Structural Biology

Our structural biology research explores the molecular architecture of life, from microorganisms to complex organisms, in both healthy and diseased states. By uncovering the three-dimensional structures of biomolecules using state-of-the-art biophysical approaches ranging from X-ray crystallography, NMR and cryo-EM, we aim to advance understanding of biological processes, driving discoveries in medicine, biotechnology, and fundamental life sciences. TheInstitute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB)was established to integrate cutting-edge and clinical research across theFaculty of Health and Life Sciences. Programmes of work across ISMIB are varied and are led by world experts in their fields. Our structural biology research mainly occurs in theDepartment of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, which has excelled in teaching and research since 1902, when the world’s first Chair of Biochemistry was established in Liverpool. Our integration of biochemical research with systems-based studies, including multiomics, data analysis, structural biology, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence, makes us a global leader. This is further supported by top-tier shared research facilities and our commitment to sharing discoveries. In our structural biology research we use mathematical modelling, X-ray crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and cross-linking mass spectrometry, to tackle key structural biology questions. Our structural biology research is supported by world-class facilities, including theHigh-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility,GeneMill synthetic biology and protein production facility,Centre for Proteome Research, andBarkla X-ray Laboratory of Biophysics. Topics relevant to structural biology include:

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 TOEFL iBT: If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. Pearson PTE Academic: 61 overall, with no component below 59 Your most recent IELTS score: Pre-sessional English course length 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5: 6 weeks 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0: 10 weeks 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0: 12 weeks 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0: 20 weeks 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5: 30 weeks 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0: 40 weeks

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5

International students: Full-time place, per year - £32,200; Part-time: £16,100

UK students: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time: £2,619

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time: £2,619

International: Full-time place, per year - £32,200; Part-time: £16,100

Year round

Rolling admissions - check project listing

• Liverpool, United Kingdom