| Degrees |
|
|---|---|
| Duration |
| Start date | MPhil/PhD/MS/MD: Flexible monthly start dates |
|---|---|
| Locations | Streatham Campus
Penryn Campus St Luke's Campus |
| Study modes | Full time and part time |
Overview
The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences research is based around nine themes of activity:
- Food, metabolism and nutrition
- Lifelong Diseases
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience, psychology and mental health
- Sports and rehabilitation
- Research methods, data science and bioinformatics
- Health and Care policy, technologies and services
- Environment, Climate and Health
- Genes, molecules, cells and biology
Contact
Web: Enquire online
Phone: 0300 555 6060 (UK)
+44 (0)1392 723044 (non-UK)
Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading and internationally excellent Clinical Medicine research
Based on 4* + 3* research in REF 2021
Our Public Health research is 11th in the UK for research power
Submitted to UoA2 Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care. REF 2021
Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities
Vibrant and active research student community supported by excellent pastoral and academic staff
Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading and internationally excellent Clinical Medicine research
Based on 4* + 3* research in REF 2021
Our Public Health research is 11th in the UK for research power
Submitted to UoA2 Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care. REF 2021
Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities
Vibrant and active research student community supported by excellent pastoral and academic staff
Research overview
The work of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences encompasses a journey from Discovery to Translation to Impact, all of which are studied from Bench to Bedside to Beyond. We offer outstanding postgraduate research opportunities in a variety of research areas.
This journey is seen across nine core themes of activity in the Faculty:
- Food, metabolism and nutrition
- Lifelong Diseases
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience, psychology and mental health
- Sports and rehabilitation
- Research methods, data science and bioinformatics
- Health and Care policy, technologies and services
- Environment, Climate and Health
- Genes, molecules, cells and biology
Our case studies from the Research Excellence Framework 2021 tell an inspiring story of the wide range of local, national and international impacts of our research.
As a postgraduate student in University of Exeter Medical School or the Department of Health and Care Professions you will be part of a thriving community, benefiting from quality research-led teaching and supervision, as well as access to outstanding facilities. We can offer a wide range of supervision across our core research areas, but we are also involved with interdisciplinary research with other departments across in the University of Exeter.
- Based in Exeter, Truro and Penryn, we operate across the whole of the Southwest.
- Research at the cutting-edge of health innovation, making a difference across the world.
- High-quality research referenced by other academics in major journals across the world.
- Close-working relationship with the National Health Service (NHS) - our priorities will continue to reflect national needs and priorities.
- Commitment to high-quality applied medical research spanning from the basic biomedical to applied health services.
- Our projects are underpinned with public and patient involvement.
Our research themes are delivered across our three research departments:
Clinical and Biomedical Sciences
The department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences' research delivers direct benefit to patients, the NHS and the pharmaceutical industry. Its aim is to understand the underlying molecular and genetic basis of disease and to apply this knowledge in innovative ways that lead to improved treatment and a better quality of life for patients.
Clinical and Biomedical Sciences
Health and Community Sciences
The department of Health and Community Sciences' research strengths lie in applied health research and underpinning methodological work. Its focuses on research that reflects the needs of patients and of health service providers, based on partnership with the NHS and other public bodies and a strong commitment to public involvement.
Public Health and Sports Sciences
The Public Health and Sports Sciences deparment work across several research groups.
Many academic staff engage in research in partnership with organisations including the NHS, NIHR, The Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council (MRC) and a wide range of health-related charities and international universities and institutions. View a list of our current research students.
How to apply
Entry requirements
To be considered, PhD applicants need to meet the following entry requirements:
- 2:1 Honors degree (or equivalent), or an MSc in a related subject.
- Normally a strong background in the field of study at undergraduate level or an MSc in a related subject that would underpin the knowledge required to conduct independent research as an MPhil/PhD student. This would usually require a good 2:1 BSc degree for UK students.
Requirements for international students
If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for each course can be found below. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
- MPhil/MbyRes/PhD Clinical & Biomedical Sciences - Profile B2
- MD Doctor of Medicine - Profile E
- MS Master of Surgery- Profile B2
- MPhil/PhD/MSc by Research Medical Imaging - Profile E
- MPhil/PhD/MSc by Research Nursing Research - Profile B2
- MPhil/MbyRes/PhD Genetics and Genomics- Profile B2
- MPhil/MbyRes/PhD Neuroscience- Profile B2
- MPhil/PhD Food, Nutrition & Health- Profile B2
PhD and Research Programme application process
The information below applies to self-funded PhD, MPhil and Masters by Research applicants, but if you are applying for a funded PhD studentship, please follow the specific instructions related to that application.
- Pinpoint your PhD research area
- Investigate whether this area is available at Exeter
- Ensure that you meet our English language entry requirements (international students only)
- Construct and refine your PhD research proposal
- Approach your potential supervisor(s)
- Apply online
PhD studentships pages can be accessed in our Funding lists on Finance tabs under each research topic page, and are also available from the Postgraduate Research search results pages on this site, on the PhD projects tab.
Full details of the application process can be found on our Apply now webpage.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees per year 2025/26
- Home: £4,950 full-time; £pro-rata part-time
- International: £28,600 full-time
For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our Student Finance webpages.
Tuition fees per year 2024/25
- Home: £4,786 full-time; £pro-rata part-time
- International: £27,500 full-time
For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our Student Finance webpages.
Our Postgraduate Funding webpage provides links to further information. If you are considering a PhD in the future, in addition to University of Exeter funding, we have been successful at securing postgraduate funding for PhD research through our Funded Centres.
Current available funding
Supervision
You can expect:
- High-quality research supervision to develop and nurture your potential
- A tailored supervision approach to help best suit your requirements
- Accessible supervisors who are enthusiastic about working directly with postgraduate research students
- Regular timetabled meetings with your supervisor
- 'Open door' policy to all postgraduate students - instant access to world-leading researchers who will share their expertise and ideas with you
- Regular meetings with your supervisory team, other members of your research group, and mentors
> Find a supervisor - Medical School
> Find a supervisor - Health and Care Professions
You will only be able to pursue a research degree with us if we can offer appropriate supervision. Your supervisors will provide the necessary support and guidance and so need to have expertise in your chosen research field. You may join a research team or work with specific members of staff.
You should informally approach your potential supervisor(s) with your research proposal before submitting a formal application to study. This will enable you to find out if they feel they would be able to supervise you and whether they believe your research proposal needs further refinement.
Sarah talks about her experience of juggling her role as a GP with studying for her PhD at Exeter. She explains how her research explores the possibility of personalising urgent referrals in order to identify cancer earlier and help GPs make better decisions about who to test for the disease.
Sarah
PhD Student
