University of Kent

PhD Biochemistry

University of Kent

Course overview

The PhD Biochemistry at the University of Kent is a research-focused doctorate course that lasts three to four years full-time or five to six years part-time. It is based around a single, focused laboratory or computational research project, allowing students to conduct an original investigation from the very first stage. The work covers advanced topics in molecular processes like genetics, molecular biology, protein science, and the development of biotherapeutics.

Students are guided by a supervisory team, which includes a main supervisor and independent chairs, who offer advice on progression. Assessment is done according to the quality of the substantial, independently done research project, which results in new knowledge in the field. Students also attend components of transferable skills modules to support their overall professional development.

Entry requirements

Candidates must submit a personal statement that mentions their reasons for applying for the course and outlines their proposed research interests. They should also seek to contact a potential supervisor in the School of Biosciences before they apply. A relevant academic or employer reference is also needed. Students can upload their CVs together with their applications to showcase their work experience.

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants must have at least a 2:1 Honours degree (Second Class, Upper Division) in a subject that is related to biochemistry, like biochemistry, biomedical science, or another biological science. While not always necessary, possessing a relevant master's degree can also be an advantage.
  • Applicants with other qualifications but significantly relevant experience will be accepted on a case-by-case basis after contacting the Director of Graduate Studies.

English Language Requirements:

  • Applicants from non-English-speaking countries possess at least 6.5 overall in the IELTS test, with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening). Optionally, they can submit equivalent scores from other approved tests such as PTE Academic (minimum 63) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 85).

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship

    Scholarship value up to £10,000.

  • Kent Ambition to Succeed Scholarship

    Scholarship holders can expect to receive between £500-£2,000 for each year of study (pro-rata for part-time students), subject to satisfactory academic progress.

  • Kent Business School Beaconhouse PG Progression Scholarship

    Tuition fee discount scholarship of £6,000.

    Up to £6,000

  • Kent Business School Dean's Excellence Scholarship Award

    Awards of up to £3,000

  • Kent Business School MBA Scholarship

    50% off Tuition Fee.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Kent Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee reduction for post-graduate taught programmes at the University of Kent.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Kent International Scholarship for Undergraduates

    Scholarship value - £5,000

    Up to £5,000

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught

    Scholarship value - £5000

    Up to £5,000

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught (KBS)

    Scholarship value £3000

    Up to £3,000

  • Kent LLM Solicitors’ Practice Scholarship (Canterbury)

    £2,000 tuition fee discount (Home Students); £2,000 tuition fee discount (Overseas Students).

    Up to £2,000

  • KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Academic Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9, 790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Support Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Kingsman Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Widening Participation Scholarship

    £1,500 maintenance per annum for a maximum of 5 years.

    Up to £1,500

  • Music Performance Scholarship

    £1,000 awarded each year to talented instrumentalists and singers studying for any degree at the University of Kent.

    Up to £1,000

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Tuition fees waived for the duration of your programme of study, or until you are able to access other Student Finance funding.

  • Sasha Roberts Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The “Ambition” Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £1,500 for Full Time UK students; £750 per year for Part Time UK students; £3,000 for Full Time Overseas students.

  • The CAMEMS Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Widening Participation Ambition Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £5,000 for UK students (£2,500 per year for part time students).

Career opportunities

Graduates of the PhD Biochemistry from the University of Kent are well-prepared to pursue the following careers:

  • Post-doctoral Research Fellow
  • Research Scientist in the Pharmaceutical Industry (e.g., AstraZeneca, Pfizer)
  • Academic Lecturer or Professor
  • Bioinformatics Scientist/Data Analyst
  • Regulatory Affairs Officer (ensuring product compliance)

Cost of study

For international students, joining the PhD Biochemistry in the University of Kent, the annual tuition fee is £23,500. In addition, a budget for possible research costs should be made, which can range from £1,200 to £2,000 annually and sometimes up to £5,000 for highly resource-intensive projects. This tuition fee is, however, subject to an annual increase.

Admission

To apply for the course, you can apply directly to the university through its online application portal. For personalised help with your application, please speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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