PhD in Inflammation and Ageing PhD / MSc (Res)

Applications close 1 June (for September start); tuition is £29,310 (full-time) / £14,665 (part-time).

If you hold a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant scientific discipline and are keen to investigate how chronic inflammation contributes to age-related disease, this research degree offers a pathway to develop your own project within a collaborative environment linking laboratory science and clinical expertise.

You will spend most weeks in laboratory or computational settings generating data, analysing results and writing progress reports, while receiving regular supervision and an annual progress review. The programme tackles questions such as the mechanisms that drive rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, dementia and other inflammatory conditions, aiming to uncover shared biological pathways that could inform new therapies.

The University of Birmingham, chartered in 1900, is a large, research-intensive redbrick university located in Edgbaston. It offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and has a reputation for multidisciplinary research, substantial campus investment and strong academic staffing. With more than 34,000 students, including a sizeable international community, Birmingham combines historic strengths with modern facilities and a global outlook.

Research and teaching span the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine and social sciences, supported by major investments in campus infrastructure and academic appointments. The university promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through flagship fellowships and research initiatives, and many courses provide opportunities for placements, industry engagement and overseas study on its international campuses. Student support services include extensive academic development, career services and wellbeing provision tailored to an international cohort.

Life at Birmingham blends a vibrant campus with access to the city's cultural and professional resources, enabling students to pursue extracurricular activities, volunteering and professional networking. The institution’s global partnerships and growing research profile open doors for international collaborations and career pathways. Prospective international applicants should carefully check entry requirements, funding and application deadlines and contact the university’s international office for guidance on visas, scholarships and arrival planning.