Overview

About the programme

Cells continuously sense, synthesise and remodel the proteins and glycosaminoglycans that form the Extracellular Matrix (ECM). This matrix varies in its biochemical and biophysical properties in different parts of the body, and their responses to these differences influence the motility, growth, differentiation and survival of cells. Therefore, cell-matrix interactions underpin the development of multicellular organisms and are essential throughout the life of an organism.

Aberrations in cell-matrix communication are associated with severe diseases, such as cancer, fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory disorders. Conversely, the synthesis of healthy matrix can be used to induce new functional tissue that can support regeneration. This Cell Matrix Research programme is offered at The University of Manchester.

Programme Structure

The Cell Matrix postgraduate research programme comprises projects that study:

the biochemistry and biophysical properties of the ECM;
the mechanisms of how cells interact with the matrix and how they translate the extracellular information into a cellular response;
how cell-matrix interactions affect cell fate and tissue function;
the mechanisms of how cells synthesise and remodel their ECM environment, including how aberrant signals affect health and can result in disease;
how ECM signalling can be applied to tissue regeneration;

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-01-27 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-15 00:00:00
Starting 2026-04-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-15 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manchester, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Biology Molecular Sciences View 133 other PhDs in Biology in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Other requirements

General requirements

We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme.
A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Student insurance

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Tuition Fee

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International

27000 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 27000 GBP per year during 36 months.
National

4786 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 4786 GBP per year during 36 months.

UK (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000
International (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500

Living costs for Manchester

645 - 1197 GBP /month

Living costs

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 Cell Matrix Research.

Available Scholarships

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

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