PhD

Wellcome Trust Programme for Clinicians

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 27.1 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 51.5 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jun 30, 2025
6 place StudyQA ranking:2997 Duration:3 years

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This programme is designed to allow clinical academics to reach their full potential and pursue a successful academic career. Five scholarships are offered each year with a single round of admissions each year.

We offer 5 fellowships per year funded by the Wellcome Trust, plus an additional 2 fellowships per year funded by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, covering the broad themes of genetic medicine, infection and immunity, neuroscience and mental health, structural and cell biology applied to medicine, cardiovascular medicine, developmental biology, and epidemiology, public health and primary care.

Studentships are advertised in September-October each year for entry the following year. The programme includes a series of lectures, workshops, and taught modules aimed at developing a personal portfolio of training. There is also the opportunity for a 3 month ‘out of programme experience’ (OOPE) for individuals who do not hold academic clinical fellowships. During this time you will attend appropriate lectures, workshops, meet a range of supervisors and undertake mini-projects in laboratories in your area of interest that enable students to select a PhD supervisor and second supervisor, and to prepare a PhD research proposal in the form of a ‘Project Grant Application’.

Students on the 4-year programme in epidemiology, public health and primary care, undertake an MPhil before embarking on a PhD.

Students attend a two day Introduction Course for graduate students at the start of the programme, and also attend various transferable skills training sessions throughout the year. It is expected that students spend approximately two weeks each year on transferable skills training. The Graduate School of Life Sciences provides a large selection of both taught and online courses to choose from.

Year 1

During year 1 students are encouraged to present regularly at lab meetings and to attend journal clubs and seminars. Under University of Cambridge regulations, all PhD students are 'probationary' in their first year and must undergo an assessment after 12 months in order to be registered for the PhD. Students are therefore required to write a report on their work to date and plans for forthcoming work, and attend a viva. There is also a summer symposium where students can present their work.

Year 2

You will be encouraged to present regularly at lab meetings, departmental seminars and at meetings of learned societies. You will also prepare for, and present at the summer symposium. Your progress will also be reviewed by the 'mentoring committee'.

Year 3

Regular presentation at lab meetings, departmental seminars and meetings of learned societies. Your progress will be reviewed by a ‘mentoring committee’ and you will again present at the summer symposium. You will prepare your thesis for submission (deadline of 30 September) and your final viva will take place in October / November.

   
One to one supervision

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations
regarding supervision.
All students are expected to have regular meetings with their supervisor. In addition, each student meets regularly  with the programme “mentoring committee” to review progress. 

Feedback

Students should expect to receive on-going feedback from all supervisors involved in their research project.  This could take place during one-to-one meetings or during lab meetings.  In addition, students can expect to receive a written on-line report each term.

Assessment

Thesis

PhD students are expected to submit a thesis, of no more than 60,000 words, within 4 years of commencing study.  The thesis is examined at a  viva by one Internal and one External Examiner appointed by the Faculty Degree Committee

Other

All PhD students are probationary in their first year.  Towards the end of the first year, students are required to submit a report, the purpose of which is to provide evidence of their suitability for registration for a PhD.  This will be assessed at an oral examination by two examiners, and the student will need to pass in order to be formally registered for the PhD.

  • Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
  • Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
  • IELTS (Academic) 7.0
  • TOEFL Internet Score 100
  • £50 application fee
  • First Academic Reference
  • Second Academic Reference
  • Transcript
  • CV/Resumé
  • Statement of Interests
  • Personal Reference

Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Online button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal, where you can create and submit your application, and request references.

An application is only complete when:

  1. you have submitted your application via the Applicant Portal and paid the £50 application fee
  2. you have uploaded the required supporting documents via the Applicant Self-Service
  3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

IMPORTANT: Before applying via the Applicant Portal, all applicants for this course must apply directly to the Department:

There is a single round of admissions each year, with available studentships advertised in September/October for entry the following October. We are unable to consider applications at other times of the year.

These studentships are fully funded by the Wellcome Trust. We are unable to consider students with alternative sources of funding. 

All applications are considered as part of a gathered field, with all applications considered together after the closing date in mid-late November. Invitations to come for interview will be issued in late November. If you have not heard from us by 29th Jan 2017, you should assume your application was unsuccessful. 

Selection Process

There is a single round of admissions in October each year; please refer to the programme website for the application deadline.


Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

  • Global Education
  • Gates Cambridge Scholarships
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