Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Programme in Neuroscience

The Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Programme in Neuroscience at the University of Oxford offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring neuroscientists to develop their skills and knowledge within a vibrant and collaborative research environment. This comprehensive programme is designed to provide students with a rigorous and broad training in neuroscience, encompassing various disciplines such as molecular, cellular, systems, cognitive, and computational neuroscience. Participants gain exposure to cutting-edge methodologies, including advanced imaging techniques, electrophysiology, behavioral science, and data analysis, ensuring they are well-equipped to address complex questions about the brain and nervous system. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to collaborate across departments and with external partners, fostering innovative research and a deeper understanding of neurological function and disorders. Throughout their doctoral studies, students will work closely with leading researchers and clinicians who are at the forefront of neuroscience research, providing mentorship and guidance to support their academic and professional development. The training includes participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences, which enhance their presentation, communication, and network-building skills. Additionally, students are encouraged to engage in teaching, outreach, and interdisciplinary projects, enriching their academic experience and broadening their perspectives. The programme’s structure allows students to undertake a variety of research projects aligned with the Wellcome Trust's mission to improve health through neuroscience research. Upon completing the programme, graduates will be prepared for careers in academia, industry, healthcare, or policy, contributing to vital advances in understanding the brain and developing potential therapies for neurological diseases. The Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Programme in Neuroscience at Oxford represents a unique opportunity to be part of a leading scientific community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in neuroscience and improving human health worldwide.

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify the most suitable course and supervisors.

The programme takes an integrated approach to neuroscience and provides a wide range of skills training in experimental and theoretical methods that is intended to enable you to ask questions and tackle problems that transcend the traditional disciplines from which this field has evolved.

The first year follows the taught MSc in Neuroscience course, during which you will undertake two extended research projects from a choice of over one hundred offered annually by the extensive neuroscience research community in Oxford. You will also attend the graduate programme lecture series, which provides a broad education covering molecular, cellular, systems, computational and cognitive neuroscience.

After successful completion of the MSc, Wellcome Trust-funded students continue with a three-year doctoral research project (DPhil). Toward the end of the MSc year, you will decide which laboratories and supervisor(s) you wish to work with and prepare a proposal for your three-year doctoral research project. This project can take place in any area of neuroscience within the Oxford network of laboratories and approved supervisors.

Year one

During your first year, as a Wellcome Trust-funded student you will join those students taking the stand-alone MSc in Neuroscience. Having a larger cohort of students enhances and expands the training opportunities available, helping you to make a more informed decision about the topic and design of your doctoral research project.

The MSc year begins in late September and is divided into three terms. The first term provides an introduction to neuroscience and research methods, while the second and third terms combine advanced taught courses, essay writing and two laboratory rotations (research projects). The course concludes the following September with an oral examination.

Each of the MSc research projects lasts for about 16 weeks and is selected from a very extensive list of approved abstracts. These are written up as 10,000-word dissertations. With over 100 abstracts submitted each year, there is always plenty of choice, but if you are interested in a particular lab or research topic then you are welcome to discuss a potential project independently with an appropriate supervisor. Many of these projects lead to publications.

Years two to four

Early in May of the first year, you will meet with the course director and course lecturer to discuss the process for selecting your DPhil project. It is recommended that you talk to several potential supervisors and, in many cases, collaborative projects are proposed.

You may opt to continue one of the MSc lab rotations as your DPhil project, or combine the subject areas or methods encountered during both MSc lab rotations as a collaborative DPhil project, whereas others choose a research area that they have not previously tried out during the MSc year.

You will begin the DPhil in October of the second year. At this point, you will become integrated within your chosen department(s) and follow the same progression as other research students who work there. You are initially accepted as Probationary Research Students (PRS) and transfer to full DPhil status by the end of the fourth term. This involves the preparation of a transfer report and an interview to discuss the research you have carried out so far and your future plans with two independent scientists who have relevant expertise.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any scientific discipline. The department encourages applicants with a physical sciences background, as well as those who have studied a biological subject, such as psychology, biochemistry or neuroscience, at undergraduate level. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

If in doubt about the eligibility of your qualifications, please contact the department.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement: Up to 1,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Funding for the Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Programme in Neuroscience at the University of Oxford is primarily provided through a combination of Wellcome Trust grants, university scholarships, and various external funding sources. The Wellcome Trust, a major biomedical research charity based in the UK, offers comprehensive financial support to outstanding students pursuing doctoral studies in neuroscience and related disciplines. This support typically covers tuition fees, a tax-free stipend designed to cover living expenses, research costs, and conference attendance, enabling students to focus fully on their research activities without financial hardship.

In addition to the primary funding from Wellcome Trust, selected students may be eligible for associated scholarships from Oxford University, which sometimes provide supplementary financial aid or academic support. The university also offers various internal funding schemes intended to enhance the opportunities available to doctoral students, including travel grants, research consumables grants, and career development awards.

Students admitted to the programme are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities provided by national agencies, charitable foundations, and industry partners, which can supplement their financial resources. Applicants are generally advised to prepare a strong research proposal and demonstrate academic excellence during the application process, as this increases their chances of securing funding.

The programme aims to ensure that financial barriers do not impede talented candidates from pursuing their research in neuroscience, fostering a diverse and vibrant research community. Awardees are typically selected through a competitive process that considers academic achievements, research potential, and relevance of their proposed projects to the aims of the Wellcome Trust. Overall, the funding available under the DTP in Neuroscience at Oxford ensures comprehensive financial support throughout the duration of the PhD, often lasting three to four years, allowing students to undertake high-quality research with peace of mind regarding their financial stability.

The Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Programme in Neuroscience at the University of Oxford is a prestigious and highly competitive graduate research program designed to provide outstanding students with comprehensive training in the field of neuroscience. This program integrates a range of research areas within neuroscience, including molecular, cellular, systems, behavioral, cognitive, and clinical neuroscience, enabling students to gain a broad and deep understanding of the brain and nervous system. The program offers students the opportunity to work with world-renowned researchers across various departments and institutes within the university, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to neuroscience research.

Participants in the program benefit from tailored training modules, including advanced workshops, seminars, and courses that develop their technical skills, critical thinking, and scientific communication. Moreover, the program emphasizes the importance of ethical research practices and responsible conduct of research, equipping students with the necessary frameworks for their future careers. Funding is typically provided for tuition fees and a generous stipend to support students throughout their PhD studies, covering living expenses and research costs.

The program encourages collaborative work and networking, often involving partnerships with affiliated hospitals and research centers, which enhances students' practical experience and provides opportunities for translational research. Graduates of the Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Programme in Neuroscience are well-positioned for careers in academia, industry, healthcare, and science communication, thanks to the rigorous training and extensive professional development provided. Application processes are highly selective, requiring applicants to demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and a strong motivation for pursuing a career in neuroscience. Overall, the program aims to cultivate the next generation of neuroscientists who can contribute to advancing understanding of neurological and psychiatric conditions and improve human health worldwide.