Overview

The research groups from the Cell Biology programme offered by The University of Edinburgh comprise one of the largest communities of cell biology researchers in the UK. Many of our staff are Fellows of the Royal Society and acknowledged leaders in their field.

Most PhD students who train at the ICB continue with their academic career or join research in the industry, often becoming independent group leaders.

Facilities

The ICB provides an exceptional working environment. The Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology is home to the Central Optical Instrumentation Laboratory (COIL), while image analysis at the boundary of biology and physics is provided through the nearby Collaborative Optical Spectroscopy Micromanipulation & Imaging Centre (COSMIC).

The ICB is proud of its cutting-edge proteomics facility and automated drug-screening platforms that facilitate discovery of new molecules that impact on cellular functions.

Programme Structure

We offer a wide scope of projects covering different areas of cell biology, including:

the synthesis, processing, localisation and degradation of RNA

epigenetic control of gene expression, chromosome function and genome stability

mechanisms of cell growth and duplication

the rules that govern cellular architecture

biotechnology

synthetic biology

microbial regulation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months
Part-time
- 96 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-01 00:00:00

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Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00

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Starting 2026-10-01 00:00:00

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Starting 2026-11-01 00:00:00

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Starting 2026-12-01 00:00:00

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Starting 2027-04-01 00:00:00

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Starting 2027-05-01 00:00:00

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Starting 2027-06-01 00:00:00

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More details

Applications are welcome throughout the year.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

92

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Biology Microbiology Genetics View 35 other PhDs in Microbiology in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

Pass _{(recommended)}

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

92

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject. You should have some research experience and be able to demonstrate that you have a good understanding of the field you propose to study.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34800 GBP / year

≈ 34800 GBP / year

Living costs

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

725 - 1167 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Biological Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Facilities

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Living costs

Edinburgh

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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