Eye and Vision Sciences
MPhil / PhD / MD
Eye and vision science research in Liverpool extends from basic molecular interactions through to health service implementation with the goal of translating our findings for the benefit of patients. Our team of non-clinical and clinical scientists come from a range of backgrounds and work closely together studying the mechanisms, prevention, early detection and treatment of eye diseases.
Department of Eye and Vision Science is one of the key centres in the UK for medical research into vision threatening diseases and its reputation in eye research is world-renowned
The Department of Eye and Vision Science and their clinical counterparts in St Paul’s Eye Unit in the Royal Liverpool University Hospital work side by side and this has allowed the Department to develop into one of the key centres in the UK for medical research into vision-threatening diseases and build its internationally recognised reputation in eye research.
100
research staff creating new insights into patients, lifestyles, health issues, bioscience, epidemiology and care.
£11
annual budget with total research income at over £8m, with partners including Wellcome Trust, UK Research Councils and NIH (USA)
50%
of our funded research awards involve collaborations between scientists and clinicians.
Research at Liverpool
The Institute of Ageing & Chronic Disease provides a powerful focus for understanding the many variables - from bioscience to social - that influence ageing and chronic disease in people throughout their lives. Our research activity ranges from molecule to population, laboratory to bedside, and we have over 100 research active staff creating new insights into patients, lifestyles, health issues, bioscience, epidemiology and care.
These insights into eye and vision science are translating into real world benefits, whether it's the new approaches we are developing to allow efficient drug delivery into the eye or the retina scan we created to detect cerebral malaria in African children. Delivering this kind of return on investments helped us attract solid funding, with partners including Wellcome Trust, UK Research Councils, NIH (USA), Unilever and GSK.
With our extensive in-house research facilities and strong UK and global academic partners, we're well-placed to continue our mission and realise our ambitious plans in the ageing and chronic disease field.
Facilities
The cutting-edge facilities in the University of Liverpool’s new William Henry Duncan Building provide a state-of-the-art hub in which our clinical and non-clinical scientists carry out their research. Our translational research is facilitated and enhanced by our close links with St Paul’s Eye Unit and the Clinical Eye Research Centre both the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Research groups
Study options and fees
MPhil
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) can be thought of as a shorter version of the PhD. It requires the same research skills, training, planning, and project management. It can be a way to assess whether you wish to undertake doctoral research - or it can be taken for its own sake.
Fees
| Duration | Home and EU Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,327 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £22,000 (Lab based programmes) £16,700 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only. |
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,163.50 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £11,000 (Lab based programmes) £8,350 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. |
* These fees don't include research support fees (also known as bench fees). After applying, you will receive the total cost to study with us.
PhD
A doctoral degree is awarded to students that have demonstrated the ability to conceptualise, design, and implement a substantial research project that results in new knowledge, applications, or understanding in their field of study. During your research, you can expect to draw on direct clinical and observational experience to produce an original thesis of 80,000-100,000 words. You'll be part of a research group which matches your research interests. Research groups offer opportunities for cross-disciplinary research collaboration, as well as support and expertise for your research.
Fees
| Duration | Home and EU Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,327 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £22,000 (Lab based programmes) £16,700 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only. |
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,163.50 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £11,000 (Lab based programmes) £8,350 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. |
* These fees don't include research support fees (also known as bench fees). After applying, you will receive the total cost to study with us.
Fee reduction for self-funded international students on lab-based programmes
If you're a self-funded international student studying a lab-based programme, you'll receive a £2,000 reduction in fees for your first year of study.
MD
The Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a doctoral degree open to medical practitioners (technically, anyone holding a medical qualification registrable with the General Medical Council). It is equivalent in requirements and format to the PhD.
Fees
| Duration | Home and EU Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,327 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £22,000 (Lab based programmes) £16,700 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only. |
| Part time | 2-6 years | £2,163.50 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £11,000 (Lab based programmes) £8,350 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. |
* These fees don't include research support fees (also known as bench fees). After applying, you will receive the total cost to study with us.
Entry requirements
Eligibility and entry qualifications
A good (2:1 or above) Honours first degree in an appropriate science subject is required as a minimum, which, preferably, will be relevant to the area of interest.
English language requirements
To apply for this research degree, you must have reached a minimum standard of English. You need to be able to provide evidence of this. See our English language requirements for international students for guidance on the different English language qualifications and evidence that you can provide.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from within the EU and from around the world. You should ensure that your qualifications are equivalent to those which are required to study for this research degree. See our guidance on international qualifications.
Additional requirements
How to apply
Research degree applications can be made online. Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal. You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.
Applications are open all year round.
Find a supervisor
Your supervisor is your main source of academic support and mentoring. You'll need to find a supervisor before you start your research degree. It's helpful to identify a supervisor and discuss your research proposal before you apply.
View supervisors in this area
Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us
- Sue Jones
- Email: iacdpgr@liverpool.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)151 794 4225
Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects
Your training and development
Join us and you'll also join the Liverpool Doctoral College, our home for doctoral support, training and development. You'll join a vibrant and collaborative community of researchers, get tailored support for your development and have the opportunity to undertake a work placement.