Interdisciplinary Bioscience

{ "program_description": "Interdisciplinary Bioscience at the University of Oxford offers students a comprehensive and flexible curriculum designed to develop a deep understanding of biological sciences through an integrative approach. The program is crafted to provide a broad foundation in various branches of bioscience, including molecular biology, genetics, ecology, physiology, and biochemistry, enabling students to explore the complex interconnections that underpin living systems. Emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the course incorporates cutting-edge research, laboratory techniques, and analytical methods essential for tackling contemporary challenges in biology and medicine. Students benefit from the university’s world-class facilities and collaborate with leading researchers, gaining exposure to innovative projects across disciplines such as biomedical sciences, environmental biology, and biotechnology. The interdisciplinary nature of the program encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, equipping graduates with the versatility required in both academic and industry settings. Throughout the course, there is a focus on developing scientific communication skills and fostering a global perspective on bioscience issues, ensuring students are well-prepared to contribute to advances in health, sustainability, and technology. With options for specializations and research projects, students can tailor their education to align with their interests and career aspirations. The program ultimately aims to produce well-rounded scientists capable of addressing the complex biological questions of today and tomorrow, supporting the university’s commitment to excellence in interdisciplinary research and education in the biosciences." }

The programme also provides training for graduates working on specific industry-supported projects, including projects funded through BBSRC Industrial CASE studentship awards and Collaborative Training Partnership awards.

The Oxford Interdisciplinary Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) programme is a four-year doctoral training programme run in partnership between the University of Oxford, and six partner organisations - the Pirbright Institute, which provides the UK’s national capabilities for the study and control of viral diseases of livestock, Oxford Brookes University and four research organisations at Harwell Oxford (Diamond Light Source, ISIS, the Central Laser Facility and the Research Complex at Harwell) that provide the UK’s national capabilities for synchrotron science, neutron science and laser science.

You will undertake a four-year doctoral training programme. In your first term you are based at the Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) at the University of Oxford and undertake an individually-tailored training programme that includes training in research skills such as mathematics and statistics, programming, imaging and image analysis, bioinformatics, and modelling biological processes and systems. You can also access a wide variety of additional training provided across the partnership throughout your doctoral studies.

The DTP’s core training programme draws on expertise in all seven partner organisations and you will have the opportunity to visit different sites and learn about the facilities and expertise available across these organisations during the initial training phase.

A distinctive feature of the DTP training programme is that you are required to undertake a 12-week internship to gain experience of work in a professional environment and in transferable skills that will be beneficial in your future career. Areas that may be explored during internships include industrial research and development, science policy, teaching, science communication, publishing, entrepreneurship and project management. 

You will have the ongoing support of the DTP throughout your studies, including an ongoing training programme in professional skills such as scientific writing, project management, CV writing and interview skills, teaching skills, public engagement and enterprise and entrepreneurship. You can also access specific training in advanced research skills that are relevant to your research interests through specialist training courses and practice-led training groups tailored to the interests of small groups of researchers. 

Course features for DTP students (not applicable to Industrial Studentships)

After the initial training phase, you will have the opportunity to undertake two 12-week research projects in two different research groups within the partnership, which are tailored to meet the likely requirements of your main doctoral project. You are encouraged to use these rotation projects to further develop your interdisciplinary skills. You will have the opportunity to undertake a three-year doctoral research project with an internationally leading research group and have access to world-class facilities and expertise.

Course features for Industrial Studentships

If you apply to the DTP’s Industrial Studentship programme you will have an academic supervisor in one of the DTP partner organisations and undertake research in collaboration with an industrial or non-academic partner organisation. You will undertake a placement (12 weeks minimum) with the partner organisation to gain experience of work in a non-academic professional environment.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a relevant academic subject (eg biochemistry, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, computer science).

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

It is not an application requirement to have completed or to be in the process of completing a master's degree.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:500 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers diverse funding opportunities for students enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Bioscience program, aimed at supporting both domestic and international students in their academic pursuits. Funding options include scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans, which are designed to alleviate the financial burden of postgraduate education. Scholarships at Oxford are highly competitive and are often awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and financial need. The university's departmental and college-specific scholarships may vary annually and include prestigious awards such as the Oxford-Weidenfeld Scholarships, which support outstanding students pursuing graduate study in various disciplines, including biosciences. Additionally, the university collaborates with external organizations and trusts that provide funding for postgraduate students, further broadening access to financial support.

Students are encouraged to explore the Oxford online funding database, which provides comprehensive information about available awards and the application procedures. Many students pursue external funding sources, such as government-sponsored loans or fellowships from their home countries, to finance their studies at Oxford. The university also offers teaching and research assistant positions that not only provide valuable academic experience but also offer stipends or hourly wages to help cover living expenses.

Furthermore, Oxford's collegiate system often provides in-house bursaries or financial aid programs tailored to the needs of its students. International students should particularly investigate scholarships that cover airfare, tuition fees, and living costs, as these can vary significantly from domestic funding options. The university recommends prospective students start their funding applications early, as some awards have competitive and limited quotas, and the application processes may be complex.

In summary, funding for the Interdisciplinary Bioscience program at Oxford is multifaceted, combining internal university scholarships, external grants, part-time work opportunities, and loan programs designed to facilitate access to world-class bioscience education. Prospective students should conduct thorough research, meet application deadlines, and prepare necessary documentation to maximize their chances of securing financial support.

The Interdisciplinary Bioscience program at the University of Oxford offers students a comprehensive and flexible education designed to provide a broad understanding of the biological sciences. This program combines elements from various disciplines such as molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, and ecology, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career aspirations. The course structure emphasizes a strong scientific foundation, critical thinking skills, and practical laboratory experience, which are essential for advancing in modern biosciences. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge research facilities and are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects, fostering an environment of innovation and discovery. The program also includes opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to work with experts across different fields of science and medicine. This integrative approach prepares graduates for diverse careers in academia, industry, healthcare, and science communication. The curriculum is designed to adapt to advances in science and technology, ensuring that students acquire relevant and up-to-date knowledge. Combining rigorous coursework with immersive laboratory experiences, the program aims to cultivate highly skilled graduates capable of addressing complex biological questions and contributing to scientific progress. Graduates of this interdisciplinary program are well-equipped to pursue postgraduate studies or enter the workforce directly, taking advantage of the prestigious university's global networks and resources. The university's supportive academic environment, dedicated tutorial system, and access to world-leading academics make this program particularly attractive for students aiming to make meaningful contributions to bioscience research and innovation.