level:PG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:false;clearing:false;full_time:true;part_time:true;start_month:October, March;location:Waterside
Life Sciences MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published works
Key Facts
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Duration
MPhil: Full time 12 months - 3 years
MPhil: Part time 30 months - 5 years
PhD: Full time 2 years - 4 years
PhD: Part time 3 years - 6 years
PhD by Published Works: 1 - 2 years -
Level
PostgraduatePG PhD
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See Fees and Funding
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See Fees and Funding
Updated 10/12/2025
Updated 10/12/2025
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Overview
If you are a graduate in a life science or similar discipline, this MPhil/ PhD / PhD by Published Works programme offers an excellent route to expand your knowledge and research skills within in the vibrant life sciences sector. Successful defence of the final thesis will provide the researcher with a level 8 qualification that can offer an excellent opportunity to move into higher management positions within the industry. Find out more about the Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences (PALS).
The application deadline for starting in October is 1 August and 11 December for starting in March.
Highlights
- Dedicated state-of-the-art laboratories and specialist facilities: view our Labs tour
- Strong links with Northampton General Hospital (pathology).
- Research active staff in areas including Cancer, infectious diseases and genetics.
Entry Requirements
- 2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a Life Sciences related subject.
or
- Master’s Degree from a UK university (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area.
Students with lower-level qualifications or qualifications in a different subject area, but relevant experience will also be considered on an individual basis.
We welcome applications from students with internationally recognised qualifications which are an equivalent to our entry requirements stated above.
All candidates are required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
This course requires the following:
- IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores not below 6.5. Your score in writing must meet 6.5.
- Applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components will automatically not be considered.
All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:
- a successful interview.
- suitable Research Supervision Team.
Research proposals should be developed in consultation with a potential supervisor. For further information, see How to Apply page.
It is important that you contact a potential supervisor to find out any requirements as far as a proposal and/or application is concerned, before submitting your application. Find out more about research proposal requirements.
Our Graduate School website offer further information on Postgraduate Research courses.
What You'll Learn
This Life Sciences PhD is a practical course based on a single research project, carried out under the training and supervision of our Research Supervisors.
All students also participate in a programme of transferrable and research skills training. When you finish this course, you will be able to find research and development roles within the Biotech and Pharmaceutical sectors or progress into an academic career or enter business at a managerial level.
What is the difference between a full PhD and a PhD by Published works?
A PhD involves conducting original research and writing a thesis, while a PhD by Published Works is awarded based on a collection of previously published papers demonstrating significant contributions to the field. Additional information about choosing your type of research degree can be found on our How to apply for Research degree study page.
Fees and Funding
2025/26 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees
- UK – Full Time: £5,700
- UK – Part Time: £2,845
- International – Full Time: £16,350
- International – Part Time: £7,640
Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works
Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.
- UK – Part Time: £3,600
- International – Part Time: £7,840
Please visit the funding page for more details on how to fund your study.
Careers and Employability
Our students progress on to post-doctoral research or enter non-academic careers including R&D in industry as well as medical writing, scientific journalism, healthcare informatics, data science, big data analytics, marketing and management, technical sales and market research/consulting.
Facilities
We have specialist category II research laboratories for molecular biology, cell culture and microbiology
