Course summary

The first-of-its-kind dual award PhD programme in Synthetic and Systems Biology brings together two globally-renowned institutions at the forefront of research in this area: the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) at The University of Manchester, and the Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (CSSB) at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Each share a vision for world-class research in synthetic and systems biology. The MIB's research areas both inform and are informed by its Grand Challenges , which centre on emerging areas of excellence in the wider biotechnology field. Industrial Biotechnology is also one of the University's specialist research beacons and was recently awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. It is the mission of the CSSB to pursue excellence in scientific research and education in order to answer some of the fundamental questions of life science. Tsinghua is one of the most prestigious universities in China and is committed, through teaching, research and innovation, to the advancement of both the country and the wider world. This dual PhD programme will develop biotechnologies to support clean growth in order to deliver drop-in solutions and new sustainable processes to industry, while at the same time providing PhD training and skills to support a transition from a fossil resource to a bio-based system. Pathways You'll spend two years at The University of Manchester and two years at Tsinghua University, with supervisors in both locations. Students will all start together at Tsinghua; you'll then follow one of three possible pathways, flexible to suit your research needs. You'll be required to submit a single thesis in English within four years of the registration date, and your final viva examination will take place in either Manchester or Tsinghua. At the end of the four-year full-time programme, you'll receive a dual PhD, one award and two certificates.