Metabolism and Systems ResearchPhD / MSc (Res)

Work amongst renowned researchers to produce groundbreaking research, ultimately translating these findings into personalised treatments that transform patient care.

Course structure

This PhD programme can be undertaken full-time (minimum 36 months) or part-time (minimum 72 months). Applications are accepted all year round and there is flexibility on the start date with the largest intakes normally in October and April.

Following completion of your minimum period of study, you’ll normally transfer to a thesis-awaited status (maximum 12 months). To successfully progress into each year you’ll need to pass an Annual Progress Review (APR). Degree will be awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination.

The MSc by Research programme can be undertaken full-time (minimum 12 months) or part-time (minimum 24 months). Applications are accepted all year round and there is flexibility on start date with the largest intakes normally in October and April. Degree will be awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination.

• Metabolism and metabolic disease
• Hormones and reproduction
• Hormones, immunity and inflammation
• Hormones, metabolism and cancer

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.

Our focus is on advancements for human health using cross discipline approaches, going from bench to bedside. As such the Department of Metabolisms and Systems Science hosts a number of centres of excellence: the WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health, Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, the Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine, the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre’s Women’s Metabolic Health theme, and The Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors.

Aside from the support that you'll receive from the Graduate School and the day-to-day support that you'll receive from your supervisory team, the department’s PGR lead is cognisant of University services and policies and will listen confidentially and provide assistance as required. You can also receive support from a mentor, should you choose to. Together, we'll provide guidance on your professional development. Beyond the more traditional professional areas of research training (e.g. laboratory work, academic writing, presenting at conferences), you'll have opportunities to learn how to involve and engage patients and the public by participating in (and designing) our PPIE initiatives.

• Supervision – you’ll benefit from support and guidance from a supervisor related to your research area.
• Research support - access 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.

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.

2025/26

PhD and MSc by Research Lab:

• UK: £4,921 full-time, £2,461 part-time
• International: £28,320 full-time, £14,160 part-time

PhD full-time Non-Lab:

• UK: £4,921
• International: £22,110

PhD part-time Non-Lab:

• UK: £2,461
• International: £11,055

The above fees are for one year only. If you are studying over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years.

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 go onto roles such as Research fellow/postdoctoral researcher, medical writer, scientist/research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, and clinical trial coordinator.

Employers include the NHS Trusts, Cancer Research UK, pharma and biotech companies (including AstraZeneca, Covance, Binding Site, Immunocore, Johnson and Johnson), Medical Communications agencies (e.g. Fishawack, Insight Medical Writing), the Armed Forces and the University of Birmingham.

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.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.