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    • Self-funded research projects
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Self-funded research 

Self-funded research opportunities are available for MSc by Research (1-year research programme), MPhil (2-year research programmes) and PhD (3-year research programme). 

Entry requirements

We welcome applications if you have, or expect to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, in biosciences.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. For more information see our Postgraduate English language requirements.

Projects

We offer a wide range of self-funded research projects across the whole spectrum of modern biology, from molecular genetics and biochemistry to ecology and evolution.

Prior to submitting an application, please try to identify a research project of your interest and email a two-page academic CV along with a brief supporting statement explaining why you are interested in the project, to the appropriate academic member of staff for discussion. Contact details for the relevant academic staff can be found on each project description.

Proposing your own research project

If you would like to propose your own research project, we would love to hear from you. Most supervisors will be happy to work with you to devise a project that can encompass your own research interest whilst still fitting in with the direction of their own research group.

Prior to submitting an application, please email a two-page academic CV along with a brief supporting statement about your proposed research project, to an appropriate academic member of staff for discussion. Explore the areas of research in the Department of Biology and find the contact details for the academic members of staff.

Applying

Projects developed by the department

To submit your application, please click on the 'APPLY ONLINE' button inside the project description. This will take you to the University's Online Application Service. Choose between the Biology PhD and Biology (by research) as agreed with the project supervisor. Then select either '2022 October, Full Time' or '2022 October, Part Time' as your start date, unless an alternative start month has been agreed with the project supervisor, and then click on the 'Start application' button. It is very important that you write the title of the project you are applying to and the names of the project supervisors. If you decide to apply for more than one project (maximum three), please number them in order of preference.

After you have applied, your potential supervisor will assess your application and all the relevant documents, including two academic references. If your application is strong enough, you will be invited for an interview either in person or by video. As part of the interview process, you will usually be expected to make a 10-minute presentation on a recent piece of research conducted by you. The interview panel will consist of your potential supervisor and an independent academic. After the interview, your potential supervisor will inform you whether or not your application will be forwarded to our Biology Research Admissions Committee (RAC) for official approval. RAC will check whether you have appropriate qualifications and background to undertake research study in our Department, and that satisfactory arrangements are in place for supervision. Applicants offered places must fulfill all entry requirements for the uptake of their place by the time the course starts.

Your own proposed research project

To submit your application, please click on the appropriate programme you would like to study: MSc by Research, MPhil or PhD.
This will take you to the University's Online Application Service. Please select either '2022 October, Full Time' or '2022 October, Part Time' as your start date, unless an alternative start month has been agreed with the project supervisor, and then click on the 'Start application' button.

After you have applied, your potential supervisor will assess your application and all the relevant documents, including two academic references. If your application is strong enough, you will be invited for an interview either in person or by video. As part of the interview process, you will usually be expected to make a 10-minute presentation on a recent piece of research conducted by you. The interview panel will consist of your potential supervisor and an independent academic. After the interview, your potential supervisor will inform you whether or not your application will be forwarded to our Biology Research Admissions Committee (RAC) for official approval. RAC will check whether you have appropriate qualifications and background to undertake research study in our Department, and that satisfactory arrangements are in place for supervision. Applicants offered places must fulfill all entry requirements for the uptake of their place by the time the course starts.