Overview
Biomedical science explores our understanding of health, disease and ageing in human, animal and microbial systems. PhD candidates are encouraged to take an active role in the School's research community in areas of cancer cell biology, cardiovascular disease, microbiology and molecular biology.
Supervision and support
Our supervisory staff are recognised experts in their field. Their research expertise includes:
- Dr Joseph Bird - Skeletal disorders, ageing mechanisms and vascular disease
- Dr Havovi Chichger - Vascular disease and diabetes
- Dr Peter Coussons - Transglutaminase enzymes, cancer, antioxidants, catalytic antibodies, erythropoietin and rheumatoid arthritis
- Dr Clett Erridge - Innate immunity, atherosclerosis, and microbiota
- Dr Richard Jones - Macular degeneration
- Dr Linda King - Lipotoxicity and impairment of insulin signalling in type II diabetes
- Dr Helen McRobie - Melanism in the grey squirrel, mechanisms of antibiotic resistance
- Dr Chris O’Kane - DNA nanotechnology, cancer biology and pharmaceutical nanoscience
- Prof Christopher Parris - Human cancer and DNA repair
- Dr Claire Pike - Cancer, molecular biology, molecular genetics, epigenetics
- Dr Grisha Pirianov - Regulation of the inflammatory response, proinflammatory mediators, tol-like receptors, anti-inflammatory drugs
- Dr Nicholas Pugh - Platelet signalling pathways
- Dr Felicity Savage - Colonic wound healing, inflammatory bowel disease
- Dr Jim Sullivan - Ubiquitin, post-translational modification, protein trafficking
- Dr Caray Walker - Pathogenesis of bacterial animal pathogens
Where you'll research
Your faculty
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at ARU. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Where can I study?
Cambridge
Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Fees & funding
Course fees
UK students, 2024/25 (per year)
£4,786
UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)
£2,392
International students, 2024/25 (per year)
£15,900
International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)
£7,950
Bench fees
In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.
Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.
We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.
If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.
For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:
- £500
- £1,200
- £2,200
- £4,500
- £8,900
PhD by Published Work
Initial registration: £1,500
Full registration: £4,500
Writing up fees 2024/25
£1,200
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments – though you won't need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.
Funding
For advice on the Doctoral Loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers.
You might also find The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding helpful.
ARU research
ARU's academic excellence was recognised in 2021, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Sixteen areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research. The results showed that we're making a significant impact on the societies we live in.
Careers
We will thoroughly equip you for your research programme and wider career. Training includes a one-week certified training programme in tissue culture, with additional technical instruction as required. Relevant courses will be introduced as required. Students are encouraged to attend departmental seminars, as well as participate in regular meetings of PhD students and post-docs. Your knowledge of current research will be enhanced, and your ability to present your work fostered.
You will also be trained in academic research skills such as scientific writing, library use, ethics and conference presentation.
Contact details
If you're interested in finding out more about research study opportunities, please email [email protected]
Entry requirements
MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelors degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.
PhD: You’ll need a Masters degree or equivalent in a related subject area.
Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.
If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the programme as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Contact our postgraduate research degree team for more information about studying a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate at ARU.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your research programme.
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