Funded Programmes and Projects
Funded Projects
Within the PSLS there are a number of opportunities to work on funded projects. Please see the Job Opportunities website for more details.
Funded Programmes
The University and its Partner Institutions offer a number of programmes that are funded by the Research Councils or major charities, such as the Wellcome Trust, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK etc.
These programmes advertise studentships that are awarded specifically for that programme of study on a competitive basis; candidates are normally interviewed in Cambridge for these awards. On funded programmes, successful candidates receive a combined offer of a place on the course and funding. The following list of funded programmes are available in the Life Sciences.
BBSRC DTP PhD in Biological Sciences
Applications for the Cambridge Biosciences DTP PhD Programme launch each September with a closing date in early December. Details of the programme can be found on the programme website.
MRC DTP and iCASE Programme
The Cambridge MRC DTP offers fully funded MRC Industry Partner (iCASE) PhD studentships. Please see the course details pages.
Cambridge-BHF PhD Studentship Programme in Cardiovascular Research
The goal of the Cambridge PhD programme in Cardiovascular Research is to train scientists in cross-disciplinary research related to cardiovascular disease, particularly those who can work effectively across traditional disciplines and lead collaborative research projects. The programme combines formal training in molecular and cellular biology, physiology of model organisms, human physiology, and human genetics and genomics. Further details are available on the programme website.
Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute MPhil and PhD in Medical Science
The PhD in Medical Science in CRUK CI is a research course in which each student studies in the research laboratory of their principal supervisor, with close interaction with their graduate and post-doctoral colleagues. Each student will be work on a specific project that will be aligned with and contribute to the overall objectives of the lab. Further details are available on the programme website.
CRUK Cambridge Centre MRes + PhD in Cancer Biology
The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre is a dynamic collaboration of academic researchers, clinicians, and the pharmaceutical and biotech industries based in the Cambridge area. We combine world-class science and technology with excellent patient care to pioneer new ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. Seven studentships are available for non-clinical applicants. Two students of the seven are recruited through the Black Leaders In Cancer PhD Scholarship programme.
CRUK Cambridge Centre Clinical Research Fellowships
We provide funding for Clinical Research Training Fellowships comprising of a 3-year PhD for candidates who have completed their medical training.
By being part of the CRUK Cambridge Centre, clinical students will also have the opportunity to attend a number of lecture series, workshops and meetings aimed at facilitating and strengthening collaborations between complementary disciplines and across different departments and institutes. Find out more.
EMBL-EBI International PhD Programme
Characterised by first-class training, internationality, dedicated mentoring and early independence in research, the EMBL International PhD Programme is among the world's most competitive PhD training schemes. All of EMBL's six sites participate in the programme.
The typical duration of a PhD thesis at EMBL is 3.5 to 4 years. EMBL predoctoral fellowships are initially awarded for 3.5 years, with the possibility of a half-year extension. The stipend is competitive by international standards and includes broad health care benefits and pension. Visit the Department website for information on the application process.
Herchel Smith Cambridge Harvard PhD Programme
Funded by a generous bequest from Dr Herchel Smith the University is pleased to offer a PhD studentship programme for prospective Harvard and Cambridge students. Cambridge presently recruits four PhD students annually (for a four-year period of study), while Harvard recruits six PhD students annually (for a two-year period of study). Find out more here and view Terms and Conditions.
How to apply?
There is no separate form of application for Herchel Smith Studentships; all eligible applicants who apply through the Postgraduate Applicant Portal will be considered.
MRC Biostatistics Unit
The MRC Biostatistics Unit at the University of Cambridge (MRC BSU) aims to advance understanding of the cause, natural history and treatment of disease, and to evaluate public health strategies, through the development of statistical methods and their application to the design, analysis and interpretation of biomedical studies.
A BSU Studentship covers all fees at the University of Cambridge home rate, a taxfree stipend or living allowance and a generous travel and training budget. Find out more.
MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit
The MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (MRC CBU), at the University of Cambridge, is one of the largest and most enduring contributors to the understanding of human cognition and its disorders. The unit explores cognitive activities such as attention, emotion, language and memory. The research carried out spans the spectrum from basic to translational science including developing new treatments for depression, improving hearing through cochlear implants and helping children to overcome memory problems. Find out more.
How to apply?
Students apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal for the MPhil or the PhD.
MRC Epidemiology Unit
The MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge (MRC EU) studies the genetic, developmental and environmental factors that cause obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders. The outcomes from these studies are then used to develop strategies for the prevention of these diseases in the general population.
Our PhD students have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research under the supervision of senior scientists supported by postdoctoral researchers and a large team of fieldworkers, data managers, statisticians, study coordinators, technical and administrative staff. Find out more.
How to apply?
Applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal for the PhD.
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is a research institute dedicated to the understanding of important biological processes at the levels of atoms, molecules, cells and organisms. Our work covers a broad range of science, employing the diverse methods of physics, chemistry and biology to advance the knowledge needed to solve key problems in human health. Find out more.
We recruit 15-20 PhD students every year. Students apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal and during the application process will automatically be considered for the appropriate LMB funding.
MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit
Research at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit (MRC MBU) is focussed on the biology of mitochondria and their dysfunction in an ever-increasing range of human diseases.
The Mitochondrial Biology Unit has an active post-graduate programme for training students for the PhD or occasionally MPhil degrees. The programme aims to provide high quality training in both research and in transferable skills. Find out more.
National Institutes of Health Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Programme
US citizens only
The National Institutes of Health Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program is an accelerated, individualized doctoral training program for outstanding science students committed to biomedical research careers. The program is based on the British system, in which students perform doctoral research without required formal courses other than those students choose to take in relationship to their own interests. Students selected for admission to the program have already developed a passion for science through engagement in summer, job related, or undergraduate research programs. The program is available to US citizens available to US citizens or US permanent residents.
Students will receive tuition and stipend support, based on NIH policy, for the duration of the program (approximately 4 yrs.)
How to apply?
Applicants apply to NIH first - How to Apply
Then apply to the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Applicant Portal.
Wellcome Sanger Institute
The Wellcome Sanger Institute uses sequencing, informatics and analysis of genetic variation to further our understanding of gene function in health and disease, and to explore the diversity of complex organisms.
The Institute’s PhD programmes aim to provide training and research opportunities in the field of genomic science that reflect the unique nature of Sanger Institute science, with an emphasis on large-scale, high-throughput approaches and the development of a blend of wet-lab and computational skills. The Institute also aims to provide students with general research and transferable skills training in addition to training in their specific research area. Applicants will generally have a bioscience background, but applicants with a computational or mathematical background can also apply.
The Sanger 4-year PhD programme provides 12 funded PhD studentships per year and the Clinical PhD programme provides 2 funded clinical PhD fellowships per year.
The Wellcome Sanger Institute occasionally takes on MPhil students providing they have their own funding. Before applying for the MPhil course, applicants must have the support of a faculty member at the Institute.
How to apply?
Sanger Institute 4-year PhD programme: Applications are submitted first via the Sanger Institute application process.
PhD Programme for Health Professionals: Applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal.
MPhil students: Applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal.