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Postgraduate Research in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences

Queen's University Belfast

DEPARTMENT FOR THE ECONOMY (DFE) STUDENTSHIPS

Applications are now open for fully funded PhD scholarships in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences. Successful candidates will receive funding from the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy (DFE), covering tuition fees and a stipend. Closing date: 16 January 2026.

Join a faculty internationally recognised for research excellence, tackling challenges from public health and precision medicine to food security and environmental sustainability. Our PhD students thrive in a collaborative, supportive environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and strong global partnerships.

Students are leading breakthroughs in:

  • Global Food Safety: safeguarding international food supplies

  • Healthcare Innovation: improving life for children with cerebral palsy

  • Animal Health: advancing antimicrobial treatments for animal welfare

  • Clinical Research: transforming cancer, infectious disease, and precision medicine

Living for the Future

School of Biological Sciences

Man with Elephant

The School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s is at the forefront of addressing global challenges in food security, environmental sustainability, and animal health. Our researchers work across disciplines, developing solutions that safeguard our ecosystems and improve global food systems from farm to fork. As a postgraduate researcher, you will have the opportunity to contribute to pioneering projects that are shaping the future of agriculture, biodiversity, and sustainable living. 

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From Discovery to Recovery

School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences

Man In blue coat for Keystone

The School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences is home to internationally recognised research leaders who are transforming healthcare outcomes through developing precision medicine, cutting-edge clinical trials, and life-saving interventions. Our School’s research spans cancer, infectious diseases, vision science, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and public health. As part of our postgraduate research community, you will help lead advances that improve patient care, tackle health inequalities, and drive global medical innovation. 

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MEETING THE NEEDS OF MODERN HEALTHCARE

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Nurse with a child

The School of Nursing and Midwifery is dedicated to improving patient care, community health, and health service delivery through applied, impactful research. Our projects range from child health and mental health to palliative care and global public health. Postgraduate researchers in our school benefit from strong clinical partnerships, access to advanced simulation facilities, and the opportunity to deliver meaningful change in how care is provided across diverse populations.

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BRINGING INNOVATION TO MEDICINES AND PATIENT CARE

School of Pharmacy

Pharmacy_Lab_Queens Day 8-152

The School of Pharmacy at Queen’s is a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation, and recognised for excellence in drug discovery, biotechnology, and digital therapeutics. Our research helps shape the future of medicine by developing safer, more effective treatments for both humans and animals. As a postgraduate researcher in our School, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners and contribute to high-impact solutions that are making a difference worldwide. 

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Why Choose Queen's

Top 200 in the world

(QS and THE World University Rankings 2026)
World-class university

Every school in our Faculty is recognised among the global top 200 in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2025.

An Exceptional Professional Qualification

We equip our postgraduate students with the skills that employers are looking for. Our dynamic industry partnerships mean more development opportunities for you.

OUR RESEARCH IMPACT

In the Top 200 most impactful universities globally in tackling the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Source: THE Impact Rankings 202)

State-of-the-art facilities

Work with world-leading researchers and experts in their field in state-of-the-art facilities. 21 Queen’s subjects in the top 200 in the world (QS World Rankings by subject 2026)

NEXT STEPS

START YOUR JOURNEY TO QUEEN'S TODAY

1. Find your PhD Project

Choose your project

2. Check Entry Requirements

Check that you meet the entry requirements for the funded project

3. Start your Application

We are now accepting applications for September 2026, you can begin your application online today.

Apply Now