University of Kent

PhD Cell Biology

University of Kent

Course overview

The School of Biosciences focuses its research on understanding the systems and processes inside a living cell, mainly through the study of molecules. This research supports the teaching and covers key areas such as molecular biology, genetics, protein science, and biophysics.

The PhD Cell Biology from the University of Kent is a research degree, which takes three to four years full-time or five to six years part-time. Students commence their main, detailed research project immediately. They will receive close support from a team of supervisors, getting access to resources for specific subject training and general career skills.

Entry requirements

Candidates are to submit a personal statement in which they outline their reasons for applying for the course and other information regarding their studies. A relevant academic or employer reference is also required. Students have the option of uploading their CV alongside their applications to demonstrate their work experience.

Grade Requirements: 

  • Applicants must have at least a 2:1 Honours degree (Second Class, Upper Division) in a relevant biological science-related subject. Acceptance of any candidate is at the discretion of the supervisor, after an interview, and depends on whether their research interests align with a research group's capabilities.

English Language Requirements:

  • Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds must score a minimum of 6.0 overall in IELTS (with 5.5 in each section) or submit equivalent English language test scores, such as a PTE Academic score of 63 with a minimum of 59 in each subtest.

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 Cell Biology from the University of Kent can move on to pursue careers such as:

  • Research Scientist in industry

  • Postdoctoral Researcher

  • Academic Lecturer

  • Pharmaceutical Researcher

  • Biotechnology Consultant

Cost of study

The full-time tuition fee for international students joining the PhD Cell Biology in the University of Kent is £23,500 for the 2026 academic session. The fee for part-time international study is £11,750 per year. These tuition fees are subject to annual increases.

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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