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We have 87 Physiology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Physiology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

We have 87 Physiology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

A PhD in Physiology will involve in-depth research on aspects that relate to how an organisms function. You could also be looking at how changes in the external environment effect these functions.

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

Physiology combines new and cutting-edge technology with traditional studies to recognise and research aspects on the whole organism level.

Some popular Physiology research topics are

  • Genomics
  • Informatics
  • Ovarian physiology
  • Skeletal muscle physiology
  • Diabetes
  • Imaging

By the time you finish a PhD in Physiology, you’ll have gained the experience and understanding of physiological systems.

Like most STEM subjects, Physiology PhDs also come attached with a research aim already defined. Be sure to research well into the scope of the project to make sure it aligns with your interests and qualifications.

You’ll usually be asked to submit an 80,000-word thesis to be defended during an oral viva examination at the end of your PhD.

In the UK, you might be asked to register to an MPhil to begin with. You will be able to upgrade to a PhD after your first year if your supervisor feels your work meets a certain standard.

Entry requirements

You’re required to have a Second-Class Bachelors degree in basic science courses to gain entry into a PhD in Physiology. You might be considered if you have a Lower Second Class degree if you also a Maters with at least a Merit qualification.

Depending on where you study, you might have to submit language test results to show proficiency in the language of instruction at your university.

PhD in Physiology funding options

A PhD in Physiology in the UK is funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) who offer fully-funded studentships along with a monthly stipend. If you’re applying to a PhD with attached funding, you’ll receive guaranteed funding if you are successful in your application.

PhD in Physiology careers

Most Physiology doctoral graduates go on to continue research as postdoctoral research fellows or in academia. If you wish the industry, there are jobs as in industrial research, scientific publishing and pharmaceutical consulting available for you.

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FULLY FUNDED PhD - Coping mechanisms/strategies and health related quality of life in cardiac patients in Bangladesh

To apply, please click institution website. Applications are now open for a unique studentship opportunity based in Bangladesh. ACROSS (Affordable Cardiac Rehabilitation. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr B Jani, Dr MF Faruque
 26 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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FULLY FUNNDED PhD - Development and Scale-Up of a Co-Designed Integrated Rehabilitation Framework for Addressing Multimorbidity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

To apply, please click institution website. Applications are now open for a unique studentship opportunity based in Bangladesh. ACROSS (Affordable Cardiac Rehabilitation. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr GD Dibben-Santillan, Dr MF Faruque
 26 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Understanding Why Failing Hearts Become Electrically Unstable: 3D Optical Mapping and AI Approaches

UK Applicants only. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the biggest unresolved problems in cardiovascular medicine, causing around 100,000 deaths each year in the UK. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr R Chauhan, Dr XL Li, Prof A Ng
 2 July 2026  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Physics-Informed AI for Multi-Modal Cardiac Imaging and Prognostic Phenotyping

UK applicants only. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for about one-third of all global deaths. Read more
 Supervisor: Prof A Anjum
 2 July 2026  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Defining airway dysfunction in asthma and COPD using oscillometry towards precision medicine

Chronic airway diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are leading causes of morbidity and healthcare utilisation worldwide. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr R Chan
 3 August 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Alpha-Synuclein Condensates and Synaptic Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease

  Research Group: Lautenchlager Lab
Parkinson's disease is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder, with cases projected to more than double by 2050. No disease-modifying treatment strategies exist to date, and mechanistic insights are urgently needed. Read more
 Supervisor: Prof J Lautenschlaeger
 10 July 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Unravelling the influence of circadian timing on anti-inflammatory mechanisms

Immune mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are a diverse group of chronic conditions which affect over 1 million people in the UK and represent a significant health burden. Read more
 Supervisors: Prof J Gibbs, Dr TB Butler
 15 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Neurophysiology and behaviour in neurodevelopmental disorder models

There are a number of neurodevelopmental disorders which give rise to autism and intellectual disability in humans. Though in some instances their genetic basis is well understood, little is known about how these disorders alter brain function. Read more
 Supervisor: Prof P A Dudchenko
 30 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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(MRC CASE) Assessment of human placental barrier pharmacokinetics of biomolecular therapeutics

Biopharmaceuticals are increasing in prominence as targeted therapies to address chronic healthcare conditions. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr P Brownbill, Dr E Doman
 15 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Closed-Loop Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation for Treating Hypertension in Pregnancy

Project Title. Closed-Loop Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation for Treating Hypertension in Pregnancy (25006). Supervisors. Primary Supervisor. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr HLB Lea-Banks
 5 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Bio-inspired 3D printing of macro- and micro-architectures for drug delivery dosage forms and devices

Bio-inspiration is an emerging field where naturally occurring designs and structure are used as inspiration to produce new array of materials of exceptional properties. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr M Albed Alhnan
 30 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
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An Interdisciplinary Approach to Heat Resilience in the UK: Heatwaves, Female Mental Health, and Physical Activity

London South Bank University (LSBU) is widely recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, both in the UK and internationally. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr F Bayne, Prof RF de Oliveira, Dr L Zaidell
 3 August 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Defining the Immune Functions of Lung Pericytes and Their Dysregulation in Asthma

A 3 Year Fully-Funded (non-clinical) PhD Studentship at Imperial College London. Expected start date. 01/10/2026. We wish to appoint a non-medical PhD student to carry out a project on the role of pericytes during asthma. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr RJ Joulia, Dr G Birdsey
 12 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Lung Cancer Detection and Monitoring using Exhaled Breath Condensate

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, largely because it is often detected too late or is difficult to monitor accurately over time. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr S Toomey, Prof B Hennessy
 24 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Assessing human carotid body, cardiovascular and respiratory function in diabetic patients with and without obstructive sleep apnoea

Patients with diabetes have impaired cardiovascular and respiratory responses to multiple stimuli including a fall in blood oxygen (hypoxia), a rise in blood carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) and a decrease in blood glucose (hypoglycaemia). Read more
 Supervisors: Dr A H Holmes, Dr J Welch, Dr A Coney
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only

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