Computational Biology PhD
- Full-time: Up to 4 years
- Part-time: Up to 8 years
- Start date: Multiple available
- UK fees: £5,350
- International fees: Up to £44,000 per year
Research overview
Develop your skills and understanding of the latest veterinary research.
We're committed to addressing the key challenges of our age through research that has an impact. Our research spans across species, improving the health and welfare of animals. From reducing lameness in sheep using technology, understanding cancer, cardiovascular and degenerative diseases, to how viruses and bacteria work, so we can better understand and treat them.
Our expertise are made up of research groups and specialist research centres, including:
The School of Veterinary Medicine part of Unit of Assessment (UoA6 Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Science) has improved their position in the upper half of the UoA and seen a significant increase in the proportion of outputs assessed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ from those submitted to REF2014. The Unit’s research environment is also recognised as being 75% ‘world-leading’ and 25% ‘internationally excellent’. Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
Course content
Our Computational Biology PhD will give you specialist training in data analysis, mathematical modelling, bioinformatics and computational simulations in the different research areas within SVMS and the University. You will learn the theory and practical techniques you will need for a successful research career.
You will design, plan and deliver an original and independent research project, with supervision and support from our research experts. Training in key skills is also provided. Skills you'll learn will depend on the nature of your chosen project.
During your first year, you'll work on a report and a confirmatory review. The review will be a written report on your thesis and progress so far, including comments from your principal supervisor.
You'll be required to attend a minimum number of formal and documented supervision sessions and submit a research portfolio detailing your formal and informal training records.
The confirmatory review must be passed to progress to the remainder of the PhD programme. If you do not pass the confirmatory review, you may be awarded an MRes degree instead.
After completing your first year, you'll be given the status of PhD student. You'll continue to focus on your chosen research topic, with support from your supervisor. The standard PhD course is three years, but some funded PhD courses are for 3.5 or four years. All PhDs must be completed within 4 years.
Assessment
You'll need to complete:
- a written thesis of up to 100,000 words
- a verbal examination called a viva voce where you explain your project in-depth to an examination panel
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
| Degree | 2:1 first degree in a relevant subject, or 2.2 first degree and a masters degree, both in a relevant subject.
Specific projects may also require that you hold a veterinary qualification. |
| Additional information | |
| Degree | 2:1 first degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject, or 2.2 first degree (or international equivalent) and a masters degree, both in a relevant subject.
Specific projects may also require that the applicant holds a veterinary qualification. |
| International and EU equivalents | We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages. |
| IELTS | Clinical projects: 7.5 (7.0 in each element). Science projects: 6.5 (6.0 in each element) |
| English language requirements | As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. |
Meeting our English language requirements
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.
We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.
If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.
Applying
Our Computational Biology PhD is flexible. You can choose to start on:
- 1 October 2024
- 1 December 2024
- 1 February 2025
- 1 April 2025
- 1 July 2025
We encourage you to contact a member of the academic staff about your research proposal before applying. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support to find funding opportunities in your area.
Details of research supervisors at the University can be found on our research A to Z.
Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.
How to applyFees
| Home / UK | £5,350 |
| International | £28,200 for low-cost, £32,400 for lab-based, £38,400 for high-cost lab-based or £44,000 for exceptional technically intensive or specialised projects with high consumable costs. For details, contact veterinary-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk. |
Additional information for international students
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).
Additional costs
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
You'll need to pay for your membership to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) if you are undertaking a clinical degree.
Additional costs relating to your research project will vary depending on the type of project decide on. For example, laboratory costs, basic veterinary equipment, insurance or CPD expenses if these are not covered by your project budget or funding.
You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.
Funding
There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.
Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.
Postgraduate fundingSupport
You will carry out your research under the supervision of one primary, and one secondary supervisor from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science. Both will be academic members of staff in the school and will have university training on the responsibilities associated with being a postgraduate supervisor.
You may also have additional supervisors from specialist research facilities, other Universities, research institutes or from industry.
Researcher training and development
The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.
Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.
Graduate centres
Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.
Each space has areas for:
- studying
- socialising
- computer work
- seminars
- kitchen facilities
Student support
You will have access to a range of support services, including:
- academic and disability support
- childcare services
- counselling service
- faith support
- financial support
- mental health and wellbeing support
- visa and immigration advice
- welfare support
Students' Union
Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.
There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:
- international students
- black and minority ethnic students
- students who identify as women
- students with disabilities
- LGBT+ students
SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.
Where you will learn
Purpose-built veterinary facilities
Where you will learn
Specialist veterinary research facilities
Our research facilities are modern and purpose-built. We have specialist research labs for:
- ribonucleic acid (RNA)
- protein
- flow-cytometry
- biological level 2 and 3 organisms
- anaerobic organisms
- histology and pathology
Where you will learn
Purpose-built veterinary facilities
Where you will learn
Specialist veterinary research facilities
Our research facilities are modern and purpose-built. We have specialist research labs for:
- ribonucleic acid (RNA)
- protein
- flow-cytometry
- biological level 2 and 3 organisms
- anaerobic organisms
- histology and pathology
Where you will learn
Purpose-built veterinary facilities
Research Excellence Framework
The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
- 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
- 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
- 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**
*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.
This content was last updated on 31 July 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.