PhD in Life Sciences (2023 Entry)
Find out more about our Life Sciences PhD.
Study your PhD in the vibrant community of Warwick's School of Life Sciences, with 90% of our research rated as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' in the REF 2021 assessment. Pursue both subject-specific and general research expertise on the practical-based PhD in Life Sciences.
Course overview
This is a practical course based on a single research project, carried out under the training and supervision of one of our Research Leaders. Assessment is by dissertation and oral examination. All students also participate in a programme of transferrable and research skills training.
Being funded for your studies from one of our Doctoral Training Programmes means that certain bespoke training activities are required under that programme. Our School of Life Sciences website offers further information on Postgraduate Research courses and funding.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a Life Sciences related subject.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band A
- IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Our research
Areas for PhD supervision
- Animal Health and Welfare
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Biotechnology
- Brain Function and Neuro-Degeneration
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Systems and Ageing
- Environmental Microbiology
- Environmental Resource Management and Ecosystems
- Epidemiology and Modelling
- Food Security
- Gene Expression
- Genomics and Bioinformatics
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Infectious Disease
- Molecular Systems Biology
- Molecular Structure and Mechanism
- Network Reengineering
- Neuroscience
- Pathogenesis Mechanisms
- Plant Pathology and Entomology
- Plant Science
- Signalling Pathways
- Synthetic Biology
Full details of our research interests are listed on the School of Life Sciences websiteLink opens in a new window.
Find a supervisor
Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.
Explore our School of Life Sciences Staff Research pagesLink opens in a new window where you will be able to filter by research theme. Research proposals should be developed in consultation with a potential supervisor. For further information, see How to Apply.
You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.Link opens in a new window
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Taught course fees Research course fees
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Life Sciences at Warwick
Warwick Life Sciences is an international centre of excellence with more than 90% of our research rated as 'world leading or internationally excellent' in the REF 2021 assessment. Our focus is in excellent teaching and research with impact.
Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate Taught courses
- Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Business Management (MSc)
- Environmental Bioscience in a Changing Climate (MSc)
- Food Security (MSc)
- Medical Biotechnology and Business Management (MSc)
- Sustainable Crop Production: Agronomy for the 21st Century (MSc)
Our Postgraduate Research courses
Taught course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.
Research course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
Track your application and update your details.
Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
Join a live chat
Ask questions and engage with Warwick.
Postgraduate Open Day
Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.Postgraduate fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.
Live chats
Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.
Departmental events
Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.
Connect with us
Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.