Integrative Biomedical Sciences (Based in China) PhD

Our 4 Year Dual award PhD in Integrative Biomedical Sciences programme will equip students with the distinct skills required to bridge the knowledge gap between the design, execution and interpretation of fundamental research and the challenges of translating this knowledge in humans. The programme focuses on training students to align cutting-edge experimental animal modelling, cellular, regenerative, computational, genetic technologies and analytical tools with comprehensive knowledge of the translational environment.

By 'Training to Translate', this programme draws on unique research strengths in biomedical sciences from The University of Edinburgh and Zhejiang University. As evidenced by our recent award of the 2018 Education Institutional Partnership of the Year at the British Business Awards, we have established an international research institute that builds on the existing strengths of our institutions and aims to foster further collaboration in teaching and research.

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity to be awarded a PhD in Integrative Biomedical Sciences from both the University of Edinburgh and Zhejiang University.

ZJU-UoE Institute

The ZJU-UoE Institute is located on the International Campus of Zhejiang University in Haining, China. This programme is taught in English by staff from Zhejiang University, the University of Edinburgh and the ZJU-UoE Institute.

Study in China

This programme will be taught in English by staff from Zhejiang University, the University of Edinburgh and the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute). They will be based entirely in Haining, China.

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in biomedical sciences or a related subject.

Applicants may hold a masters degree, but this is not a requirement.

Applicants will be required to meet additional requirements for visa entry to China.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

There are no Chinese language proficiency requirements for applicants, but, Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• 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.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also 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

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Joining a joint UK-China PhD program offers the opportunity to gain research and life experience in the emerging dynamic East Asian biomedical and biotechnology research space.

The 21st century’s centre of economic gravity is shifting eastwards and many research and academic career opportunities are shifting in that direction also. Combining this with strong links to an established global and European research university offers a unique combination of global career opportunities.

There is an opportunity to learn the Chinese language and gain entry and insight into China’s ancient rich culture and modern, rapidly developing economy and society.