Cellular and Molecular Physiology PhD / MPhil / MD

Overview

Undertake research that offers the opportunity to understand fundamental mechanisms leading to life with our Cellular and Molecular Physiology research degree. You’ll explore molecular and/or computational approaches to studying homeostatic mechanisms and examine how their disruption leads to disease processes that can be targeted with the aim of improving patient outcomes.

Introduction

The Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB) was established to integrate cutting-edge and clinical research across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences . Programmes of work across ISMIB are varied and are led by world experts in their fields.

Cellular and molecular physiology focuses on understanding how molecular and cellular processes give rise to complex physiologic functions. We have expertise in all aspects of modern physiology, ranging from the regulation of gene expression to cell, tissue, organoid and whole organism biology.

The University has a long and prestigious history in this research area and is a leading international centre for research into the fundamental principles of human physiology. We’re developing collaborative ways to address important physiological questions, providing vital translational links to clinicians at the bedside.

Research topics

Research in this area includes the study of molecular structure and function and molecular interactions and cell signalling. Another key focus is complex cellular phenotypes and communications that underlie the integrated functions of the tissues and organ systems comprising higher living organisms.

Research extends from molecular, biophysical and computational methods to developmental and post-genomic physiologic strategies, with model organisms ranging from bacteria and yeast to fruit-flies, worms, mouse and man.

We particularly welcome research proposals around the following themes:

Mechanisms of infection and immune cell response.

• Intestinal epithelial cell biology in health and disease
• Neuronal signalling, integrating expertise in cell biology, structural biology and the use of model organisms to investigate aging, neurodegeneration and addiction
• Calcium signalling in health and disease, particularly focused on the role of Ca2+ signalling, mitochondrial function and bioenergetics in pancreatitis and regulated secretion
• Vascular biology, including the therapeutic use of vascular stents

How to apply

• 1. Identify potential supervisors It’s useful to contact potential supervisors before you begin your application. Explore our staff lists for the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology for details of potential supervisors.

1. Identify potential supervisors

• 2. Prepare your application documents You may need the following documents to complete your online application: A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake) University transcripts and degree certificates to date Passport details (international applicants only) English language certificates (international applicants only) A personal statement A curriculum vitae (CV) Contact details for two proposed supervisors Names and contact details of two referees.

2. Prepare your application documents

• A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
• University transcripts and degree certificates to date
• Passport details (international applicants only)
• English language certificates (international applicants only)
• A personal statement
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Contact details for two proposed supervisors
• Names and contact details of two referees.
• 3. Apply Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £5,238 Part-time place, per year - £2,619

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £32,200 Part-time place, per year - £16,100

Fees stated are for 2026/27 and may be subject to change for academic year 2027/28. The University may administer inflationary rises to international fees in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this degree, as well as general student living costs .

Funding your PhD

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.

There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding . These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom . Change it here.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.

Duncan Norman Research Scholarship

If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £23,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Facilities and resources

The Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology is situated primarily across the University’s north campus, including the Biosciences, Sherrington, William Henry Duncan and Waterhouse Buildings.

Researchers benefit from access to world-class equipment and facilities via the Liverpool Shared Research Facilities , many of which are based within the Institute.

Career support from day one to graduation and beyond

Once you graduate after completing your PhD, you’ll gain free access to Prosper to help you unlock your potential and kickstart your postdoctoral research career.

Prosper provides structured career development and support, designed specifically for postdocs, in close collaboration with employer partners and principal investigators.

Opportunities include coaching, workshops, webinars and a buddy scheme designed to help you realise the next step in your career journey.

You can also access online resources including the Prosper portal so you can manage your personal and professional development at your own pace.

As a postgraduate researcher at the University of Liverpool, you have access to an exciting portfolio of development opportunities, designed to support your ongoing success and help you realise your ambitions.

These development opportunities, available through The Academy’s PGR Development Hub , are suitable for all subject specialisms. You might be just commencing your research or in the final stages of completing your PhD.

An initial Development Needs Analysis will encourage you to reflect on your abilities. This exploration of your personal, professional and career development needs will form the foundation of a bespoke development plan you’ll agree with your supervisor.

The aim is to immerse yourself in new experiences, engage in development opportunities designed exclusively for postgraduate researchers, and reflect on your progress.

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in planning for your future career.

You can access tailored guidance and support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops.

The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

Meet our PhD researchers

These are the trailblazers, the leaders, the true originals. Our postgraduate researchers are shaping their future, and the future of the world we live in, advancing knowledge with each discovery.

Entry requirements

Discover the qualifications you'll need to apply for this course.

You’ll normally be expected to hold both: A UK honours degree, or overseas equivalent, at 2:1 or above, in a relevant subject A UK master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject.

You’ll normally be expected to hold both:

• A UK honours degree, or overseas equivalent, at 2:1 or above, in a relevant subject
• A UK master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country .

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications .

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification | Details

IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5

TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.

Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests , to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online

6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online

5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online

5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online

5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus

5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus

4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Research areas