Programme description
Our PhD/MPhil Microbiology programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Microbiology.
Microorganisms play pivotal roles in everyday life, from elemental cycling and the production of food to life-threatening infections of man and animals.
At Manchester, there are two main research topics - Molecular Bacteriology and Molecular Mycology.
Molecular Bacteriology is focused on studying bacterial pathogens of man and includes the following areas:
- the role of bacterial polysaccharides and glycoconjugates in disease;
- relationship between infection and gut flora;
- structural biology of cell surface proteins in bacterial pathogens including their interaction with the immune system and implications for vaccine development;
- adaptation of intracellular bacterial pathogens to life inside the cell;
- development of novel approaches to combat antibiotic resistance;
- mechanisms used by bacterial pathogens to handle transition metals and their role in host-pathogen interactions;
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
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.