Cardiovascular Sciences

Entry requirements

We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Months of entry

January, April, September

Course content

Our PhD/MPhil Cardiovascular Sciences programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Cardiovascular Sciences.

Cardiovascular diseases are major causes of mortality and morbidity in developed and developing countries worldwide.

Our research spans five main themes:

• cardiovascular genetics and development;
• experimental cardiology;
• vascular biology/hypertension;
• stroke;
• clinical cardiovascular research;

We adopt an integrated 'bench-to-bedside' translational approach for understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for the functioning of the cardiovascular system in both health and disease.

To this end, there is a wide spectrum of research spanning clinical trials, small and large animal models of cardiovascular diseases, whole organs and tissues, cells and single molecule studies. Working together in purpose-built facilities provides for a stimulating and cutting-edge environment.

Examples of research programmes include:

• cardiac and vascular electrophysiology;
• cardiac conduction system;
• calcium and second messenger signalling in the heart and vasculature;
• heart failure and arrhythmias;
• hypertrophic signalling pathways in the heart;
• cardiovascular genetics and development;
• cellular and protein structure;
• comparative biology and mitochondrial function;
• computer modelling;
• hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes research;
• vascular biology of small and large arteries;
• angiogenesis and endothelial biology;
• stroke;
• cardiovascular imaging;
• induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) models of cardiovascular disease;
• cardiac and vascular regeneration;
• renal physiology and genetics;
• renal medicine;