MPhil, PhD Postgraduate research opportunities in Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Entry year:
2024/25
Start date:
October 2024, February 2025, June 2025
Study mode:
Full-time, Part-time
Course duration:
PhD Full-time: 4 years, PhD Part-time: 7 years, MPhil Full-time: 2 years, MPhil Part-time: 4 years
Campus:
City
99% of graduates are in full-time work within a year
Study abroad at 100+ partner universities worldwide
2,000+ PCs and loan laptops on campus

About this course

Excellent research opportunities await at LJMU's School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, enabling you to work at the forefront of developments with leading experts.

  • Study full or part-time over two to seven years
  • Choose from a wide range of subject areas (see Details tab for more information)
  • Complete your research degree (MPhil/PhD) in a Faculty known for its internationally-acclaimed research and state-of-the-art facilities
  • Explore scholarship opportunities 
  • Benefit from expert supervision and researcher training
  • Enjoy excellent facilities and great employment connections

You will be allocated up to four supervisors, including a Lead Supervisor who will work with you throughout your studies and provide you with appropriate levels of support and guidance.

Throughout your studies, you will also have the support of LJMU’s Doctoral Academy which offers expert advice and guidance to those enrolled on MPhil and PhD programmes.

Course modules

Discover the building blocks of your programme

School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Explore the possibilities

The multidisciplinary School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences is one of the oldest providers of Pharmacy education in the world and has been delivering industry-relevant courses since 1849. We guarantee all of our students a supportive, flexible academic environment, well-structured studies and 24/7 access to extensive resources.

We offer our researchers access to outstanding facilities and exceptional expertise. Research funding is obtained from sources including the British Council, Research Councils, the Department of Health, the European Commission, the Swiss Government and, reflecting our particular interests in the applied aspects of subjects, directly from industry. We are also part of an established international network of university research groups with associates in Bangladesh, India, China, France, Libya, Spain, Slovakia, Iran, Thailand and beyond.

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Your Learning Experience

An insight into teaching on your course

To complement your research, specific training needs will be identified on an individual basis. You can study topics such as:

  • Advanced Presentation Skills 
  • Applying for Ethical Approval 
  • How to be an Effective Researcher
  • Poster Presentation/Design
  • Postgraduate Employability Skills
  • Project Management
  • Writing Skills including Creative Planning for Writing your Thesis
  • Surviving the Viva
  • Speed Reading

How learning is monitored on your programme

To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.

Where you will study

What you can expect from your School

We offer postgraduate researchers access to excellent facilities – including high quality research laboratories, project rooms and social space - plus support and guidance from our expert academics and dedicated team of outstanding technicians.

Career paths

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

Studying for a postgraduate research degree enhances your employability in a number of ways.

As well as enabling you to focus on your specific areas of interest and expand your subject knowledge ready for employment in your chosen sector, a postgraduate research qualification enables you to take charge of your career path by demonstrating your contribution to an area of knowledge. It enhances your self-confidence and showcases your ability to work independently and ‘go it alone’.

According to a report by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), more than a quarter of graduates felt that their employment prospects were increased by their PG qualification. And when it comes to earnings, those with a postgrad qualification have been shown to earn an average of 24% more than those who leave education with an undergraduate degree.

Some postgraduate research students are already in full time employment when they begin their studies, whilst others are recent graduates looking to extend their research capabilities and subject expertise.

A good proportion of our students return to their existing roles with enhanced career prospects, others move on to further study or take up teaching roles in educational establishments.

Fees and funding

How to fund your postgraduate research

Securing funding can be one of the main hurdles you face when considering postgraduate research. However, help is available. LJMU has a team of fees and funding experts who can offer advice based on your personal circumstances. You can contact them on 0151 231 3153/3154 or via studentadvice@ljmu.ac.uk

Entry requirements

You will need:

  • (for an MPhil): a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject 
  • (for a PhD): a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject, preferably also a Masters degree in a relevant subject 


Additional information:

  • The applications of those with alternative qualifications will be considered on merit
  • Appropriate research and previous experience will be taken into account
  • IELTS 6.5 minimum 5.5 in each component)
  • 58-64 (minimum 51 in each component for UKVI purposes)
  • RPL is accepted on this programme

We also welcome applications from those with non-standard qualifications who can demonstrate knowledge, experience, and skills developed in the workplace or other setting relevant to the programme of research.


If you do not hold the standard academic entry requirements, please use your personal statement to provide further details. Non-standard applications will be considered by the Admissions Tutor(s) on a case-by-case basis.

If you have any specific queries, please contact  SCSPGRAdmissions@ljmu.ac.uk

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

All research degree registrations are subject to approval by the Faculty and University’s Research Degrees Committee. The Applications process is as follows:

  1. Complete and submit your application using this online form
  2. You will receive an acknowledgement
  3. Your application will be considered by the Admissions Tutor
  4. We will take up your academic references
  5. You may need to provide further information or attend an interview
  6. You will be informed if your application has been successful and will find out about any conditions of acceptance

Your student experience

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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.

Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.