Genomics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for Self-funded Students in the UK

A PhD in Genomics would give you the chance to conduct a three to four-year piece of research into the DNA of organisms. In contrast to Genetics which investigates only the coding regions of DNA, known as genes, Genomics involves studying the entire genome including both coding and non-coding regions. Projects in Genomics can either be based in the laboratory or be Bioinformatics-based, involving the analysis or large data sets.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Genomics?

Genomics is an interdisciplinary field, meaning by studying a PhD in Genomics you’ll develop knowledge and technical skills from Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics. Whether your project is mainly based in the laboratory or not, you’ll be working with the genome of an organism and will develop excellent skills in data science, statistics and Bioinformatics to analyse the data effectively.

Some typical research topics in Genomics include:

• Studying the Genomics of plant or animal adaptations
• Bioinformatic work on Genomics data studying evolution
• Investigating the potential of genome editing
• Understanding the function of a section of the genome
• Researching how Genomics are involved in gene regulation

On a normal workday you’ll be investigating the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes either from the laboratory or through Bioinformatics. You’ll also spend time writing up methods or previous results and you’ll chat with your supervisor and colleagues about your current work.

Once you have completed the research project, you’ll submit an original thesis of around 60,000 words and during a viva exam you’ll defend this work.

Most Genomics programmes are advertised projects with the key aim pre-determined by the supervisor. Many of these projects are advertised with attached funding, while some require you to find your own funding, which can be tough given it must cover PhD and bench fees. The challenge of self-funding also makes proposing your own project uncommon in Genomics.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for most Genomics PhD programmes involve a Masters in a subject directly related to Biology, with at least a Merit or Distinction. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need to show that you have the right level of language proficiency.

PhD in Genomics funding options

The research council responsible for funding Genomics PhDs in the UK is the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). They provide fully-funded studentships including a stipend for living costs, a consumables budget for bench fees and a tuition fee waiver. Students don’t apply directly to the BBSRC, you apply for advertised projects with this funding attached.

It’s uncommon for Genomics PhD students to be ‘self-funded’ due to the additional bench fees. However, if you were planning to fund yourself it might be achievable (depending on your project) through the UK government’s PhD loan and part-time work.