The PhD Molecular Medicine is a three-to-eight-year degree studied at our Colchester Campus, either full-time or part-time, from October, January or April.
By pursuing a PhD, you will aim to add a new scholarly contribution to your subject area. If you are interested in a shorter research project, you can instead pursue this as a Masters (by Dissertation).
Why this degree
You will train to become an independent researcher who can critically assess research work with a comprehensive understanding of at least one area of biology.
As a research student at Essex, you will complete an independent research project under the supervision of our internationally acknowledged, well-resourced and well-connected academic experts in molecular medicine.
You will become a member of one of our research groups, whose work is at the basic-clinical interface and employs a range of techniques for studying diseases at the molecular and cellular level. Like previous students, your project could collaborate with the NHS or regional hospitals.
You can access to a range of training and opportunities to engage with other researchers, professionals, practitioners and research users such as at national and international conferences.
Your research training
Training programme: Your degree starts with a programme of tailored sessions to help you bridge the gap to postgraduate research, from previous study or professional work
Doctoral training scheme: Receive up to £2,500 to support your research journey through training courses and conferences
Lab assistant opportunities: Work as a Graduate Laboratory Assistant supporting the teaching and learning or other students in the School
Mentoring scheme: Gain support, advice and guidance on career and personal development with a mentor from your research area
Your research experience
Supervision: You will be allocated one or two academic supervisors to guide you through your degree, with support ranging from regular one-to-one meetings to a biannual supervisory board meeting
Independent research: Complete your PhD thesis of up to 80,000 words and become a valued contributor to your subject area
Research seminar series: Hear from and network with expert speakers on their research - or be a speaker yourself
Dedicated study room: Specifically for postgraduate research students, this provides you with desk space and computer access outside of the research labs
Your research facilities
Fully automated laboratories with robotic liquid handling systems and equipment for cell culture, molecular biology and gene editing
High-performance computing cluster with 368 CPUs, 5.4 Tb of RAM and 700 Tb of storage for analyses of large biological data sets
Advanced bioimaging suite to visualise and process images of biological processes in real time
X-ray crystallography and macromolecular interactions facilities for the biophysical characterisation of proteins and other macromolecules
Cell and microbial culture facilities
Next-generation sequence analysis facilities
Careers and destinations
Many of our postgraduates continue their scientific research, or embark on careers in research and development both nationally and internationally, such as:
Postdoctoral research
Biomedical laboratories
Pharmaceutical industry
Biotechnology industry
Why choose Essex
International reputation for outstanding teaching and research, reflected in our large number of publications in high-profile journals
Engaged in translational research with strong links to local and regional hospitals as well as Public Health England
Collaborate with our research groups working on important international and national problems using cutting-edge techniques
A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding. In communicating that understanding, through a thesis or other means, you have a rare opportunity to generate knowledge. A research degree allows you to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks. It can open doors to many careers.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.
Components and modules explained
Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.
Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.
Status
What this means
Core
You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory
You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.
In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.
Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:
HR
100
4
FY
The department or school the module will be taught by.
In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.
The aim of undertaking research study within our School of Life Sciences is to train you to become an independent researcher who can critically assess research work, and who has a comprehensive understanding of at least one area of biology.
Our PhD programme is usually three to four years' duration. All our students are initially registered as MPhil students, then transfer to the PhD in the first half of their second year of study if they have made satisfactory progress.
Dissertation
Within our School of Life Sciences, you attend two formal supervisory board meetings each year, where you submit literature reviews and research reports to the Board members. At these meetings, the documents are discussed with you and your progress is assessed.
Your PhD thesis is generally completed within three to four years and has a maximum length of 80,000 words. Great importance is given to the completion of PhDs within a four-year period from the time of initial registration.
Entry requirements
UK entry requirements
You will need a good honours degree or a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject. A well-developed research proposal is also essential.
You will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.
International & EU entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at pgquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall, or equivalent, with a score of 5.5 in all other components.
Fees and funding
Home/UK fee
£5,238 per year
International fee
£23,625 per year
Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:
tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, graduate employability, student support and more
talk to our Fees and Funding team about scholarship opportunities
meet our students and staff
If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing tours@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.
We encourage you to make a preliminary enquiry directly to a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator within your chosen Department or School. We encourage the consideration of a brief research proposal prior to the submission of a full application.
We aim to respond to applications within four weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.
For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.
Visit Colchester Campus
Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.
If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.
Chat to us
Got a question about this degree or potential supervisors? Chat with our Postgraduate Research Administrator in the School of Life Sciences.
Discover cutting edge research from the University of Essex. Browse our site to find relevant publications, projects, groups, centres and research opportunities in your area of interest.
At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.
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