Biostatistics PhD / MPhil / MD
The Department of Biostatistics has expertise in methodological research and a track record of national and international collaboration in high quality research across a broad range of applied health research interests.
Why study with us?
Staff are very supportive and really keen to see me succeed. They are available to talk about any research and any problems I might have.
Nurain Ibrahim - Biostatistics PhD student
309
academic members of staff.
359
registered postgraduate research students.
Overview
The Department of Biostatistics is one of the largest departments of Biostatistics in the UK, undertaking high-impact research in statistical genetics, pharmacogenetics, joint modelling of longitudinal and time-to-event data, multivariate data analysis, stereology, multi-source evidence synthesis and clinical trials. We have a sustained track record of research funded by the MRC, Wellcome Trust, Horizon 2020 and NIHR, and is committed to excellence in methodological and applied research. This provides an ideal environment for esteemed students to develop new methodological skills and applications to important health challenges in stratified medicine, infections, regenerative medicine and public health.
Staff and students are undertaking research involving groundbreaking basic science and life-changing therapies.
We have expertise in methodological research and a track record of national and international collaboration in high quality research across a broad range of applied health research interests:
- Evidence synthesis
- Clinical trials
- Development of core outcome sets
- Recruitment and retention of participants
- Meta-analysis
- Health informatics
- Pharmacogenetics and statistical genetics
- Applied health research.
The department provides an umbrella for cross-disciplinary units and initiatives, including the Clinical Trials Research Centre and the Medical Research Council North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research.
We are currently involved in the supervision of several students whose projects cover a wide range of topics, both in biostatistics and related health research fields. The development of, and support for, researchers is a high priority in the department.
Our research interests include:
- Clinical trials
- Survival data analysis
- Multivariate and multilevel data analysis
- Methods for evaluating biomarkers
- Statistical pharmacogenetic
- Joint modelling of longitudinal and time-to-event data
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics personalised dosing algorithms
- Statistical performance monitoring
- Quality of life data analysis.
Research themes
Our research themes include:
- Systematic reviews and meta-analysis
- Analysis of laboratory-based data
- Statistical shape and image analysis
- Stereological methods.
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.
Research groups
- Survival analysis
- Joint modelling of longitudinal and survival data
- Clinical trials methodology
- Statistical pharmacogenetics
- Multivariate data analysis
- Meta-analysis
- Quality of life data analysis
- Stereology
- Performance monitoring.
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
To discuss the entry requirements for this programme please contact the ITMPGR Student Team.
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. Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted, and their equivalence will be evaluated on the basis of the information provided by the National Academic Recognition and Information Centre (NARIC) as well as internal guidance based on our experience of a qualification’s suitability as a preparation for our programmes.
English language requirements
| IELTS Academic requirement - SELT and non-SELT | Overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in each component |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT requirement | Minimum 100 overall with L 21 R 21 W 21 and S 23 |
| C1 Advanced CAE requirement | Overall 185 with no less than 176 in any paper |
| PTE Academic requirement | 69 with minimum scores of 61 in each component |
| Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE II) | Please confirm with the department |
| 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 185 with 176 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 185 with 176 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 185 with 176 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
- IPH PGR Administrator
- Email: iphpgradmin@liverpool.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)151 794 5455
Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects
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We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.