Biomedical Imaging and Biosensing PhD / MPhil / MD
Research is undertaken within The Centre for Preclinical Imaging within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology. The Centre research infrastructure is designed to give researchers access to world class facilities in the best possible environment.
Why study with us?
309
academic members of staff.
359
registered postgraduate research students.
Overview
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology builds on a long and prestigious history and remains a leading international centre for research into the fundamental principles of human physiology.
In the post genomic era, physiology has acquired a new importance as a discipline which provides a valuable link between basic and translational research. Within the Department we have recognised expertise in all aspects of modern physiology ranging from the regulation of gene expression to cell, tissue and whole organism biology. Each focused area of expertise is related to a complementary area of clinical research and/or drug development.
The Centre for Pre-clinical imaging provides expertise and infrastructure for non-invasive imaging in pre-clinical models. The technologies available for pre-clinical imaging currently at the Centre include high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical imaging, photo-acoustic imaging and ultrasound. Novel applications and contrast mechanisms are constantly being developed that will aid the further development and refinement of regenerative medicine therapies, and facilitate areas such as developmental biology, neurobiology, physiology, pharmacology and cancer.
Postgraduate researchers utilise state-of-art technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enable non-invasive assessment of anatomy and function, optical imaging to assess protein expression and reporter gene expression, ultrasound for the measurement of blood flow and vascularity and photo-acoustic imaging to facilitate assessment of renal function. All have widespread applications for diagnostics and therapeutic interventions in neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, physiology, musculoskeletal biology and other relevant fields.
Training
PhD students can take taught modules - on either a formal basis with exams taken and a record of completion generated or less formally. Commonly, students use the opportunity to upskill in areas like bioinformatics and statistics, but modules on defined areas of biology are also available. A wide variety of further development opportunities are available from the PGR Development Hub.
Research themes
Research areas specifically focus on:
- Monitoring organ structure and function in health and disease, including the kidney, liver, neuro/CNS, and imaging cancer
- Tracking cells labelled with contrast agents such as Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs), e.g. stem cell tracking
- Application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess electrical conductivity of body tissues
- Developing strategies for evaluating the safety and efficacy of regenerative medicine therapies
- Utility of diffusion weighted imaging and spectroscopy to assess response to gene therapy, e.g. for brain tumours and for detection of apoptotic cell death in vivo
- Studying models of memory disorders, schizophrenia and autism.
We particularly welcome research proposals that match key centre resources, including the following:
Facilities
The research infrastructure of the Institute of Translational Medicine is designed to give researchers access to world class facilities in the best possible environment.
Our centres, facilities and resources give us the ability to drive biomedical research from patient samples to the laboratory bench and vice versa from newly generated drug compounds into clinical trials. They provide powerful, productive collaborations between experts within the University and organisations worldwide.
- Biomedical Imaging
- Centre for Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics
- Centre for Drug Safety Science
- Health Data Science Network
- Centre for Preclinical Imaging
- Clinical Trials Research Centre
- Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Research Centre
- Liverpool Bio-Innovation Hub (LBIH) Biobank
- Liverpool Cancer Trials Unit
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research
- North West Cancer Research Centre – University of Liverpool
- Pancreas Biomedical Research Unit
- UK Experimental Arthritis Treatment Centre for Children
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine.
Postgraduate researchers also benefit from flexible access to world-class equipment and expertise through the Shared Research Facilities.
Research groups
Study options and fees
The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year
| MPhil / PhD / MD | Duration | UK students | International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,786 |
|
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,393 |
|
The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.
* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.
^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.
Entry requirements
Applicants for postgraduate research study at Liverpool are normally expected to hold a UK first degree with a First Class or Upper Second Class degree classification, or a Second Class degree plus a Master’s degree.
English language requirements
| IELTS Academic requirement - SELT and non-SELT | Overall 6.5 no band below 5.5 |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT requirement | Minimum 88 overall with L 17 W 17 R 17 and S 19 |
| C1 Advanced CAE requirement | Overall 176 with no less than 162 in any paper |
| Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE II) | ISE II with an overall pass with merit in components |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a First Language | Grade C |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a Second Language | Grade B |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Proficiency) | Overall 176 with 162 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 176 with 162 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 176 with 162 in components |
How to apply
Research degree applications can be made online. You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.
Applications are open all year round.
More about applying for research degrees
Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal
Find a supervisor
View supervisors in this area
Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us
- ISMIB PGR Administrator
- Email: ismibpgradmin@liverpool.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)151 794 5455
Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects
Find a scholarship
We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.