Biological Sciences (with Internship) PhD Level: Postgraduate research Subject: Biological, Biomedical and Life Sciences Year of entry: 2026 Study options Part-time PhD | 8 years | Start date: multiple dates Full-time PhD | 4 years | Start date: multiple dates Key facts School School of Biological Sciences College College of Science and Engineering Programme website Browse project and funding opportunities PhD by Distance Not available School location King's Buildings campus Apply now 19 to 21 November 2025: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Register now Overview About the degree programme Become part of our postgraduate research community and engage in a specialised research project, mentored by two knowledgeable and extensively published supervisors.Our School is one of the largest biology departments in the UK. With a team of over 270 active supervisors, including 70 experts from various industries, we are equipped to accommodate a diverse range of research topics. We strongly encourage interdisciplinary research and collaborate closely with professionals in the physical sciences, engineering, medical, and veterinary sciences. Study options Our doctoral (PhD) programmes are available as full-time or part-time study.Applications are welcome throughout the year, many of which are associated with funded scholarships.You will typically begin your studies in October. For this programme the duration is:48 months for the full-time route84 months for the part-time routeYou can also apply for a non-internship PhD, MScR or MPhil programme of study in Biological Sciences:Biological Sciences PhD, MScR, MPhil Why choose this programme As the modern inheritors of our 400-year-old reputation for excellence, our staff and students contribute to a vibrant academic community whose visions are shaping tomorrow’s world.We are cranked among the top 25 universities in the world for biological sciences by independent evaluators such as the Times Higher Education.More than half of our research activity was rated as ‘world-leading’ in quality and scope in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.We offer a robust training programme that enhances career and funding prospects for our research students, many of whom are now colleagues supporting the next generation of researchers. Applying How to apply Before submitting your application, it is important to identify potential supervisors within the School of Biological Sciences. You should contact potential supervisors to discuss either your own research proposal or the advertised project you are interested in pursuing.Academic staff listMore information about PhD projects and how to apply When to apply Applications are welcome throughout the year. You will need to coordinate your start date with your proposed supervisor and funder.The majority of our new students choose to begin their studies in October. Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. What you need to apply As part of your online application, you will need to provide: a personal statementrelevant knowledge/training skillsand, if applicable:your research topicdetails of any published workYou will also need to provide some or all of the following supporting information and documents:a research proposalname of supervisor (if known)research project (if applying to an advertised project)copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksreferencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide. ReferencesYou must submit two references with your application. References should be from an academic or professional colleague who can vouch for your ability to undertake the programme of study you are applying for. Interview Before we can offer you a place on a programme, you will need to take part in an interview.You will typically be interviewed by your prospective supervisor and other experienced staff members from the School.While interviews can be conducted online, we recommend an in-person interview wherever possible, as this will allow you to tour the lab and meet the team who will support you throughout your studies.If you are applying for a funded opportunity through the University, such as those offered by EastBio, E4, or the Darwin Trust, you will first have an informal meeting with your proposed supervisor. You will then take part in a formal interview as part of the scholarship recruitment process. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme -PhD Biological Sciences with Internship (8 years)PhD Biological Sciences with Internship (4 years) Academic Technology Approval Scheme If you need to apply for a student visa, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme. Academic Technology Approval Scheme Funding, fees and costs Funding Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:borrowing moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study Featured fundingSchool of Biological Sciences PhD fundingResearch scholarships for international studentsEdinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Part-time PhD Biological Sciences with Internship (8 years) tuition fees Full-time PhD Biological Sciences with Internship (4 years) tuition fees Graduate discount If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.Find out how to receive your graduate discount Costs Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.Living costs include:foodutility billstravel, clothes, books and stationeryrecreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)Living costsAccommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.University postgraduate accommodation options and costs Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026. Qualifications A UK 2:1 honours degree, or 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. This requirement may be partially met by relevant industrial experience; applicants with non-standard backgrounds will be considered on a case-by-case basis. International qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region -AfghanistanAlbaniaAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLithuaniaLuxembourgMacau-SAR ChinaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMoldovaMongoliaMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPacific IslandsPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTogoTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanZambiaZimbabweMy country or region is not listed English language requirements You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:an English language testa degree that was taught and assessed in Englishcertain professional qualifications English language tests we accept We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher: IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component. Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components. Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component. Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:IELTS AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Trinity ISEOxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality. Degrees taught and assessed in English We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.UKVI list of majority English speaking countriesWe also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).Approved universities in non-MESCHow old your degree can beIf you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.English language requirements Programme details Research profile Based in King's Buildings Campus at the University of Edinburgh, our staff and students within the School of Biological Sciences are the modern inheritors of a 400-year-old reputation for excellence with Nobel laureates among our notable alumni.Currently at the leading edge in teaching, research and innovation, we are ranked top 5 in the UK and top 30 in the world for biological sciences in both the QS and Times Higher Education world university rankings (2024).Key to our success is the highly dynamic and supportive research environment we offer our postgraduate research community. We offer students the tools and confidence they need to make a lasting, positive impact in our world.Within the School, our research is clustered into six large research institutes:Institute of Cell BiologyInstitute of Ecology and EvolutionInstitute of Molecular Plant SciencesInstitute of Immunology and InfectionInstitute for Stem Cell Research (Centre for Regenerative Medicine)Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Programme structure The first year of PhD studies is probationary. Your supervisor will support you to identify your training needs and invite you to attend relevant training as appropriate.Every student will have the support of a thesis committee who will guide and assess your study at set milestones. The committee includes your supervisory team, additional members from your lab or funder, and an independent chair who will act as an observer and coordinate feedback on your progress.To successfully progress onto the next year of study, you must pass an annual review each year.Year 1You will submit a 10-week report and a 10-month report, both assessed by your thesis committee. The 10-month report is an extension of your 10-week report which includes a literature survey.When you meet the thesis committee at the 10-month point, you will deliver an oral presentation of your work, gaining valuable feedback for your next stage of study.Year 2You will present a research poster during the School's annual symposium. Academic staff and peers review presentations and provide feedback which you will discuss with your thesis committee during your Year 2 review meeting.Year 3You will deliver an oral presentation of your research to academic staff and your peers during the School's annual symposium.You will also undertake a Professional Internship for PGR Students (PIPS). An internship placement is typically up to 3 months in duration, but may be increased to 6 months if approval is granted by the Head of Graduate School. A placement may be undertaken either in one full-time block, or part-time for a pro-rata period.An internship report should be included in your final thesis.Year 4To be awarded a PhD, you must submit a final written thesis of up to 100,000 words and defend it in an oral examination, commonly called a viva, which is assessed according to the University's regulations. Work placements and internships You will undertake a Professional Internship for PGR Students (PIPS) to gain exposure to a professional work environment, as well as experience and confidence to make the transition to the next stage of your career.Early in your studies, you will receive training on how to plan and prepare for an internship. You will be guided through a managed process which covers:how to select and approach an appropriate internship providerhow to propose and agree the terms of an internshipformalising the expectations of the student and the internship providerguidance on writing and submitting the internship reportThe tasks undertaken in the internship may or may not be related to your research project.You will submit a short report on completion of internship, which will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. Support We encourage support in a range of academic subjects, transferable skills and personal development. All students who join the programme will have access to our core training and development programme or our specialist cohort-programmes (e.g. EASTBIO).Our training environment is highly dynamic, with students learning through hands-on, laboratory-based projects as well as guided reading, one-to-one supervision, group seminars, societies and workshops.The School of Biological Sciences offers training events and support for all our postgraduate research students in both academic and key life skills. In collaboration with the University’s Institute of Academic Development (IAD), we also provide a supportive training programme for students hired as tutors and demonstrators. Facilities The University of Edinburgh Main Library, open to all students, has one of the largest and most important collections in Britain. It has some two million items including the latest publications, key texts, and rare books.The School of Biological Sciences is based wholly within King's Buildings and in close proximity to the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library, which is well stocked with specialist literature, subscription databases and group study rooms and silent study spaces.Dependent on their field of study, students will also have access to a range of specialist laboratories and equipment, and state-of-the-art facilities. Examples include:imaging facilities including the Central Optical Instrumentation Laboratory (COIL) and Collaborative Optical Spectroscopy Micromanipulation & Imaging Centre (COSMIC)advanced flow cytometry facilities, including sorting and analysiscutting-edge proteomics facility and automated drug-screening platformsEdinburgh Genomics, a University-based sequencing and bioinformatics facilitymultiomics facilitiesthe Edinburgh Genome Foundrycell culture facilitiesexpertise in genomic editing (animal and plant)animal and plant facilitiesThe School also has strong collaborative links to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to give access to an even broader range of facilities and expertise.Postgraduate students are given their own desk space in shared student offices and have similar access to facilities available to academic and support staff. Wireless network access is available in many parts of the University campus. Careers Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Life at Edinburgh Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSport Clubs The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include: a student counselling service a health centre (doctor's surgery) support if you're living in University accommodation dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries Postgraduate Research AdministratorGraduate School of Biological SciencesMary Brück BuildingKing's Buildings Campus Email us Phone:+44 (0)131 650 5525
