Studying for a PhD
Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway has an active and expanding research programme based on three Research Themes, two Centres, and one Institute:
- Healthy Ageing and Molecular Medicine (HAAM)
- Sustainable Engineering and Food Security (SEFS)
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (BES)
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour (EEB)
- Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research
We provide a stimulating environment for research training, and currently have a lively community of some 50 research students from many countries. The Department offers a two-year MPhil and a three-year PhD, both by research. We also have a one-year MSc programme combining research and formal instruction.
Applicants should have, or expect to be awarded, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree or MSc in an appropriate biological discipline.
For further information about postgraduate research please contact Dr Laurence Bindschedler
Fully funded PhD positions in our department are available through three doctoral programmes:
For research falling under the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) remit is available via the TREES DLA (Training, Research & Equity in Environmental Sciences; https://www.trees-dla.ac.uk) - Potential projects with Royal Holloway supervisors can be found listed here, and supervisors and students are also encouraged to develop project proposals together.
For research falling under the Biology and Biotechnology Research Council (BBSRC) remit is available via the LIDo DTP (London Interdisciplinary Doctoral Programme; https://www.lido-dtp.ac.uk/). Indicative projects are available on the website, but new LIDo projects are submitted by supervisors each year after the new cohort has been accepted.
Additionally, we currently have 5 fully funded PhD studentships opportunities for Training the next generation of Engineering Biologists for the delivery of green bio-based production. This also sits within the BBSRC remit and is available via the EngBio4GBP DFA (Engineering Biologists 4 GBP Doctoral Focal Award). For more details on the PhD topics and how to apply please visit the website https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-funding/research-degrees/sources-of-funding/biotechnology-and-biological-sciences-research-council/bbsrc-engbio4gbp-dfa/ - submission deadline 12 April 2026 at midnight for PhD start date Sept 2026.
If you are interested in a funded Royal Holloway PhD through any of these routes, please email the supervisor that you would like to work with to discuss project ideas. General enquiries about funded PhDs in our department can be addressed to laurence.bindschedler@rhul.ac.uk
Research projects and supervisors
All members of academic staff can accept suitably qualified PhD students who we select for our studentships, or who have alternative means of support. To learn more about the research interests and activities of our staff, please visit the academic staff directory at our Meet the Department website where you will be able to see keywords related to their expertise and get directed to their research pages on Pure. Once you have identified a potential supervisor, email them to discuss possible projects, your suitability and if they have space in their lab to accommodate you.
Funding options
Our current Self-funded projects can also be found below.
