application you will also need to provide a viable research proposal. Guidance can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 5.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The tuition fee for students with home fee status is set in line with the standard fee stipend provided by the UK Research Councils. The fee stipend for 2024/25 has not been set. For reference the fee stipend for 2023/24 was full-time £4,712, part-time £2,356.
The international fee for new entrants in 2024/25 is full-time £26,490, part-time £13,245.
Depending on the nature of the research project, an additional programme cost may be charged. This additional fee will contribute towards the costs incurred on specific research projects. These costs could include purchasing specialist consumables, equipment access charges, fieldwork expenses and payments for transcription/translation services. Normally any additional charge will not exceed a maximum of £9,720 but this could be increased in exceptional circumstances.
Applicants will be notified of any specific additional programme cost when the offer of a place is made.
-
Additional costs
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
-
Application fees and tuition fee deposits
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
-
What is my fee status?
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
-
Fees in subsequent years
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and bursaries
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.
| Scheme | Based on | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Based on {{item.eligibility_basis}} | Amount {{item.amount}} |
We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
Why Lancaster?
-
League tables and reputation
A highly-ranked university with a global reputation.
-
Colleges and community
Your college will be your home away from home.
-
Careers and employability
Career support for our students through university and beyond.
-
Student life
Lancaster has so much to offer. On our campus, in our city and in our community, you’ll find your place – whoever you are.
-
Where is Lancaster?
Lancaster is easy to get to and surrounded by natural beauty.
-
The campus and the city
Our campus and the surrounding area is a great place to call home.
-
Your global experience
Build your global community on campus and around the world.
-
Wellbeing and support
Services to help you fulfil your potential at Lancaster.
