University of Liverpool

Structural Biology

University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom

Course overview

Our structural biology research explores the molecular architecture of life, from microorganisms to complex organisms, in both healthy and diseased states. By uncovering the three-dimensional structures of biomolecules using state-of-the-art biophysical approaches ranging from X-ray crystallography, NMR and cryo-EM, we aim to advance understanding of biological processes, driving discoveries in medicine, biotechnology, and fundamental life sciences. TheInstitute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB)was established to integrate cutting-edge and clinical research across theFaculty of Health and Life Sciences.

Programmes of work across ISMIB are varied and are led by world experts in their fields. Our structural biology research mainly occurs in theDepartment of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, which has excelled in teaching and research since 1902, when the world’s first Chair of Biochemistry was established in Liverpool. Our integration of biochemical research with systems-based studies, including multiomics, data analysis, structural biology, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence, makes us a global leader.

This is further supported by top-tier shared research facilities and our commitment to sharing discoveries. In our structural biology research we use mathematical modelling, X-ray crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and cross-linking mass spectrometry, to tackle key structural biology questions. Our structural biology research is supported by world-class facilities, including theHigh-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility,GeneMill synthetic biology and protein production facility,Centre for Proteome Research, andBarkla X-ray Laboratory of Biophysics.

Topics relevant to structural biology include:

Key highlights

  • Research uses X-ray crystallography, NMR, cryo-EM and small angle X-ray scattering
  • Access to High-Field NMR Facility and Barkla X-ray Laboratory of Biophysics
  • GeneMill synthetic biology and protein production facility supports research
  • Integrates structural biology with multiomics, data analysis and artificial intelligence
  • Department home to the world's first Chair of Biochemistry, established 1902
  • Projects led by world experts across health and life sciences

Entry requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 — 6.5 IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • E. Allison Peers Masters Scholarship in Iberian and Latin American Studies

    The scholarship provides £5,000 towards fees, plus a £5,000 stipend, for students undertaking a Hispanic topic in any master's programme in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film at the University of Liverpool.

    Up to £5,000
  • Health, Cultures and Societies Bursary

    The successful candidate will receive a one-off fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Hodgson Law Scholarship

  • Liverpool Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduates

    If you're an international student, you could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £7,000.

    Up to £7,000
  • Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarships

    Two scholarships worth £1,000 each.

    Up to £1,000
  • Liverpool Law School LLM Bursaries

    Two bursaries worth £500 each for Home students. Two bursaries wroth £1,000 each for international students.

  • MA in Chinese-English Translating and Interpreting Scholarships

    Students awarded this scholarship will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Management School MBA Excellence Scholarship

    50% tuition fee discounts are available.

    Up to 50% of fees
  • Manuel Irujo Scholarship in Basque Studies

    The scholarship provides approximately £5,000.

  • MusicFutures Scholarship for International Intellectual Property Law LLM

    Up to five scholarships are available, each worth £12,500 in the form of a tuition fee discount.

    Up to £12,500
  • Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies

    Up to two awards are available in each academic year, with each award worth £4,000.

    Up to £4,000
  • Scholarships for MA Political Science and International Relations

    The Department of Politics is pleased to announce two £5,000 scholarships for students wishing to pursue the MA in Political Science and International Relations.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Master's in Public Administration and Policy

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Education

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Film Studies

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in History

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Translation

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master's Programmes

  • University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship

    £5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Postdoctoral research associate
  • Structural biologist
  • Research scientist in pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
  • Cryo-EM or NMR facility scientist
  • University lecturer
  • Protein crystallographer

Cost of study

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time: £2,619 | International: Full-time place, per year - £32,200; Part-time: £16,100

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Liverpool, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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