Reproductive Health PhD

Level: Postgraduate research

Subject: Biological, Biomedical and Life Sciences

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Part-time
  • PhD | 6 years | Start date: multiple dates
Full-time
  • PhD | 3 years | Start date: multiple dates

Key facts

Programme website
PhD by Distance

Not available

School location

Edinburgh BioQuarter

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About the degree programme

This postgraduate doctoral programme is hosted at the Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH).

CRH is part of the Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR), where our scientists and clinicians study tissue regeneration and repair to advance human health and reproductive outcomes.

The Institute for Regeneration and Repair incorporates three leading research centres with a focus on regenerative medicine, inflammation and reproductive health.

How to apply

How you apply for your PhD will depend on how it is funded. If you wish to pursue a self-funded research degree, you will need to identify a supervisor, develop a research proposal and source your own funding.

How to find a research supervisor

If you are interested in a funded PhD studentship you need to apply. Application processes for funded studentships and research projects vary. Details will be clarified on adverts of advertised funded PhD projects.

Before submitting an application, please ensure you meet all the requirements to gain entry onto the programmes (including English language and minimum academic qualifications).

Fully funded PhD studentships

IRR regularly advertises fully funded PhD studentships, on the IRR website, on our social media platforms, and typically via FindaPhD.

Current PhD opportunities

FindaPhD

Each opportunity describes the application process and eligibility in detail. The application process will vary per project or programme. You may need to apply online, by email, or download application forms. 

Applications for advertised projects must name the primary supervisor and project title.

Self-funded and externally funded research degrees

If you are applying for a self-funded or externally funded research degree:

  1. Find a research area which matches your research interests.
  2. Identify and contact potential supervisors for your research interest by viewing the IRR research group pages. Potential supervisors may indicate an interest in your research proposal, but this does not guarantee entry onto the programme.
  3. After having contacted a potential supervisor(s), you may apply online via EUCLID to the relevant PhD programme, referring to those supervisor(s) within your application. We will not process any applications that do not name at least one supervisor.
  4. Where requested, provide your research proposal to outline the research you would like to undertake.
  5. We do not process any applications of applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for postgraduate study at our University.

IRR Research across the Institute

EUCLID application guidance

Application questions

You may discuss possible projects with potential supervisors in advance, however, you should contact the Postgraduate Administrator first to discuss your requirements.

Email the Postgraduate Administrator

When to apply

We encourage you to submit a full application with all supporting documentation, including how you intend to fund your research degree, as early as possible.

The majority of postgraduate students start their studies in September/October, which is the start of the academic year at the University of Edinburgh.

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 statement (detailing why you are interested in joining our programme)
  • relevant knowledge/training skills

You will also need to provide some or all of the following supporting information and documents:

Personal statement

Your personal statement is an important part of your application. It will help us to decide whether you are good match for our programme and, just as importantly, whether we feel our programme is right for you. Information about writing a personal statement can be found on the University web page linked above.

References

You must submit two recent references with your application.

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

You should ensure you submit a full application with all supporting documentation, as we will assess your application by reviewing prior and predicted academic achievement.

Interview

If your application is accepted for further processing, you will be invited for interview. The interview panel typically include your proposed supervisor plus various staff members affiliated with the provision of postgraduate programmes offered at IRR.

You may be asked to present a previous research project as part of the interview. 

Interviews may be held in person or via online video.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

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 money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for study from one of the UK’s governments.

You should check that your chosen programme is eligible for the funding you want to apply for.

View details: UK government loans

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

Albert McKern PhD studentships

These 3.5 year studentship programmes focus on tackling pain and distress during pregnancy, encompassing but not limited to the impacts of adverse pregnancy on the mother, fetus and subsequent generations, and how pregnancy is impacted by adverse maternal health.

Read more about the Albert McKern PhD studentships

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
Full-time

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

Additional programme costs

Most laboratories require a bench fee of up to £5,000 per year. This cost can be covered in Research Council studentships.

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:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

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 its international equivalent.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

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 test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain 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 old

The 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 Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All 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 countries

We 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-MESC

How old your degree can be

If 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

Research profile

The Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR) seeks to understand stem cell biology, inflammation and disease to develop new therapies to heal damaged tissues and improve reproductive outcomes. 

IRR is a research institute incorporating three world-leading centres:

  • Centre for Regenerative Medicine (CRM)
  • Centre for Inflammation Research (CIR)
  • Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH)

It is located on the Edinburgh BioQuarter site.

Repairing damage by disease and injury

Clinicians and scientists at IRR study major diseases including cancer, heart and lung disease, liver failure, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's as well as reproductive health. We are currently undertaking a cell therapy clinical trial for liver cirrhosis.

We bring together stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, reproductive sciences, developmental biology and matrix and inflammation biology to understand and promote tissue regeneration and repair.

Translation to therapies

With its proximity to an NHS teaching hospital, top class clinical research facilities, business bio-incubator Nine Edinburgh BioQuarter, and an integrated Cell Therapy facility, IRR is ideally placed to develop new regenerative therapies to repair tissue damage caused by disease and injury. 

IRR is housed in two state-of-the-art research buildings with capacity for over 1,000 staff and students, IRR North (opened in 2012) and IRR South (opened in 2024).

What is tissue regeneration and repair?

Our researchers seek to understand the mechanisms controlling tissue regeneration (the restoration of normal tissue architecture and function) and repair (adaptation of a tissue after injury without exact replacement of lost tissue) and exploit this understanding to promote the healing of damaged tissues caused by disease and injury.

Interdisciplinary institute

IRR is a cross-College institute, with staff and students from the School of Regeneration and Repair (College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine) and the Schools of Biological Sciences and Chemistry (College of Science and Engineering). 

Centre for Reproductive Health

The CRH is an interdisciplinary research and teaching hub, bringing together internationally renowned scientists and clinicians to push the boundaries of knowledge in reproductive biology and its practical applications in medicine.

The Centre’s research themes are broadly captured under the following three themes:

  • Gonadal function, including prenatal gonad and germ cell development, spermatogenesis, oocyte maturation and competence and fertility preservation.
  • Translational gynaecology, including pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding; endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids; contraception and abortion care; and reproductive cancers and cancer screening.
  • Pregnancy and early life, including stillbirth and preterm birth; maternal metabolic disorders and their impact on adverse fetal outcomes; in-utero programming.

Our research community

You will be embedded in the postgraduate student community at the Institute and welcomed onto the programme during our student welcome events at the start of the academic year. You can also take part in Welcome Week activities organised by the College and the wider university.

From the start of the programme there will be strong connections with other PhD students at IRR as well as several other MSc by Research programmes at Edinburgh Medical School.

IRR and other centres on the campus boast active seminar series. These provide excellent opportunities to attend talks on a wide range of topics to further your academic knowledge and reflect about personal research interests and your career direction.

The CRH has close links with other internationally recognised research centres at the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh BioQuarter, including:

  • the Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • the Simpson’s Centre for Reproductive Health
  • other research centres on the same Edinburgh Royal Infirmary site and elsewhere in Edinburgh

Many student projects are organised within and between these centres, reflecting the interdisciplinary research environment, where students and trainees are regarded as the ‘lifeblood’ for the future.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR) is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and supportive research culture that draws upon the diverse perspectives of all its members. We align our efforts with the University of Edinburgh's research culture action plans and policies to ensure that well-being, equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the forefront of our activities.

Our commitment involves supporting every colleague, recognising the unique contributions each individual brings to our community. We actively promote an environment where all voices are heard and valued, encouraging collaboration and innovation.

To achieve our goals, we uphold principles of integrity, consideration, and respect, following the University of Edinburgh’s Behaviour Charter. We believe that a respectful and principled approach fosters a positive and productive research environment, enhancing the overall impact of our work.

By prioritising these values, IRR not only aims to advance scientific research but also to create a workplace where everyone feels empowered and engaged. Through ongoing reflection and adaptation, we strive to continuously improve our practices and support a thriving academic community.

The University of Edinburgh’s Behaviour Charter

Programme structure

In addition to the research project, you will participate in and attend in a number of activities, including:

  • regular lab meetings of your research group
  • internal seminars
  • external seminars
  • Journal Club
  • poster presentations
  • research presentations
  • away day or science retreat

This programme does not amount to specific training to become a clinical embryologist.

How will I learn?

Training is offered through seminars, presentation events, and journal clubs, alongside hands-on laboratory and research skills development provided by your supervisors, faculty, and lab support staff.

PhD students may be involved in collaborative projects that provide cross-disciplinary experience and/or promote translation into the biotechnology or clinical fields.

Generic and transferable skills training for postgraduate students is provided through the University's Institute for Academic Development (IAD).

Institute of Academic Development

Facilities

The Centre for Reproductive Health is housed in the new, state-of-the art Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR). IRR provides high quality research facilities managed by specialist facility staff and can be operated by users following comprehensive training.

IRR core technologies

Bespoke training is provided by facility managers and support staff including, but not limited to, the following core technologies:

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 strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

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 programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If 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.

Societies

Sport Clubs

IRR community and wellbeing initiatives

The Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR) is committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for its staff and students. By focusing on community building and enhancing workplace health and wellbeing, IRR aims to become the best place to work and study.

Key activities include wellbeing walks, gardening, yoga sessions, coffee mornings, sustainability initiatives, and the People and Culture Forum.

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

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 adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

Academic contact

Aga Wysocka

IRR Postgraduate Administrator CRH

  • School of Regeneration and Repair
  • Centre for Reproductive Health
  • Postgraduate Administration

Contact details

Address

Institute for Regeneration and Repair
Edinburgh BioQuarter
5 Little France Drive
Edinburgh
EH16 4UU

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