Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics) Integrated PhD

Most students complete this programme in 4 years full-time

This is a specialised PhD Programme that follows an agreed research training model in bioinformatics.

Students will develop an understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of life, and its applications in health, medicine or food biosecurity, preparing you for a career in research or industry.

Biosciences research has huge impact in helping people live longer and healthier lives. With the World Economic Forum identifying healthcare as one of the top 10 Global Challenges for 2030, there is a growing demand for specialists in this field. This course provides you with an understanding of the molecular basis of biological systems and focuses on applying this knowledge to improve human health and disease, food biosecurity and sustainable biotechnologies.

With the successful completion of the programme, you will graduate with the specialist knowledge and employability skills for a career in academic, clinical, industrial or commercial sectors anywhere in the world. Recent examples of graduate roles include a Bionformatics Consultant, an Analyst, a Production Technician and an Agricultural Engineer.

Find out about the department’s research activities

Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 4 years. You cannot take less than 3 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 5 years.

You can start this programme in September or October.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.

Academic milestones

Registration
Induction
Taught phase
Candidature
Confirmation
Research
Writing up
Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
Submission for examination
Examination (Viva Voce)
Examiners report
Final submission of thesis / portfolio
Graduation

Programme content

Learning

Doctoral skills online
Doctoral skills workshop
Interaction and networking
Laboratory sessions
Lectures
Online resources
Practical sessions
Research project
Seminars
Supervisory team
Tutorials
Video materials
Workshops

Taught content

For the Integrated PhD in Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics) programme you will be enrolled on the MSc Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics) in your first year. You will take courses at Master’s-level, where you will be expected to undertake training through two research projects and critically analyse research through seminar presentations and written work.

The unique course structure is designed in consultation with clinical and industrial partners to give you the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in molecular biosciences. You’ll gain extensive research experience by carrying out two research projects, working in dedicated postgraduate labs and with researchers from the Department of Life Sciences.

The course also includes a ‘Broadening horizons’ unit, giving you the opportunity to further strengthen your employability by doing a project addressing the challenges of global environment sustainability. You’ll apply your skills related to either entrepreneurship, teaching, media and communication, or public engagement.

Your MSc will be awarded upon successful completion of both the MSc and doctoral research stage of the programme. In the event you successfully complete the MSc but do not transfer to the research stage, your MSc will be awarded at the end of year 1.

Research content

Progression to your research stage in year 2 will be subject to successful completion of the MSc (with a minimum overall programme average of 50%, including 50% in the dissertation), and acceptance by a lead supervisor for the research project. Your thesis proposal and interdisciplinary supervisory team will be decided by the end of the first year. In years 2 through 4 you will conduct your PhD thesis research.

Although the registration period for an integrated PhD programme at the University of Bath is 5 years it is expected that you will submit your PhD thesis within 4 years of commencing your studies.

Professional Development

Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our MyDoctoralDevelopment workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Assessment

Assessment methods

Coursework
Data analysis practical
Dissertation (MSc route only)
End point assessment
Essay
Multiple choice examination
Online assessment
Practical work
Presentations
Seminar
Thesis
Viva Voce

Assessment description

Most research students who ‘do a PhD’ register in the first instance as probationer for the programme of PhD. Confirmation of PhD registration is subject to your passing an assessment process, which normally involves submission of written work and an oral examination.

Candidates are expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of their chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis.

The final stage of the PhD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A strong academic background in a field relevant to the proposed research, specifically:

A first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent), or
A master’s degree with a minimum of a merit classification (or equivalent)

English Language requirements

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to meet the minimum English language requirements before you can start your course.

You’ll need to provide us with a valid result in an approved English language test, for example:

Duolingo: 120 overall with sub scores of Speaking 110, Writing 110, Reading 110, Listening 105
Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component
TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition (taken before 21 January 2026): 90 overall with no less than 21 in any element
TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition (taken after 20 January 2026): 4.5 overall with no less than 4.0 in any component

See the required scores for all the English language tests we accept.

You must have taken your English language qualification within 24 months of your course start date.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you might be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

You don't normally need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency if:

you're a UK national
you're a national of a majority English-speaking country, as recognised by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and you’ve lived and been educated in that country for a significant period
you hold a degree taught in English awarded within two years of your course start date

References

Two references are required. At least one of these should be an academic reference from the most recent place of study.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics) Integrated PhD

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.

Find out more about student fees

Extra costs

You will need to budget for living expenses and, if you don’t already live in Bath, your relocation costs.

The University has developed some resources to help you understand typical costs of living in Bath. Please see the example postgraduate budget or the example budget for an overseas student intending to bring family to Bath.

If you require a visa to study in the UK, you will also need to budget for visa fees and the Immigration Healthcare surcharge (IHS).

A training support fee of £1,000 per annum is required in addition to the tuition fees - this applies from the second year of the programme onwards (this fee does not apply to your first year).

Find out more about Training Support Fees (TSF).

How to pay

Funding options

We welcome applications from self-funding students or those who have obtained a scholarship from their home country.

Unfortunately, you are not eligible to receive a University-funded PhD studentship for this programme. Also, it is not possible to apply for a University-funded PhD studentship once the Master’s (MSc) element of the programme has been completed.

The exception to the above is the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship for which you could be considered if you meet the relevant criteria. This scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction for eligible international students and applies to the PhD element of the programme from Year 2 onwards. To be considered, you must indicate your interest in the scholarship when submitting your application for the integrated programme.

Find out about the Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship for new, international PhD students.

If you require University funding for your studies, you may wish to consider applying to the MSc and PhD programmes separately, as this may provide access to funding opportunities that are not available through the integrated programme. If you are interested in applying to the MSc separately, please contact pgtadmissions@bath.ac.uk.

Find out more about alternative doctoral funding.

Payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.

Paying your tuition fees

Application information

Programme title

Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics) Integrated PhD
Final awards

MSc and PhD
Mode of study

Full-time
Course code

RSBB-AFM48
Department

Department of Life Sciences
Location

University of Bath
Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
Application deadline

3 months prior to the intended start date (for international applicants) or 2 months prior to the intended start date (for home applicants). For example, for an end of September start, the deadline is 30 June (international) and 31 July (home).
Regulator

The Office for Students (OfS)

Applicant profile

A competitive applicant profile will show:

Excellent academic credentials
An understanding of why you need the integrated year and what you expect to gain from it
Evidence of your potential to be a successful PhD researcher
Alignment between your research interests/experience and the department’s research priorities

It is important to remember that Integrated PhD places are competitively awarded and your application will be considered as a whole including the quality of your CV, personal statement and references as well as your ability to meet entry requirements and your potential to become a researcher.

See our guide about how to apply for doctoral study.

Selection process

When your application is received, it will be forwarded to the relevant Admissions Tutors. If they are interested in pursuing your application, they will ask the Doctoral Admissions team to review your application. This will include assessing your tuition fee status, checking that your application is complete and confirming that you meet the minimum entry criteria as quoted in the ‘Entry requirements’ section above.

After the Doctoral Admissions team review, the Admissions Tutors will decide if they wish to invite you to interview. Interviews will typically be conducted at least two members of academic staff.

Immigration requirements

This PhD is covered by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international student, you may require an ATAS certificate to join this course and you can find out more about the visa requirements for studying in the UK.

For additional support please contact the Student Immigration Service for matters related to student visas and immigration.

Programme enquiries

Doctoral Admissions

Apply for this programme

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