Engineering Biology (EPSRC and BBSRC CDT) (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The Engineering Biology CDT is a research-based course combining synthetic biology, engineering, and computing to develop real-world biotechnological solutions, with training in innovation, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

After training in the fundamentals of mathematics, biology, engineering and computing and team-based problem solving projects, you will complete two short research projects, one of which will develop into your substantive DPhil project. Throughout the course, you will undertake bespoke training in translational aspects. This course is run jointly with the University of Bristol.

Throughout the four years of the course, there will be bespoke innovation and commercialisation training, responsible innovation, EDI and bioethics training, and career development programmes.

During the course, you will also have access to the extensive range of seminars and symposia in both the Department of Engineering Science and other departments of the University. During term-time there are regular departmental seminars which all graduate students are expected to attend, along with the annual Department of Engineering Science specific Lubbock Lecture and BioEnginuity events.

Students also present at regular progress seminars, which bring together groups in the department working in related areas. Your research group will be able to advise you as to which seminar series you should attend. All seminars are advertised on the web portal Oxford Talks.

There will be multiple opportunities for you to present your work, within the course and to a wider university audience. You will also have opportunities to present your work at national and international conferences. Graduate students in the department run a lively Graduate Students' Association and meet regularly for social, science and networking events.