Life Sciences (PhD 4 year programme)

More than 900 staff and research students representing no fewer than 62 different nationalities provides a genuinely global research environment in the heart of Scotland.

This course offers the opportunity to spend 4 years carrying out research in one of the leading and most productive research universities. You’ll work alongside our expert staff and gain in-depth understanding and skills from working in a live research environment. Your reseach project will be selected from a broad range of options such as: Microbiology, Immunology/immunotherapy, Gene regulation and expression, Developmental Biology, Stem cell biology, Cancer, Agritech, Plant Sciences, Computational biology, Neurodegeneration, Drug Discovery, and Cell Signalling.

All our students receive a great deal of support from their peers and via the PhD student association (PiCLS). We offer a range of different programmes; some involve rotation projects whilst others are focused on a single research area. In all cases the programme is structured to maximise effective guidance and mentoring, in addition to providing a basis for optimally matching students' interests with cutting edge research.

For students travelling from outside the UK, the International Advice Service is available to help them with all aspects of the transition. They offer confidential advice and help on matters such as immigration and visas, working during and after studies as well as community group information and links to international hospitality schemes. There is support for international families as well as arranging cultural and social events during the year aimed primarily at international students. They are based in the Enquiry Centre on Campus Green or via email. Students are represented by the University's Student Representative Council while the Students Association organises the societies, clubs and organisations outside the classroom. It is unusual because it isn't a member of the National Union of Students due to cost and political considerations. The union is based in Airlie Place, at the centre of the main campus and has a bar, nightclub and refectory on site. There are 42 clubs associated with the Sports Union at the university and these have annual award ceremonies as well as an annual Ball. A multi-million pound redevelopment saw a number of new facilities for sports around the university including the first UK gym with mp3/mp4 compatible personal viewing screens.