Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,725 for the course -
How long will I study?
7 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
October 2025
February 2026
May 2026
Course summary
- Become trained in research methods and complete a high level research project
- Study for a higher degree by research in our well-respected Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre.
- Undertake research in disease mechanisms, bioanalytical chemistry (incorporating the Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging), molecular microbiology, or chemistry and biomaterials.
A higher degree by research involves training in research methods and a laboratory based high level scientific investigation. The nature of the work and the time it takes to finish the research means a research degree is demanding and needs great commitment.
How you learn
Your research takes place with the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre (BMRC). The BMRC has been established for over 15 years. We have over 40 postgraduate students enrolled on MPhil/PhD programmes, as well as a number of postdoctoral research assistants. This provides an active and stimulating research environment.
Applied learning
Networking opportunities
Whilst studying, postgraduate students are encouraged and supported to present their latest research findings at national and international conferences as part of the BMRC. You present your results in a thesis, explain the methods used in your research and defend them in a viva voice examination.
Future careers
Research degrees are a vital qualification for most academic careers, and for professional specialisation and development in an existing or planned career.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Biosciences and Chemistry Facilities Tour
Take a look around the biosciences and chemistry facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with senior lecturer and recruitment lead Dr Susan Campbell.
Equipment and facilities
The Biomolecular Sciences Laboratories are highly specialised laboratories situated over two floors in close proximity to academic and student office space. Depending on your program of study you will work with a variety of specialist equipment such as
- biacore facility
- cell culture facilities for bacterial and mammalian cells
- confocal and inverted fluorescence microscopy suite
- DNA microarray scanner
- flow cytometry
- histological processing and staining
- hypoxia culture facilities
- NMR
- Q-TOF-MS with electrospray and imaging MALDI options along with LC and associated equipment for proteomic analysis
- real time PCR
- synaption mobility mass spectrometer
Entry requirements
All students
All applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (or expectation of the same).
All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form including a 1500 word research proposal.
You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes. Before submitting your proposal, please contact the member(s) of staff listed against the relevant research theme.
Applicants are required to give a short 10–15 minute presentation followed by an interview. Interview panel members will include the head of research degrees, a local postgraduate research tutor and a prospective director of studies.
Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to the following minimum level of proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with at least 6.0 in all components or an accepted equivalent. Please note that your test score must be current, i.e. within the last two years.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees which have not yet been confirmed for 2025/26. For an indication of the tuition fees, please view the 2024/25 course page. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting part-time study in 2025/26 is £17,725 for the course. (Note that this course is not suitable for students requiring a Tier 4 visa). An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.
Doctoral student loans
Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Biosciences and Chemistry (PDF, 133.1KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
