Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration PhD / MPhil / MD
Neurobiology & Neurodegeneration integrates expertise in cell biology, structural biology, signalling and the use of model organisms to investigate neuronal development, ageing, neurodegeneration and addiction. Research is undertaken within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology.
Why study with us?
1st
(joint) in the UK for our 'world leading' (4*) environment in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021)
309
academic members of staff.
359
registered postgraduate research students.
Overview
A leading international centre for research into the fundamental principles of human physiology. We have recognised expertise in all aspects of modern physiology ranging from the regulation of gene expression to cell, tissue and whole organism biology.
Our experimental approaches involve biochemical, behavioural, electrophysiological, molecular, structural and imaging techniques applied to mammalian cell systems and also to model organisms such as Caenorhabdities elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. We complement these studies with work at the level of the individual protein and also by studying conserved mechanisms in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Together these research programs provide an exciting and dynamic research environment which benefits from increasing collaboration with The Liverpool Neuroscience group, including clinicians working in neurology.
Our research interests
- Neuronal cell and synaptic biology
- Mechanisms underlying the exocytotic release of neurotransmitters
- Formation of neuronal cytoskeleton and neuronal networks during development
- Structural basis for target protein recognition by neuronal calcium-binding proteins, including how neuronal calcium signals are translated into physiological responses by calcium sensor proteins
- Role of heat-shock and other neuronal chaperone proteins in protection from damaging challenge (e.g. alcohol or nicotine exposure) and from neurodegeneration (such as Alzheimer’s disease).
Research themes
Research areas specifically focus on:
- Neuronal cell and synaptic biology
- Mechanisms underlying the exocytotic release of neurotransmitters
- Formation of neuronal cytoskeleton and neuronal networks during development
- State-of art imaging and optogenetic techniques in primary neurons
- Structural basis for target protein recognition by neuronal calcium-binding proteins, including how neuronal calcium signals are translated into physiological responses by calcium sensor proteins
- Role of heat-shock and other neuronal chaperone proteins in protection from damaging challenge (e.g. alcohol or nicotine exposure) and from neurodegeneration (such as Alzheimer’s disease)
- How neurodegeneration can be prevented by genetic or chemical factors
- Development of fundamental model systems that can be used for initial stages of drug discovery for neuronal disorders (including epilepsy).
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 provided.
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. 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 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
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.