Microbiology MPhil, PhD, MD
Microbiology MPhil, PhD, MD
MPhil - full time: minimum 12 months, part time: minimum 24 months
PhD - full time: minimum 36 months, part time: minimum 72 months
MD - full time: normally 24 months, part time: normally 48 months
Profile
World-class microbiological research takes place in Newcastle in medical sciences, biological sciences, and civil engineering and geosciences. We welcome MPhil, PhD and MD research proposals in all three of these fields. We are well funded and this creates a vibrant and dynamic environment for postgraduate study.
We offer MPhil, PhD and MD supervision in:
Medical sciences
The Centre of Bacterial Cell Biology researches fundamental aspects of the cell biology and biochemistry of bacteria, providing scientific insights crucial for the discovery and development of new antibiotics, as well as providing solutions to a huge range of industrial and environmental problems. Other research interests include:
- chromosome replication and segregation
- transcription and translation
- protein structure, function and engineering
- cell envelope, growth and division
- synthetic biology, development and gene regulation
- bacterium-host interactions
Biological sciences
The Applied and Environmental Microbiology Group researches:
- microbial biology in a range of habitats
- discovery of natural products, eg antibiotics
- reduction of food spoilage
- production of biofuels, bioremediation of polluted environments
- pathogens and host–pathogen interactions in a range of diseases including those in plants and coral reefs
Civil engineering and geosciences
The multidisciplinary research of Civil Engineering contributes fundamental advances in:
- microbial ecology
- environmental microbiology
- environmental engineering and Earth systems
- biogeochemistry
- microbiological aspects of engineered and natural environments
- anaerobic crude oil degradation in petroleum reservoirs
- engineered biological treatment systems
- the microbial ecology of climatically significant processes such as methane cycling
Our research involves collaboration with mathematicians and modellers to develop underlying methods and theories that unite fundamental and applied aspects of the microbiology of environmental engineering and Earth systems. We have particular expertise in linking measured geochemical processes directly to the size and diversity of the microbial communities that mediate them.
A number of successful spin off companies have been created by staff. For example, Demuris Ltd is a drug discovery company that develops novel therapeutics, including new antibiotics that will combat the threat from emerging diseases and the rise of antibiotic resistance. This is testimony to our intellectual and innovative capacity, and our ability to translate biosciences research to the industrial setting.
In addition to subject-specific research training, our Medical Sciences Graduate School and Science, Agriculture and Engineering Graduate School will provide you with a comprehensive research training programme. This includes training in professional skills and research techniques, and support for personal development. They each have a thriving postgraduate research culture, with additional support for international students. You are encouraged to present your work in Newcastle and at scientific meetings.
Quality and Ranking
We rank in the top 100 for Medicine - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019
Placements
The Intern Scholarship Scheme provides you with the opportunity to develop your skills by working in industry, the public sector or a charity. These internships are available following submission of your thesis.
Some UK research council-funded studentship programmes, such as CASE studentships and DTP studentships, offer industrial or other work experience training as an integral part of the programme.
A number of case studies showcase the range of collaborations between the University and industry.
Facilities
Our research is supported by a wide range of facilities, allowing a broad range of research to be explored from nanotechnology to whole cell function. Specialist facilities include:
- TIRF and SIM-TIRF microscopy
- systems for 4-D Real time fluorescence imaging with focal locking systems
- flow cytometry with cell sorting
- x-ray crystallography
- a microbiology containment level 3 suite
Other equipment includes:
- high performance liquid chromatography
- stop-flow UV-VIS fluorescence spectroscopy
- facilities for electron microscopy, DNA sequencing, microarray analyses and proteomics
We also have a suite of licenced controlled environment rooms for growing transgenic plants and for housing quarantine invertebrate pests.
In the news
You will receive a tailored package of support from the University to ensure you maximise your research and future career. There are also opportunities to undertake your research at Newcastle within a Doctoral Training Centre, Centre for Doctoral Training or Doctoral Training Partnership.
Faculty of Medical Sciences Research Student Development Programme
Our Research Student Development Programme is a community made up of postgraduates from the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
It supports your research whilst developing your professional skills and confidence.
You will make an on-going assessment of your own development and training needs through personal development planning (PDP) in the ePortfolio system. Our organised external events and development programme have been mapped against the Vitae Researcher Development Framework to help you identify how best to meet your training and development needs.
Doctoral training centres and partnerships
Being part of a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) or Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) means that you can benefit from the research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics. You'll also be studying alongside a cohort of other PhD students.
These centres are often interdisciplinary, combining expertise and training from multiple subject areas. You may also be able to collaborate with an industrial or commercial organisation.
Your PhD will be funded. Normally the fees are covered and you'll receive a tax-free stipend or living expenses. Additional funding is sometimes available to cover things such as conference attendance and research materials.
The centres/ partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area.
Fees & Funding
2019-2020 fees
If your studies last longer than one year your fee may be subject to an annual inflationary increase.
The fees displayed here are per year.
MPhil, PhD, MD
UK
Full time: £4,327 - 15,127
Part time: £2,164 - £7,564
EU
Full time: £4,327 - 15,127
Part time: £2,164 - £7,564
International
Full time: £22,110 - £32,910
Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.
EU students starting at Newcastle in 2019 and 2020 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.
Fee ranges
Our fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.
Your research topic is unique and as such will have unique resource requirements. Resources could include specialist equipment, such as laboratory/workshop access, or technical staff.
If your research involves accessing specialist resources then you're likely to pay a higher fee. You'll discuss the exact nature of your research project with your supervisor(s). You'll find out the fee in your offer letter.
Entry Requirements
MPhil
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a science or medicine related subject.
PhD
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Further research experience or a master’s degree would be advantageous.
MD
A MBBS, or an equivalent medical degree.
Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.
Use the drop down above to find your country. If your country isn't listed please email: international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.
How to Apply
You apply online, track your application and contact the admissions team via our applicant portal. Our step-by-step guide can help you on your way.
Research supervisor
Before you apply you need to find and contact a research supervisor. Your specific area of research will determine which graduate school you work with and how you find your research supervisor:
- Medical Sciences Graduate School Office - find a research supervisor
- Science, Agriculture and Engineering Graduate School - find a research supervisor
Start dates
There are usually three possible start dates, although in some circumstances an alternative start date can be arranged:
- January
- April
- September
There is no application closing date for this course, but specific deadlines for funding may apply.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Deposit
If you live outside the UK/EU you must:
- pay a deposit of £1,500
- or submit an official letter of sponsorship
The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.
Contact
Medical Sciences Graduate School
Email: medpg-enquiries@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7002
Nikki Morton
School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Email: n.j.morton@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone +44 (0) 191 208 4848
Yvonne Hall
School of Engineering
Email: yvonne.hall@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone +44 (0) 191 208 6605