Life sciences research degrees

Our postgraduate research in life sciences including entry requirements for PhDs and other research degrees.

Biomedical Sciences

There are many reasons why one would want to do a PhD in Life Sciences at Dundee. More that 1,100 staff and research students representing no fewer than 62 different nationalities provide a genuinely global research environment in the heart of Scotland.

Our students receive a great deal of support from their peers and via the PhD student association (PiCLS). We offer a range of different programmes; some involve rotation projects whilst others are focused on a single research area. In all cases the programme is structured to maximise effective guidance and mentoring, in addition to providing a basis for optimally matching students' interests with cutting edge research.

Pre-application process

The School of Life Sciences has a pre-application process. Before using the standard University application form below, PhD applicants need to complete the relevant pre-application form.

You can find each pre-application form on the PhD project or programme pages during the application period.

If you have already completed the Life Sciences pre-application process then you are ready to complete your full application.

PhD project or programme pages

If you submit a University application, without first completing the pre-application form above, your application will be rejected.

PhD opportunities in Life Sciences

English language requirements

IELTS (overall) Reading Listening Speaking Writing
6.5 5.5 5.5 6.0 6.0

We also accept other English language qualifications

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you are a national of certain countries.

Don't meet the English language requirements?

English language programmes

Prepare for university study and benefit from extra English tuition with an English language programme.

Research skills programme

If your previous degree did not include research skills you may be able to apply to our Structured PhD. This includes both research skills training and English Language tuition.

Life Sciences PhD tuition fees

Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2025/26
3 and 4 year £5,006
per year of study		 £27,900
per year of study
EMBL Jnt Programme £1,200
per year of study		 £1,200
per year of study
Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2026/27
3 and 4 year £5,238
per year of study		 £28,840
per year of study
EMBL Jnt Programme £1,200
per year of study		 £1,200
per year of study

Life Sciences Masters by Research tuition fees

Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2025/26 £14,740
per year of study		 £31,295
per year of study
Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2026/27 £15,477
per year of study		 £32,052
per year of study

Tuition fee per year of study (subject to a 5% annual increase for Scottish, Rest of UK, and International students).

The tuition fee, and mode of attendance shown within the application system is provisional and confirmed when you are made an offer.

Part time study, where available, is charged on a pro-rata basis.

Scottish/Rest of UK fee status annual increase

Each year, UKRI sets a recommended fee and stipend level for Scottish/Rest of UK students, which we use as the basis for fees charged to this group.

UKRI usually increases its fee and stipend levels in line with inflation, based on the Treasury GDP deflator. 

Therefore, the Scottish/Rest of UK fees detailed in this table for 2026/27 (and beyond) can only be estimated according to the typical increase. 

The fee charged to you may differ, though only slightly, from the figure given.

Apply for a research degree

You can apply for a PhD or other postgraduate research degree using our Direct Application System.

We have three start dates per academic year.

MSc by Research Life Sciences

PhD Life Sciences

PhD Life Sciences (EMBL joint programme)

If you are interested in pursuing the EMBL Joint Programme, please contact [email protected] and we will provide you with a link to apply (should you be eligible).

Life Sciences (non-graduating) (research)

Disabled students

The University of Dundee welcomes applications from disabled students.

Enquiries

person

Dr Edgar Huitema

  • Principal Investigator, Director for the Professional Doctorate Programme, Head of Postgraduate Studies

  • Exploring the Mechanistic Basis of Lifestyles in Filamentous Plant Pathogens

    [email protected]

    +44 (0)1382 385394