![Two researchers in lab coats holding petri dishes in a lab](https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/page_header_half/public/2021-04/Microbiology-header-image_2.jpg?h=bb941b98&itok=dcP1yBIq)
Biology
Discover your research degree options, including areas of expertise for our academic supervisors.
Why you should join us
Our research degrees will help you advance or change your career, deepen your expertise, and expand your research and practical skills.
Our research areas
Discover our areas of expertise and browse our experts. We encourage you to discuss your research ideas with us – even if your topic is not listed.
- Animal behaviour
- Animal anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology
- Applied microbiology and biotechnology
- Biogeomorphology - the interaction between plants, animals and river sediments
- Conservation biology
- Ecological and population genetics
- Ecology
- Ecosystem services
- GIS and remote sensing
- Microbial ecology of aquatic, terrestrial and host environments
- Ornithology
- Palaeoecology and evolution
- Restoration ecology
For biomedical and life sciences topics, visit bioscience research degrees.
Qualifications you can study
Choose from one of these programmes:
- PhD — three years full-time, six years part-time
- Masters by Research — one year full-time, two years part-time
- MPhil — 18 months full-time, three years part-time
Find out about the research degrees we offer.
Start dates
Most of our students enrol in October. You can also join us in January and April.
Application information
Entry Requirements
To apply, you’ll need a first or 2.1 honours degree, or an equivalent qualification.
International students must have strong English language skills.
We welcome applicants from non-standard backgrounds. We’ll take subject knowledge, professional experience, publications, or other relevant achievements into consideration.
Find out more about our standard entry requirements.
Scholarships, fees and funding
Speak to us
Contact us
About this subject
For an initial discussion, contact Dr Emma Coulthard, our Doctoral College departmental lead, at e.coulthard@mmu.ac.uk
General admissions
For further information on the application process, contact the admissions team at pgradmissions@mmu.ac.uk