PhD/MPhil Medical Microbiology / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Programme description

Our PhD/MPhil Medical Microbiology programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Medical Microbiology.

As a postgraduate research student in medical microbiology, you will be based in the Microbiology, Biofilm and Microbiome Research Group.

While there is some flexibility in research themes, we generally offer projects involving the study of one or more of the following topics:

  • microbial pathogenicity and infection
  • in vitro modelling
  • probiotics
  • antibiotic or microbicide resistance/susceptibility
  • human microbiome
  • interactions between bacteria and eukaryotic cell systems

As well as providing research experience in applied microbiological techniques, we work with collaborators both within the University and, where appropriate, externally to give you valuable experience in methods including confocal microscopy, metabolomics, next generation sequencing, transcriptomics and proteomics.

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