Metabolism and Systems Research PhD/MSc by Research

Program Overview

The PhD/MSc in Metabolism and Systems Research at the University of Birmingham trains students to apply metabolomics approaches to study human diseases and aging, with the aim of identifying disease mechanisms and developing personalized treatments. Students benefit from supervision from leading researchers, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to attend research events and engage with the wider postgraduate research community. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, industry, and healthcare, including research, medical writing, and clinical trial coordination.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD/MSc in Metabolism and Systems Research at the University of Birmingham equips students with the skills to contribute to research impacting the intricate processes within the human body, both in normal and abnormal states. Students will work alongside leading researchers to produce original and impactful research, ultimately translating findings into treatments that improve patient care.

Assessment:

The program culminates in a thesis that represents an original contribution to knowledge and demonstrates independent judgment. The thesis is assessed by a supervisory team.

Teaching:

The program provides:

• Supervision from leading academics in research techniques and training.
• Training and development courses in research and generic skills.
• Opportunities to attend and participate in Research Poster festivals and other postgraduate activities.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated write-up rooms, libraries, and computer facilities.

Careers:

The program prepares students for a variety of career paths, including:

• Research fellow/postdoctoral researcher
• Medical writer
• Scientist/research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry
• Clinical trial coordinator
Employers include:
• NHS Trusts
• Cancer Research UK
• Pharma and biotech companies (e.g., AstraZeneca, Covance, Binding Site, Immunocore, Johnson and Johnson)
• Medical Communications agencies (e.g., Fishawack, Insight Medical Writing)
• The Armed Forces
• The University of Birmingham

Other:

The program is part of the Graduate School within the College of Medical and Dental Sciences, providing access to a wider postgraduate research community at Westmere House. This community offers training, skills development, careers advice, wellbeing services, and social events. The Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research explores mechanisms of metabolic, endocrine, and reproductive diseases, employing a translational approach with in vitro and in vivo models, human in vivo physiology, metabolome and imaging techniques, experimental medicine studies, and clinical trials. The University of Birmingham has a global reputation for its research and teaching, ranking highly in various rankings for Medicine and Life Sciences.