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Biomedicine MPhil, PhD, MD

We focus on exploring the mechanisms of disease. We aim to understand the ways disease impacts patients’ lives. We do this by using new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:


Start date(s):

  • September 2025
  • January 2026
  • April 2026
Is PG right for me? Join our webinar. Wednesday 23 October, 14:00-15:00 BST

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.

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

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Important information

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Qualifications explained

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

How you'll learn

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)

Being part of a CDT or DTP 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:

Your future

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

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Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

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:

Search for funding

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply


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Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Postgraduate Coordinator
Medical Sciences Graduate School
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7002
Email: fmsgradschool@ncl.ac.uk

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