Extra guidance notes for PhD students:
Please read the application guidance notes on the last page, then fill in an application form (pdf).
Under Research subject, please fill in the title of the project that you would like to apply for.
Please note that you will also need to attach a CV, write a letter stating your reasons for wanting to do this PhD project, a "research proposal" and ask for two references on a referee form. Since we have already provided a project description, please use the space for the research proposal as an opportunity to describe the directions you might want to take the research topic in, what you think are the important questions, how your previous experience qualifies you for this research project, etc.
See also postgraduate admissions.

Some guidance on whether to start a PhD at all:
Schwartz, M. A. (2008) The importance of stupidity in scientific research. Journal of Cell Science Vol. 121, 1771