Overview
Estrogen replacement therapy is commonly prescribed to replace declining levels of naturally circulating 17β-estradiol in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Various products, regimens and routes of administration are commonly used to administer 17β-estradiol or a synthetic estrogen. Vaginal rings products for estrogen replacement therapy are increasingly popular, since they avoid first-pass metabolism, offer localised delivery at constant rates, reduce systemic side effects, and improve user convenience and adherence. In this project, the aim is to develop a new silicone elastomer vaginal ring formulation offering controlled release of estrogens at rates/durations suitable for effective therapy. The project—funded by Millicent Pharma—will be completed in the School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). Both Millicent and QUB have a long-established history of expertise in this area of research and product development.
The project will provide high-quality, industrially relevant training and skills in the formulation development and testing of controlled release drug products, and drug-releasing vaginal rings in particular.
• polymer characterisation
• formulation of drugs in silicone elastomers
• drug product testing (including dissolution/in vitro release testing, thermal analysis, HPLC, extractables, content assay, NMR, rheology, etc.)
This project is intended to inform and support ongoing drug product development activities at Millicent Pharma.
The project funding covers the full cost of tuition fees for ‘home’ applicants.
To be treated as a home applicant, candidates must meet ONE of the following criteria:
• be a UK national
• have settled status in the UK
• have pre-settled status in the UK
• have indefinite leave to remain or enter the UK
If a candidate does not meet one of these criteria, they are treated as an international applicant. This also applies to students from EU countries. International applicants may apply for the project, but they are responsible for covering the difference between the home and international tuition fees; details are provided at the link below:
International Tuition Fees
https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-tuition-fees/#postgraduate-research-1445473-3
There is some flexibility around the start date. However, we anticipate a project start date between March and June 2025. The project is fully funded for 3 years.
Funding Information
Applications must be received online via the QUB Direct Applications Portal (see below) by 11.00 pm Wednesday 12th March 2025.
This is a 3-year PhD project involving a collaboration between the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast (a research-intensive university with world-leading expertise in drug delivery/pharmaceutics) and Millicent Pharma (a global leader in women’s healthcare).
The award provides a 3-year studentship for personal maintenance and living costs (£20,873 in Year 1, £21,916 in Year 2, £23,012 in Year 3), three years of home (UK) tuition fees, and a budget to cover purchase of a personal computer, laboratory consumables and conference attendance.
Entrance requirements
Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 6.0 in writing, and not less than 5.5 in listening, speaking and reading, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Find a supervisor
If you’re interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
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