Exploring the role of Wnt signalling in obesity-related hypertension
Globally, hypertension continues to be the biggest single contributor to the universal burden of disease. Approximately two-thirds of all cases of hypertension are linked to excess weight and visceral obesity. This project will explore the crosstalk between the adipose tissue and the vasculature to identify novel targets for treating hypertension.
Research Opportunities
Summary
Hypertension affects approximately 10,000,000 people in the UK and is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. Clinically, hypertension is defined as a persistent raised blood pressure of >140/90mmHg and the risk of developing this condition is higher among obese people with approximately two-thirds of all cases of hypertension linked to excess weight. Visceral obesity, in particular, has been suggested as the most important risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, which indicates that one or more obesity-related mediator(s) (i.e. pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or pro-oxidant mediators) contribute to the development and/or progression of hypertension. Wingless/int1 (Wnt) ligands are a family of 19 lipoglycoproteins which activate Frizzled receptors to induce both physiological and pathophysiological responses. Mediators of the Wnt signalling system have been shown to be 1) increased in the circulation and visceral fat of obese individuals and 2) to regulate key features of the adverse vascular remodelling (i.e. vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) hyperplasia and migration) present in hypertension, suggesting that this signalling system may be a key contributor to obesity-related hypertension. The proposed project will use a variety of cell models to examine the crosstalk between adipocytes and VSMCs and to investigate the role of Wnt signalling in obesity-related vascular dysfunction.
Prospective student should have a First Class or a 2.1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant biomedical science discipline.
Supervisors
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Research Themes
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About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
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Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,720 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,712 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £18,700 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,220 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,350 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
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- Accommodation and living costs
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Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
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