PhD in Biology
University of St Andrews
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

University of St Andrews

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

JAN

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Duration

3 years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of St Andrews

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

3 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of St Andrews

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

6 years

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Biological Sciences
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Course info

Research in the School of Biology spans a broad range of topics in the biological sciences, and offers a variety of opportunities for PhD research.The Schools research base is structured around individual research groups, each led by an experienced academic, an expert in his or her field. These research groups are organised into three interdisciplinary research centres, resulting in a highly collaborative approach to research and scholarship.The PhD programmeA Biology PhD is a research-based ...Read more

Research in the School of Biology spans a broad range of topics in the biological sciences, and offers a variety of opportunities for PhD research.

The School's research base is structured around individual research groups, each led by an experienced academic, an expert in his or her field. These research groups are organised into three interdisciplinary research centres, resulting in a highly collaborative approach to research and scholarship.

The PhD programme

A Biology PhD is a research-based degree, with each student working closely with a designated principal supervisor who helps formulate the core research questions. Some PhD projects also involve additional supervisors from within the School or wider University, or from elsewhere.

During your studies, you will have regular meetings with your supervisors and a review committee to ensure that you are making effective progress towards completing your PhD studies. As part of this process, during your first year you are required to produce a comprehensive literature review after four months and an initial progress report after nine months, and to discuss these in face-to-face meetings with your review committee.

Satisfactory performance at the nine-month progress review meeting is essential to continuing as a PhD student. In subsequent years, your progress will be monitored at annual review meetings.

Full-time registered PhD students are expected to submit their PhD thesis for examination within four years. Examination takes the form of a viva voce, a lengthy oral exam conducted by two examiners, with one being from another institution (the external examiner) and an expert in your topic of research.

The PhD (Doctorate) is usually a three-year programme (or six years part time) of supervised research, leading to a thesis of no more than 80,000 words and an oral examination

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
12th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
4th
What students say
J
Josephine
19 Jan 23

We desperately need more libraries and accommodation. Overall I like it here but those two areas make things really difficult at..Read more

K
kegan
21 Mar 22

n/a..Read more

Entry requirements

You should have at least an upper second-class Honours degree (2.1), or a Masters degree, in a discipline relevant to the proposed project.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,786 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£25,500 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£25,500 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Biology (General) reviews

Biology (General)
Biology (General)
J
Josephine
19 Jan 23
Biology and Psychology BSc (Hons)
We desperately need more libraries and accommodation. Overall I like it here but those two areas make things really difficult at...
Read more
K
kegan
21 Mar 22
Biology BSc (Hons)
n/a...
Read more
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How Biology (General) students rated:

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( 4.4) 10 reviews
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4 stars
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( 4.2) 608 reviews
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Uni info

University of St Andrews
College Gate St Andrews KY16 9AJ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Leuchars  2.7 miles away

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