PhD

Undertaking a PhD can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity to explore something in depth, amongst field-leading researchers with truly first-class facilities. Candidates are required to make an original contribution to knowledge by conducting an independent research project.

MD

The research project will usually have a clinical focus, but other aspects of medical and health care provision may form the basis of the research topic. Applicants are usually required to hold an MBBCH degree or equivalent. Candidates are usually registered with the General Medical Council.

MPhil

MPhil is a stand-alone programme that allows candidates to undertake a research programme over one year. Sometimes, this can be an intermediate step before registering on a subsequent PhD programme; depending on how the project develops.

Skills Developed

Students will benefit from gaining a range of transferable and professional skills during their research study. Depending on the project, these may include:

• laboratory skills
• statistical analysis
• qualitative analysis
• quantitative analysis
• qualitative interviewing skills
• focus group facilitation
• presenting skills (scientists, the general public)
• academic publication and grant writing.

Assessment

Thesis (80,000 words for PhD, 60,000 words for MD, and 50,000 words for MPhil) and viva voce examination.

Our research is focused on interdisciplinary themes, each of which spans the spectrum from basic science to clinical practice in either hospital or community settings. Our key research themes include:

• Cancer and Genetics
• Infection and Immunity
• Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences
• Population Medicine
• Medical Education.

Our underlying aim is to ensure the optimum ‘translation’ of fundamental knowledge to patient benefit.

Our approach brings together people, knowledge and skills from a range of disciplines. This approach is the key to our research strength and achievements. Each of our research divisions embodies this philosophy.

Research Areas

Cancer and Genetics

The programme will lead to a research degree in cancer and or genetics that could be used in a variety of academic, clinical and industrial settings.

Infection and Immunity

To offer a broad knowledge and expertise in in all aspects of immunological-based disease processes at the molecular and cellular level, with strengths in innate immunity, cancer immunology, T-cell biology and viral and bacterial infection.

Population Medicine

Division of Population Medicine postgraduate research programmes focus on Prevention and redesigning healthcare services.

Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences

The Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences is one of the largest university Division of psychiatry in the UK, providing leadership in clinical practice, teaching and high quality, cutting-edge research across many areas of psychiatric practice.

Medical Education

The Mphil / PhD pathway in Medical Education is located within the Centre for Medical Education (C4ME). Bringing together experienced doctors, nurses, psychologists, social scientists and educationalists, we ensure that the work of the school is based on strong pedagogical research foundations.

Research areas

Cancer and Genetics

The programme will lead to a research degree in cancer and or genetics that could be used in a variety of academic, clinical and industrial settings.

Infection and Immunity

To offer a broad knowledge and expertise in in all aspects of immunological-based disease processes at the molecular and cellular level, with strengths in innate immunity, cancer immunology, T-cell biology and viral and bacterial infection.

Population Medicine

Division of Population Medicine postgraduate research programmes focus on Prevention and redesigning healthcare services.

Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences

The Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences is one of the largest university Division of psychiatry in the UK, providing leadership in clinical practice, teaching and high quality, cutting-edge research across many areas of psychiatric practice.

The PhD programme will equip students for a career in academic research/teaching, NHS clinical laboratories, and pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.

Funding

The School of Medicine awards a number of generous 3 year PhD studentships every year. These prestigious studentships will be awarded to the highest calibre applicants from across all relevant Divisions. Studentships will include UK/EU tuition fees and an annual stipend.

Funded projects are advertised throughout the year.

See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities.

Tuition fees

Students from the UK

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Students from the rest of the world (international)

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Specifically funded PhD projects will be advertised with specific instructions on applications, otherwise prospective students are advised to contact potential supervisors.

Applications can be made at any time, but in addition there will be specific calls, which have associated instructions and deadlines.

A personal statement or covering letter should address how the applicant can contribute to the proposed project.

Admission process

Decisions will be made on the basis of your written application and the references received, and potential students may be interviewed as part of the admissions process.

Applicants should possess a minimum of an upper second class Honours degree, master's degree, or equivalent in a relevant subject.

In some cases, a medical degree and/or relevant professional qualifications or experience are required.

English language requirements

IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or equivalent. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details.