PhD/MPhil Genomics / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Programme description

Genomics is the study of genomes, the complete complement of genetic material in each cell of an organism, and it lies at the heart of many of our research programmes in biology, medicine and health. Our research covers genomic structure, function and evolution, employing on-going developments in high-throughput experimental techniques such as next-generation sequencing.

Our PhD/MPhil Genomics programme enables you to undertake a research project in an aspect of genomics that will advance the field. We have many international experts in genomics at Manchester and cutting edge facilities to enable your research.

Our facilities enable genome sequencing for individual or population studies, genome engineering, single cell analyses, as well as high-throughput functional assays such as RNA-Seq that can characterise and quantify the RNA products found in cells or tissues, and epigenomic assays to identify chromatin modifications. Data from these applications provides an unprecedented opportunity to understand how the genome encodes the function of cells, tissues and organisms. Our genomics PhD students are using these genomic technologies and data to tackle major problems in biology, medicine and health research. 

In the field of Genomic Medicine, Manchester has one of the UK's leading centres for genomic medicine as part of the internationally pioneering 100,000 Genomes Project. Our researchers such as Professors Bill Newman  and Graeme Black have identified numerous genes associated with a variety of genetic diseases and have been at the forefront of developing next generation sequencing technologies for molecular diagnosis throughout the NHS.

Manchester also has considerable expertise in computational and molecular bioscience where our experts undertake big data analysis and develop software, algorithms and pipelines for application in biology and biomedicine, as well integrating advanced techniques for studying relevant molecules. This includes world leaders in non-coding RNA biology ( Professor Sam Griffiths-Jones ), evolutionary genomics ( Professor Daniela Delneri ) and proteomics ( Professor Simon Hubbard ), as well structure prediction and modelling of the effects of genetic variations of protein structure and function ( Professor Simon Lovell ).

Our ' Evolution, systems and genomics' domain has 130 research groups associated with it, with almost 700 researcher members and approximately £50 million in live grant funding at any one time. With such a diversity of expertise you are guaranteed to find an expert subject supervisor for your research, as well as being immersed in a vibrant, diverse and supportive environment.

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Teaching and learning

PhD/MPhil programmes are based on individual research projects that last three to four years (PhD) or one to two years (MPhil), working with a specific Primary Supervisor and Co-Supervisor(s).

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas. 

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the  funded programmes  and  funding opportunities  pages.

What our students say

Find out more about what it's like to undertake a postgraduate research degree at Manchester on the Doctoral Academy Blog and the support available through our Faculty Doctoral Academy.

Facilities

You will have access to a range of  research and learning facilities  across the University and at some of our partner organisations.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk