Life sciences research degrees

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

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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.

Life Sciences PhD tuition fees

Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2023/24
3 and 4 year £4,712
per year of study		 £25,200
per year of study
EMBL Jnt Programme £,1200
per year of study		 £,1200
per year of study
2024/25
3 and 4 year £4,786
per year of study		 £26,460
per year of study
EMBL Jnt Programme £,1200
per year of study		 £,1200
per year of study

Life Sciences Masters by Research tuition fees

Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2023/24 £13,625
per year of study		 £28,385
per year of study
2024/25 £14,035
per year of study		 £29,805
per year of study

Tuition fee per year of study (subject to a 3% annual increase for Scottish/Rest of UK students and a 5% annual increase for International students).

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 2025/26 (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.

PhD Life Sciences

PhD Life Sciences (part time)

PhD Life Sciences (4 years)

PhD Life Sciences (EMBL joint programme)

Life Sciences (non-graduating) (research)

The University of Dundee welcomes applications from disabled students.

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