PhD in Surgery and Oncology PhD/MPhil/MD

At University of Liverpool, tuition is £32,200 full-time / £16,100 part-time per year (International).

Overview

Undertake research that offers the opportunity to make significant impact on strategies to detect and treat cancer in our Surgery and Oncology programme. You’ll examine the application of molecular and/or computational approaches to the study of cancer mechanisms and explore treatment strategies that impact upon medicine and ultimately patient outcomes. The Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB) integrates cutting-edge basic research with clinical research from the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, ensuring that scientific research is informed by clinical insights.

Research Topics

Our research spans a wide range of studies aimed at translating scientific discoveries into real-world therapies. Key focus areas include:

• Clinical research – advancing innovative therapies to the clinic and developing foundational principles for treating human diseases
• Preclinical and translational studies – exploring non-human and non-clinical models
• Human biology and disease mechanisms – investigating the biological basis of diseases
• Clinical trials – testing and refining therapies
• The biology-chemistry connection – bridging biological insights and chemical innovations

The University of Liverpool, founded in 1882 and located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, is a research-intensive institution with a global student body of around 32,000, including approximately 17,700 international students. The university offers a wide range of programs—over 200—across sciences, engineering, humanities, health and business, combining rigorous academics with practical industry links. Its historic campus and city connections provide a lively cultural setting and strong transport links across the UK and beyond.

Research and employability are central to the Liverpool experience, with interdisciplinary projects, industry partnerships and extensive placement opportunities embedded in many degrees. Students benefit from modern facilities, dedicated career services and a supportive academic community that helps translate theory into professional practice. The university's global networks also create exchange and collaboration pathways for study abroad and joint research.

International students receive comprehensive support from pre-arrival guidance to on-campus services, including English language support, visa advice and student societies that foster social integration. Liverpool’s affordable living costs relative to other UK cities, combined with its cultural life and sporting traditions, make it attractive to students seeking a balanced academic and social experience. The University of Liverpool is well-suited to ambitious students aiming for impactful research, strong career outcomes and a cosmopolitan student life.