Integrative Biomedical Sciences (Based in China) PhD

The programme is a dual award (University of Edinburgh and Zhejiang University), 4-year PhD degree programme in Integrative Biomedical Sciences with courses for integrated study. The programme will be delivered, in English, at the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute) at the Zhejiang International Campus in Haining, Zhejiang, China.

The programme provides a taught component in years 1-3 which aims to benefit the growth and all-round development of our doctoral students. The taught courses include:

During the PhD programme, students will have the opportunity to undertake a number of research projects in different research laboratories and/or translational environments.

The dual award PhD in Integrative Biomedical Sciences is a training programme focused on common human diseases, the goal of which is to advance knowledge, expertise and skills by bridging the gap between fundamental biomedical science discoveries through to translation in humans. By 'Training to Translate', this programme will draw on unique Edinburgh and Zhejiang research strengths in biomedical diseases to achieve this goal.

Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment for all aspects of modern biomedical sciences to facilitate their research objectives. These are located at our new International Campus in Haining, China. Extensive collaborations exist with the wider biomedical and clinical communities helping ensure you are supported in a world-class research environment.

Joining a joint UK-China PhD program offers the opportunity to gain research and life experience in the emerging dynamic East Asian biomedical and biotechnology research space.

The 21st century’s centre of economic gravity is shifting eastwards and many research and academic career opportunities are shifting in that direction also. Combining this with strong links to an established global and European research university offers a unique combination of global career opportunities.

There is an opportunity to learn the Chinese language and gain entry and insight into China’s ancient rich culture and modern, rapidly developing economy and society.

My experience on the Dual PhD Integrative Biomedical Science programme at ZJE so far has been inspiring and exciting. I have been challenged by the knowledgeable and experienced faculty to think and work independently.

The taught component of the programme offers an opportunity to interact with lecturers and colleagues on issues fundamental to research in the biomedical field. Going forward, I am optimistic that this unique opportunity at ZJE will model me into a successful researcher.

Husein Bagulo, (PhD Integrative Biomedical Sciences, 2018-19)

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in biomedical sciences or a related subject.

Applicants may hold a masters degree, but this is not a requirement.

Applicants will be required to meet additional requirements for visa entry to China.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

There are no Chinese language proficiency requirements for applicants, but, Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Read our general information on tuition fees and studying costs:

• Fees and costs

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• borrowing money

  • taking out a loan

  • family support

• personal savings

• income from work

• employer sponsorship

• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

• Scholarships offered by Zhejiang University

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding