Join one of the largest groups of microbiologists in the world at the forefront of pioneering research to combat antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance and understand the contribution of microorganisms to human health and disease.
Work alongside leading researchers and develop the necessary skills to contribute to research of microorganisms, microbiomes and infection.
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).
You’ll be required to submit a progress review form plus a project report based on the first year of research. You’ll also be asked to review your Development Needs Analysis form. The APR meeting will take place with two academics, with one being an internal expert and one being the PGR lead/deputy. These two academics will usually carry out your APR meeting every year for continuity.
As one of the largest communities of microbiologists in Europe, The Department of Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes integrated into the world-renowned Institute of Microbiology and Infection offers unrivalled opportunities to build a research career. You’ll work closely with your supervisory team who will help you clarify your project and support your development. Your thesis will represent an original contribution to knowledge and demonstrate independent judgement.
By studying this programme you’ll become part of the Graduate School within the College of Medicine and Health giving you access to:
Work collaboratively alongside microbiologists, immunologists, biochemists and chemists to produce original globally leading research, with the ultimate goal to find solutions to global challenges.
Benefit from high quality research training to enable you to conduct independent investigative research. You’ll work with a range of bacterial and viral pathogens and study mechanisms of pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, pathogen transmission and drug resistance.
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.
As a postgraduate research student, we'll support your development in a variety of ways.
At Birmingham, you can apply for an advertised PhD or propose your own research. An advertised PhD is typically part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or another funding body.
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.
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 a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.
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.
In a subject relevant to the research area you’re applying to.
International students can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:
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.
Full-time. Fee to be confirmed
Part-time. Fee to be confirmed
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.
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.
To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
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.
A PhD is the highest level of academic achievement available and vital for the continued professional development of scientists.
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.
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.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
