Cancer and Genomic Sciences PhD / MSc (Res)

The programme will provide training in the latest technologies within a highly collaborative environment enabling you to develop your own research project and contribute towards cutting-edge research that will facilitate your development and progression as a scientist. 

Course Structure

Studying in the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences means joining a vibrant community of 100 postgraduate research students covering a diverse range of topics including:

• Molecular Cancer Cell Biology
• Genomics and Genome Biology
• Genetics and Biology of Rare Diseases
• Bioinformatics & Health Data Science

By studying this programme you’ll become part of the Graduate School within the College of Medicine and Health giving you access to:

• Supervision from leading academics to support you through your research programme including research techniques and training.
• Training and development courses to enable you to gain research and transferable training skills
• Opportunities to attend and take part in Research Poster festivals and other postgraduate activities to boost your academic and networking skills.
• An allocated academic mentor so you can access pastoral support.
• State-of-the art facilities to support a range of teaching, learning and research activity with access to dedicated write up rooms, libraries, and computer facilities.

The Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences holds an annual Festival of Research for its PGR students. The Festival is an opportunity for you to communicate your work and participate in scientific discussion in an informal, friendly environment with your peers and find out about the work being performed in the Department. Prizes are awarded to the best presentations for conference attendance. 

Our PGR students are core to the research effort within the Department and are integrated fully into all academic facets of the Department. As such our students contribute towards collaborative research projects, the internal/external seminar programme, as well as Departmental away days and management. 

You’ll become part of the wider University of Birmingham postgraduate research community located at Westmere House where you have access to training and skills development, careers and employability advice, wellbeing and counselling services as well as welcome activities and events.

• Supervision - You’ll benefit from support and guidance from a supervisor related to your research area.
• Research support - Access to latest technologies and to dedicated write up rooms, libraries, and computer facilities.
• Publishing works - Build your reputation and make your research public, by working with your supervisors to publish articles.

If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded although scholarships are available.

Find a supervisor

If you’d rather propose your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.

When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the PhD programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.

Find an Advertised PhD

Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.

Research proposal

If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.

You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.

Genome Structure and Regulation

The study of gene regulation and epigenetics interfaces with cancer cell and stem cell biology, viral oncology (EBV and HPV), development and genome biology. Both functional genomics and high throughput methods are used to determine how genetic abnormalities unravel the complex regulatory networks that underlie cancer and normal development. At the same time, gene regulatory mechanisms that control the normal development and differentiation of stem cells are investigated. 

DNA Replication, Stability and Repair

This research focuses on defining the normal mechanisms of DNA replication and repair, with the aim of understanding how it is deregulated in cancer cells. Maintaining the integrity of our DNA is central to preventing and treating cancer. Mutations in genes that control cell growth can initiate cancer whereas mutations in genes that repair DNA can lead to further mutations in other genes that promote cancer. 

Translational Biology and Genetics

We're investigating the mechanisms by which cancer mutations deregulate the normal processes of cellular function and growth. We use genome-wide profiling to screen different classes of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, for potential mutations and biomarkers. We study how cancer evolves, and are developing better molecular and cellular cancer models for designing and testing new therapies.

Bioinformatics & Health Data Science

We're a multidisciplinary group with diverse expertise, backgrounds and skills ranging from biology, genetics, medicine, health informatics, clinical bioinformatics, genetic epidemiology, public health, epidemiology, computational biology, to data science, computer science, engineering, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, big data, statistics and mathematics collaborating to address important questions in medical sciences. 

Surgical Oncology

Academic surgeons at the University of Birmingham promote a wide range of research including clinical trials and cohort studies aimed at improving healthcare both locally and worldwide. They're also involved with global surgical training. 

International students can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

• by holding an English language qualification to the right level
• by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students

Please note IELTS requirements for Postgraduate Research programmes in the College of Medicine and Health are 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.

We accept applications for Postgraduate Research courses at any time throughout the academic year. When submitting an application for any postgraduate programme, you're required to submit supporting documentation to accompany your application form. Some helpful tips on the application process, and what you'll need to consider can be found via our How to Apply page.

Funding options

Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached

These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.

Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship once you have an offer

You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply for studentships or funding from various sources. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.

A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.

If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Completing a PhD at Birmingham will extend your knowledge base in your chosen subject, as well as enhancing your problem solving and analytical, communication and teaching, and leadership and management skills – all of which are valued across the academic and private sectors. It’ll also provide you with the opportunity to develop your network of peers, collaborators and colleagues to support your onward career.

Many of our postgraduate research students continue in academia as Research Fellows/Postdoctoral Researchers both within the UK and internationally, or pursue other scientific-related disciplines, such as research scientists in the pharmaceutical industry, scientists in the NHS, clinical trial coordinators, medical writing and publishing.

Employers include Universities and Research Institutions, NHS Trusts, Pharma and Biotech companies (including AstraZeneca, Covance, Binding Site, Immunocore, Johnson and Johnson), Medical Communications agencies (e.g. Fishawack, Insight Medical Writing).

Careers Network

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.