Swansea University 2025 Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Tumour Growth

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynaecological cancers (>2000 deaths/year, UK). It is described as a silent killer as most diagnoses occur after it has spread to the peritoneal cavity (metastasis). It is known that peritoneal cells contribute to the growth of metastatic tumours. Previously, it was demonstrated that an immune cell-produced metabolite promotes peritoneal tumour growth (https://doi.org/10.1172/jci99169). However, a host of interconnected metabolic and immune pathways likely regulate tumour progression.  

Identification of these novel mechanisms will provide new targeted therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer.  

The current MRC New Investigator Grant focuses on peritoneal dialysis for kidney disease and aims to add metabolites/drugs to improve this treatment, but this also opens the exciting possibility for using peritoneal dialysis as a tissue-targeted drug delivery tool for metastatic ovarian cancer. This includes utilising existing chemotherapies (e.g. Carboplatin) and targeting new peritoneal-specific mechanisms that promote tumour growth. 

• Table of Content
• About Swansea University
• Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Tumour Growth
• Aim and Benefits of Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Tumour Growth
• Requirements for Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Tumour Growth Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Tumour Growth

Aim and Benefits of Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Tumour Growth

The studentship covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

There is also an additional £1,000 for research expenses.

Requirements for Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Tumour Growth Qualification

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations

Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master’s degree. Alternatively, applicants with a UK first class honours degree (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) not holding a master’s degree, will be considered on an individual basis.  See – Country Specific Information for International Applicants 2025  

English Language
IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

Course choice – please select:  

Microbiology and Immunology / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October

When applying - please select the start date as October 2025 but there is scope to start in July 2025.

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email [email protected] where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.