University of Kent

PhD Computational Biology

University of Kent

Course overview

The PhD Computational Biology at the University of Kent is a three- to four-year full-time or five- to six-year part-time research degree in the School of Biosciences. It is highly focused and involves a single, in-depth research project from the first day of study. Students’ research will focus on understanding systems and processes in the living cell, using knowledge from areas such as genetics, molecular biology, and biophysics.

The PhD Computational Biology from the University of Kent involves laboratory and computational research projects, with guidance from a strong supervisory team. Students get close support and attend components of the Researcher Development Programme, which develops transferable skills. The institution has quality facilities and firm support from funding bodies such as the Wellcome Trust.

Entry requirements

Candidates should submit a personal statement in which they state their reasons for wanting to study the course and submit other information relating to their studies. An academic or employer reference is also needed. Students can upload their CVs alongside their applications to display their work experience.

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants need at least a Second Class Honours degree (2:1) or higher in a relevant biological science-related subject. Acceptance is at the supervisor's discretion after an interview and is based on whether their research interests fit with the expertise of the staff.

English Language Requirements:


  • Applicants who are non-English speakers need to score a minimum of 6.0 overall in IELTS (with 5.5 in all four components) or submit equivalent English language test scores, like 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

The following careers are available for graduates of the PhD in Computational Biology from the University of Kent. They include:

  • Computational Biologist

  • Post-doctoral Research Fellow

  • Scientists in pharmaceutical firms

  • Data Scientist in the health sector

  • Senior Researcher at a research institute

Cost of study

The annual tuition fee for international students joining the full-time PhD in Computational Biology at the University of Kent is £23,500 for the 2026 academic session. The fee for part-time study is £11,750 per year. Please note that some research projects may need payment of additional research costs, which will cover specialist consumables, and these fees are subject to annual increases.

Admission

To apply for this course, you’ll need to go through the university’s online application portal. To find out more about this process, speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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