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    Global Keele

    Neuroscience

    PhD / MPhil

    Duration
    PhD – 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
    MPhil – 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
    Contact
    Dr Jenny Dunn
    lifesciences.pgrlead@keele.ac.uk
    +44 (01782)733292

    The MPhil route for this programme is no longer accepting international applications for September 2026. Applications for the PhD route remain open.

    Summary

    Neuroscience at the School of Life Sciences forms part of the wider Neuroscience and Neurology Group at Keele University. It comprises more than 16 research groups, studying both fundamental and clinically oriented research to understand the nervous system development and ageing. Research spans a variety of research topics from psychiatric disorders to nervous system regeneration. The research teams employ multiple approaches, including genetics, proteomics, bioengineering, and utilise diverse model systems such as organoids, invertebrates, and rodent models to address key research questions.

    Student testimonials

    Overview

    Neuroscience research within the School of Life Sciences at Keele encompasses a broad and integrated range of approaches aimed at understanding the nervous system from fundamental mechanisms to clinical application. Research spans molecular and cellular neuroscience, including studies of synaptic biology, axon development and maintenance, and intracellular signalling pathways linked to neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegeneration. In parallel, work on neural development uses advanced human stem cell models and genomic technologies to investigate the cellular and genetic basis of complex brain disorders. At the systems and behavioural level, research examines sensory processing and neural coding, as well as animal navigation and cognition, revealing how neural circuits underpin perception, behaviour, and spatial orientation. A strong translational focus further drives research in regenerative neuroscience, including the development of biomaterials, stem cell-based approaches, and experimental models to repair damage to the central nervous system. Together, these interconnected themes create a multidisciplinary research environment that bridges fundamental neuroscience with challenges in neurological injury, psychiatric disorders, and sensory dysfunction.

    There is an emphasis on links to clinical and other complementary expertise across the three sites comprising the Keele University campus, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital at Oswestry, and the Guy Hilton Research Centre.

    Research interests

    Animal behaviour and behavioural neuroscience: Dr Dmitry Kishkinev

    Animal navigation and sensory systems: Dr Dmitry Kishkinev

    Auditory systems: Dr Ben Warren

    Behavioural neuroscience: Dr Simon Trent

    Cerebral organoids: Dr Eunju Jenny Shin

    Genetics of neurological diseases: Dr Murial Desbois

    Human stem cell disease modelling: Dr Eunju Jenny Shin

    Molecular mechanisms of learning & memory: Dr Simon Trent

    Neurodegeneration: Dr Murial Desbois

    Neurodevelopment: Dr Eunju Jenny Shin; Dr Murial Desbois

    Neuronal differentiation: Dr Eunju Jenny Shin

    Neuropsychiatic disorders: Dr Eunju Jenny Shin; Dr Murial Desbois; Dr Simon Trent

    Psychiatric genetics: Dr Simon Trent

    Regenerative medicine and nanotechnology: Dr Chris Adams

    Synaptic biology: Dr Simon Trent

     

    Did you know – we also offer an MRes in BioSciences as an alternative to the MPhil route. More information here