University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The programme is a research-focused PhD in which the majority of study time is devoted to an independent research project under the supervision of one or more academic staff. Projects span molecular genetics, functional genomics, evolutionary genomics, genetic regulation, epigenetics, population genetics, microbial and plant genetics, and human clinical genomics. Many students combine wet-lab molecular biology approaches (CRISPR, cloning, transcriptomics, single-cell methods) with high-throughput sequencing and computational analysis.

Alongside the project, students take a structured programme of training and taught modules to build technical and transferable skills. Typical training areas include:

• Advanced Genomics and Next-Generation Sequencing technologies
• Bioinformatics, programming and statistical genetics (R/Python, population genetics software)
• Molecular and cellular techniques for genetics research
• Data handling, reproducible research and computational pipelines
• Research ethics, experimental design and scientific communication

Assessment is primarily by the submission of a thesis describing original research, and an oral viva voce examination. Regular progress reviews, presentations at internal seminars and opportunities to publish work in peer-reviewed journals are integral to the PhD.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree at 2:1 or above and/or a good master's degree in biology, genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics or a closely related subject. Applicants with substantial research experience may also be considered. Successful applicants usually demonstrate prior laboratory or computational research experience, a strong academic record and clear research interests that match available supervisors.

International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements; example standards include an approved qualification such as IELTS at an appropriate overall score with minimum component scores, or equivalent evidence of English proficiency. Admission to funded studentships is competitive and may require a separate application process.

Career prospects

Graduates from this PhD typically move into a range of careers where advanced genetics and genomics expertise is required. Common destinations include:

• Academic research and postdoctoral positions in genetics, genomics and related fields
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in roles such as research scientist, assay development, and genomic data analysis
• Clinical and diagnostic laboratories, including roles in genomic medicine and genetic counselling support teams (often following additional clinical or professional training)
• Bioinformatics and data science roles working with large-scale genomic datasets
• Science policy, publishing, patenting and commercialisation roles that value deep subject knowledge and research experience

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham hosts active research groups in genetics and genomics within its School of Life Sciences and associated faculties, offering interdisciplinary supervision across molecular biology, computational biology and clinical research. Students benefit from access to modern core facilities including next-generation sequencing platforms, high-performance computing and bioinformatics support, and opportunities to collaborate with clinical partners and industry.

Doctoral training includes formal skills development, internal seminar series and opportunities to attend national and international conferences. The University’s research environment and collaborative culture provide strong support for publishing, networking and developing the specialist and transferable skills needed for careers across academia, industry and healthcare.