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We have 73 Physiology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Physiology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

We have 73 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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Funded PhD Studentship with Rugby League Cares Brain Health Fund, in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University, the University of Sydney, the University of Leeds, and the Rugby Football League

Funded PhD Studentship to advance screening for long-term health risk factors, and preventative care in professional rugby league players. Read more
 Supervisors: Prof BJ Jones, Dr S Chantler, Dr A Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou, Dr J Tooby
 17 August 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Arthrogenic muscle inhibition following ACL injury and reconstruction: A mechanistic and biopsychosocial approach to rehabilitation and recovery

Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) and Cardiff Metropolitan University Fully-Funded PhD Studentship - Arthrogenic muscle inhibition following ACL injury and reconstruction. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr J Pedley, Dr L Kember
 7 August 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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MRes - Football Science (Project ID SAS0219)

The MRes at Edinburgh Napier University represents a unique opportunity for students to conduct a substantial research project in the area of Football Science undertaken over one-year full time or 20 months part-time. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr J Dugdale, Dr g Dunlop
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
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Neuroimmune regulation and brain network modulation of migraine pathways

Migraine is a highly prevalent and disabling neurological disorder affecting more than one billion people worldwide. It is characterised by recurrent attacks of headache, sensory hypersensitivity, and a range of non-pain symptoms that significantly impact quality of life. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr A Andreou, Dr F Denk
 31 July 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Attentional processes and differences in psychobiological stress reactivity

This interdisciplinary PhD project explores the attentional mechanisms underlying dysfunctional psychobiological responses to acute psychological stress. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr LWW Warren-Westgate, Dr WT Tyne
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
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The effectiveness of behavioural interventions in reducing post-exercise compensatory behaviours

Are you passionate about health psychology, exercise science, and behavioural interventions? This exciting interdisciplinary PhD project explores the psychological mechanisms that undermine weight loss following exercise, focusing on compensatory behaviours such as increased food intake and reduced non-exercise activity. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr LWW Warren-Westgate, Dr M Brook
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
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Developing realistic placental blood vessel virtual phantoms for optimisation of ultrasound scans

Doppler ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool in the field of obstetrics allowing for clinicians to assess haemodynamics of the placenta during pregnancy. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr A Clark
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Awaiting Funding Decision/Possible External Funding
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The Effect of a Slow Breathing Intervention on Psychological Response and Penalty Kick Performance in Professional Football Players During a High-Pressure Protocol (HHS-2026-23)

The ability to regulate emotions and perform optimally under pressure is critical in elite sport. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr L Ellis
 30 October 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Modulating Neuronal Network Dysfunction in mTORopathies via Peptide-Mediated Inhibition of Rheb/mTOR Signalling

Hyperactivation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling in neurons is associated with aberrant axonal and dendritic connectivity, enlarged soma size, increased cellular stress, reduced myelination, synaptic dysfunction and neuronal hyperexcitability. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr M Alsaqati, Dr O Al Musaimi
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
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Exploring Innovative Approaches in Chronic Pain: Focus on Neuropathic pain and Spinal Cord Stimulation

Pain can be a debilitating long-term and persistent symptom in many medical conditions, adversely affecting quality of life. Neuropathic pain originates from nervous system damage, resulting in deficits in neural transmission leading to sensory, autonomic, and motor impairment. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr I Obara
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
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FULLY FUNDED PhD - PREservation of muscle Size and Strength during GLP-1RA therapy with Krill Oil (PRESS-KO)

To apply, please click institution website. Project Description. Obesity and type 2 diabetes represent major global health challenges, with rising prevalence and substantial societal and economic burden. Read more
 Supervisors: Prof SG Gray, Prof JB Boyle
 24 July 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Lifestyle medicine for chronic diseases: An interdisciplinary study across physiology and clinical science.

Our research focuses on improving health outcomes through interdisciplinary approaches across physiology, clinical science, and lifestyle-related disease. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr S Withers, Dr A Robins, Dr P Sindall
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
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Investigating cellular heterogeneity in tendon homeostasis and ageing using cutting-edge single-cell proteomics

Tendon injuries commonly end racehorse careers, yet how ageing drives this remains unclear. Read more
 Supervisors: Prof MJ Peffers, Dr E Emmott
 31 July 2026  PhD Research Project  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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Engineering Nature's Blueprint: 3D Printing Macro- and Micro-Architectures for Smarter Drug Delivery

From the microscopic spines of a sea urchin to the layered architecture of a beetle's shell, nature has spent millions of years engineering structures of remarkable complexity and function. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr M Albed Alhnan
 31 August 2026  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only

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