Biomedicine MPhil, PhD, MD

Overview

Within Biomedicine PhD, MD and MPhil, we focus on exploring:

• the mechanisms of disease
• understanding how disease impacts lives
• utilising new diagnostic techniques
• utilising new therapeutic techniques
• developing new treatments

As part of the MPhil, MD and PhD Biomedicine, you'll register with a University research institute.

You'll have a structured programme of supervision and training. This is via our Faculty of Medical Sciences Graduate School.

Areas of research

We undertake the following areas of research and offer MPhil, PhD and MD supervision in:

Applied immunobiology (including organ and haematogenous stem cell transplantation)

Newcastle hosts one of the most comprehensive organ transplant programmes in the world. This clinical expertise has developed with the applied immunobiology and transplantation research group. We are currently investigating aspects of:

• the immunology of autoimmune diseases
• cancer therapy
• transplant rejection.

We also have themes to understand the interplay of the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. This is via responses by a variety of pathways. We also look at how these are manipulated for therapeutic purposes. A further research theme focuses on primary immunodeficiency diseases.

Dermatology

There is an emphasis on the integration of clinical investigation with basic science. Our research themes include:

• cell signalling in normal and diseased skin. This includes mechanotransduction and response to ultraviolet radiation
• dermatopharmacology including mechanisms of psoriatic plaque resolution in response to therapy
• stem cell biology and gene therapy
• regulation of apoptosis/autophagy
• non-melanoma skin cancer/melanoma biology and therapy

We also research the effects of UVR on the skin including mitochondrial DNA damage as a UV biomarker.

Diabetes

This area places emphasis on translational research. It links clinical- and laboratory-based science. Our key research themes include:

• mechanisms of insulin action and glucose homeostasis
• insulin secretion and pancreatic beta-cell function
• diabetic complications
• stem cell therapies
• genetics and epidemiology of diabetes

Diagnostic and therapeutic technologies

Our focus is on applied research and aims to underpin future clinical applications. We conduct technology-oriented and demand-driven research. This relates to health priority areas such as:

• bacterial infection
• chronic liver failure
• cardiovascular and degenerative diseases

Our research involves internal and external collaborations. We work with leading UK and European academic and industrial groups. We aim to deploy next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic systems. These are utilised in the hospital and healthcare environment.

Kidney Disease

There are various research programmes exploring:

• the genetics, immunology and physiology of kidney disease
• kidney transplantation

We maintain close links between basic scientists and clinicians. They have translational programmes of work. These span from the laboratory to first-in-man and phase III clinical trials. Specific areas of interest include:

• haemolytic uraemic syndrome
• renal inflammation and fibrosis
• the immunology of transplant rejection
• tubular disease
• cystic kidney disease

 

The liver

We have particular interests in:

• primary biliary cirrhosis (epidemiology, immunobiology and genetics)
• alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• fibrosis
• the genetics of other autoimmune and viral liver diseases

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the UK Government’s guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states. This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact. 

What you'll learn

Further areas of research

Magnetic Resonance (MR), spectroscopy and imaging in clinical research

Novel non-invasive methodologies using magnetic resonance applied to clinical research. Our research falls into two categories:

• MR physics projects involve the development and testing of new MR techniques. They make quantitative measurements of physiological properties using a safe, repeatable MR scan.
• Clinical research projects involve the application of these novel biomarkers. They aid the investigation of human health and disease.

Our studies cover a broad range of topics including:

• diabetes
• dementia
• neuroscience
• hepatology
• cardiovascular
• neuromuscular disease
• metabolism
• respiratory research

They have a common theme of MR technical development. They explore the application to clinical research.

Musculoskeletal disease (including auto-immune arthritis)

We focus on connective tissue diseases in three, overlapping research programmes. These programmes aim to understand:

• what causes the destruction of joints (cell signalling, injury and repair)
• how cells in the joints respond when losing tissue (cellular interactions)
• whether we can alter the immune system and ‘switch off’ auto-immune disease. This includes targeted therapies and diagnostics

This research theme links with other local, national and international centres of excellence. It has close integration of basic and clinical researchers. It hosts the only immunotherapy centre in the UK.

Pharmacogenomics (including complex disease genetics)

Genetic approaches to the individualisation of drug therapy are a focus, including:

• anticoagulants and anti-cancer drugs
• the genetics of diverse non-Mendelian diseases, from diabetes to periodontal disease

We utilise a wide range of knowledge and experience. This is in both genetics and clinical sciences. We have access to high-throughput genotyping platforms.

Reproductive and vascular biology

Our scientists and clinicians use:

• in situ cellular technologies
• large-scale gene expression profiling.

We study the normal and pathophysiological remodelling of vascular and uteroplacental tissues. We developed a novel approach to cellular interactions. They use a unique human tissue resource. Our research themes include:

• the regulation of trophoblast and uNk cells
• transcriptional and post-translational features of uterine function
• cardiac and vascular remodelling in pregnancy

We also have preclinical molecular biology projects in breast cancer research.

Respiratory disease

We conduct a broad range of research activities into acute and chronic lung diseases. We conduct scientific studies into disease mechanisms. There is also a particular interest in translational medicine approaches to lung disease. This means studying human lung tissue and cells. We use this to explore the potential for new treatments. Our current areas of research include:

• acute lung injury - lung infections
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• fibrotic disease of the lung, both before and after lung transplantation

Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics

Our research projects address the harmful effects of chemicals. This includes prescribed drugs. We look to find ways to prevent and minimise these effects. We are attempting to measure the effects of small amounts of chemicals. This is to provide ways of giving early warning of the start of harmful effects. We also study the adverse side effects of medicines. We explore how liver disease and heart disease can develop in people who take medicines. They may be taking these for completely different medical conditions. Our current interests include:

• environmental chemicals
• organophosphate pesticides
• warfarin
• psychiatric drugs
• anti-cancer drugs

How you'll learn

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Thesis
• Viva

Additional assessment information

We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.

Postgraduate research student support

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• wellbeing
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

Your development

Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) researcher development programme 

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact
• Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements
• Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Find out more about the FMS researcher development programme

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

• Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
• Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) / Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA)

Being part of a CDT or DTP/DLA has many benefits:

• they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
• you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
• they’re often interdisciplinary
• your PhD may be funded

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

• Newcastle Liverpool Durham BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership
• Discovery Medicine North - MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership
• EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Molecular Sciences for Medicine (MoSMed)

Your future

Our Careers Service

Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.

You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.

We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.

Visit our Careers Service website

Facilities

You'll work in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. This is part of our city-centre campus.

The Faculty is also home to:

• dentistry
• medicine
• psychology
• pharmacy

It is on the same site as Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary hospital. We are one of the largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in the country.

Our facilities include:

• individual research laboratories where students carry out their projects
• a dedicated medical library with a wide range of specialist books and journals
• hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces
• dedicated facilities for a range of key bioscience applications. This includes flow cytometry, bioinformatics, imaging, genomics and proteomics

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Why is this fee shown as a range?

We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.

Your research topic is unique so it 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.

PGR Home fee note

Home fees for research degree students

For 2025-26 entry, we've aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).  For 2026-27 entry, we will again be aligning our standard Home research fees with UKRI. They will announce their fees in Spring 2026.

 

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding and scholarships

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

How to apply

Open days and events

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We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events