Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences

Research in our School of Life Sciences covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems, and this broad-based structure. Our academic staff have expertise in biophysics, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, molecular medicine, environmental microbiology, photosynthesis, plant productivity, ecology, marine and environmental science.
Research in our School of Life Sciences covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems, and this broad-based structure. Our academic staff have expertise in biophysics, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, molecular medicine, environmental microbiology, photosynthesis, plant productivity, ecology, marine and environmental science.

Many of our postgraduates choose to continue their scientific research by taking up postdoctoral positions at Universities and research institutes in the UK and overseas. Some go on to work in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, while others go on to work with governmental and non-governmental organisations and environmental agencies. We support your career development by a mentoring scheme and employability events.

You will need a good honours degree or a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject. A well-developed research proposal is also essential.
You will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

Official transcript(s), in English or a certified translation of your academic results to date, showing marks or grades, must be provided at the time you make your application. (Transcripts are not required from current or previous University of Essex students, or from students who have previously completed a degree at Colchester Institute awarded by the University of Essex).

IELTS 6.5 overall, or equivalent, with a score of 5.5 in all other components.
TOEFL IBT - 88 overall with minimum component scores: Listening: 17 Reading: 18 Writing: 24 Speaking: 20