Cancer and Genomic Sciences,PhD

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom, Birmingham

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Home/United Kingdom/Birmingham /University of Birmingham/Cancer and Genomic Sciences,PhD

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom , Birmingham

Key Facts

Program Level

PhD (Philosophy Doctorate)

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Birmingham (Edgbaston)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 29,310 / year

Next Intake January-2026

Cancer and Genomic Sciences,PhD

About

Course overview

Our extensive research programme unites scientists and clinicians, equipping you with the essential skills needed to contribute to both discovery and translational research in the areas of: cancer, genome biology, rare diseases, bioinformatics and health data science.

The programme will provide training in the latest technologies within a highly collaborative environment enabling you to develop your own research project and contribute towards cutting-edge research that will facilitate your development and progression as a scientist.

Doing a PhD in Cancer & Genomic Sciences has completely changed my life. I love being a part of such a diverse and vibrant community. The facilities are excellent and the science has been fun and challenging. All staff and students have provided me with endless support and have pushed me to achieve my fullest potential. I even had the opportunity to present my research at an international conference in Portugal which I never would have seen myself doing!
Karan
Final Year PhD Student

Course Structure

This PhD programme can be undertaken full-time (minimum 36 months) or part-time (minimum 72 months). Applications are accepted all year round and there is flexibility on the start date with the largest intake in October. Following completion of your minimum period of study, the student normally transfers to a thesis awaited status (maximum 12 months). To successfully progress into the next year you'll need to pass an Annual Progress Review (APR).

As part of the APR you'll be required to submit a progress review form plus a project report based on the first year of research. You'll be asked to review your Development Needs Analysis form to identify important areas for development. The APR meeting will take place with two academics, one of which will be an expert in your area of research.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

English Program Requirements

International Students

Learn more about international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries; our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

English Language Requirements

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

by holding an English language qualification to the right level
by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students

Please note IELTS requirements for Postgraduate Research programmes in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences are 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.

If you need help with your English language skills then support is available.

The English for Academic Purposes Presessional course is for international students who have a conditional offer to study at the University, but who do not currently meet the English language requirements. The course is tailored to your level of English and allows you to meet the English language requirements for your programme without retaking IELTS. The EAP programme runs throughout the year and offers different programme lengths ranging from 42 weeks to 6 weeks. The length of course you need depends on your future course, your existing IELTS score and the English level you need for your university degree.

Find out more about the English for Academic Purposes Presessional course.

Career

We have a global reputation for our world leading research and teaching as follows:

Times 2024: Ranked 19th for Medicine.
Complete University Guide 2024: Ranked 19th for Medicine.
QS World rankings 2024: 69th for Medicine. The Life Sciences and Medicine overarching faculty area is ranked 68th in the world.
Shanghai rankings 2023: 51st – 75th for Clinical Medicine.
Times Higher Education rankings 2024: 74th for Clinical & Health.

Our employability rates within the College are excellent, with 95% of all surveyed students achieving employment within a year of study.

A high proportion of our postgraduate research students go onto roles such as Research fellow/ postdoctoral researcher, medical writer, scientist/ research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, and clinical trial coordinator.

Employers include the NHS Trusts, Cancer Research UK, pharma and biotech companies (including AstraZeneca, Covance, Binding Site, Immunocore, Johnson and Johnson), Medical Communications agencies (e.g. Fishawack, Insight Medical Writing), the Armed Forces and the University of Birmingham.

Career support through Career Network

A PhD is the highest level of academic achievement available and vital for the continued professional development of scientists. Completing a PhD at Birmingham will extend your knowledge base in your chosen subject, as well as enhancing your problem solving and analytical; communication and teaching; and leadership and management skills – all of which are valued across the academic and private sectors. It will also enable you to provide you with the opportunity to develop your network of peers, collaborators and colleagues to support your onward career.

Whatever path you choose to take as a postgraduate researcher, the University offers guidance and support in all aspects of planning your next step. Our resources include:

Alumni biographies and talks to learn more about their career journey and reflect on the journey you may follow after completing your PhD;
Resources for writing industry or academic specific applications, CVs and cover letters;
Up to date information about the PhD labour market;
Career planning guide;
Job searching resources both for roles within academia and non-academia;
Training and skills development workshops for postgraduate researchers;
Access to the Postgraduate Enterprise Summer School
Virtual Consultancy Challenge
1-1 Business start-up advice

Find out more on our Careers Network for Postgraduate Researchers web pages.

Our Careers Network offers free online resources, face to face consultation and also runs the Global Careers blog, with posts about having a career abroad and international graduates building a career in the UK. International students are also supported via the Global Careers event series, designed for international students, focusing on country or industry specific job applications and interview skills.

Events in the past have included:

Hays Asia recruitment event - for offices across China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia
Global opportunities at Amazon
Global University Career Development Conference (GUCDC)
LinkedIn group for international students and alumni from the University of Birmingham to connect