University of Essex

PhD Cancer Biology

University of Essex

Course overview

The PhD Cancer Biology at the University of Essex is a full-time Doctorate programme that enables candidates to carry out original, in-depth research under expert supervision in the School of Life Sciences. Students investigate project areas such as stem-cell-based therapies, mechanisms of therapy resistance, racial disparities in cancer, translational and clinical proteomics, and drug design, utilising advanced laboratory and computational methods.

Learning and assessment revolve around independent research; students will investigate a chosen topic, communicate understanding through a thesis, thereby developing high-level skills. The programme duration is typically 3–4 years and is situated at the Colchester Campus.

Students have a supervisory board meeting twice a year to discuss their project progress and plans for the next six months. Projects undertaken by students are in collaboration with the NHS and regional hospitals, and also offer access to a comprehensive range of research facilities.

Entry requirements

Candidates applying for entry into the PhD Cancer Biology at the University of Essex are required to attend an interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants will need a good honours degree (e.g., first-class or upper second-class) or a relevant Master's degree in a subject such as biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline. A well-developed research proposal is also essential.

English Language requirements:

  • Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency with an overall IELTS score of 6.5, and at least 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent qualification.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Loyalty Discount

    First Class or Distinction, 2.1 or Merit, 2.2 or successful completion of a Masters, Graduate or PG Diploma - 20%.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Essex Futures BT– Masters Scholarship

    School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) is delighted to be offering up to six scholarship worth £5,500 each for 1 year full time.

    Up to £5,500

  • Essex Preparation Programme Bursary

    £250 cash bursary.

    Up to £250

  • Global Talent Masters Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a scholarship worth £5,000, paid as a discount on your tuition fee.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship

    The awards offered are a discount of £5,000 per year for a maximum of three years of full-time undergraduate study, up to a maximum of £15,000.

    Up to £15,000

  • Hugh Brogan Bursary

    If you are applying to study a History MA degree, you could be eligible for one of four available cash bursaries worth £2,500.

    Up to £2,500

  • International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship

    If you're starting at Essex in 2026-27 and achieve academic excellence in your International Baccalaureate, we will offer you a scholarship of £2,000 for your first year of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Performance Sports Scholarships and Bursaries

    Tier 1 - Tuition fee discount up to 100%, Tier 2 - Cash bursary (of varying amounts), Tier 3 - Access to the above performance package benefits, with a value of up to £1,500.

  • Postgraduate Masters (PGT) International Health Bursary

    The University is offering a bursary of £776 for Masters (PGT) international students.

    Up to £776

  • Postgraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £6,500, for your first year of study at Essex.

    Up to £6,500

  • Sociology and Criminology - Fuller PGT Scholarship

    The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering scholarships of £11,025 to support six postgraduate students to study within the department in 2026-2027.

    Up to £11,025

  • The Always Essex Staff Discount Scholarship

    33% discount of the first-year tuition fee (first two years for part-time study).

  • The Eleonore Koch Travel Fund

    The School of Philosophical, Historical & Interdisciplinary Studies is offering a bursary of up to £5,000.

  • The Essex MBA Dean's Award

    The school is able to offer fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value.

  • The International Undergraduate Scholarship

    The award is offered as a £5,000 discount on your tuition fees for the first year of study in 2026-27 only.

    Up to £5,000

  • The Ronald J. Hill Fund

    The department of Government is offering a bursary of £3,000 to assist one postgraduate student within the department of Government to assist with tuition fees or living costs.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Undergraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You may be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £5,000, for each year of study at Essex up to a maximum of 3 years.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship

Career opportunities

After completing a PhD Cancer Biology from the University of Essex, graduates may pursue careers such as:

  • Academic researcher
  • Physiotherapist 
  • Clinical Research Scientist in Oncology  
  • Specialist in cancer data science 
  • Policy Advisor in Cancer Control

Cost of study

For the PhD Cancer Biology degree in the life sciences at the University of Essex, the full-time tuition fee for the January 2026 academic year for International students is £19,650 per year. Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Admission

You can apply directly through the university's online application portal. For personalised help with your application, please speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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