Medicine
The School of Medicine offers research degrees in the medical disciplines such as cancer, immunology, infection, immunity, neurosciences, mental health, population medicine and medical education.
For well over 100 years the School of Medicine has been committed to the pursuit of improved health through education, research and engagement with the wider world.
Our commitment to research excellence is supported through strong research centres, groups and units working collaboratively in our modern facilities.
Carrying out work in our research divisions, our researchers are involved in cutting-edge science and world-class research in the field of medicine that have a real impact on people’s lives.
Who studies a Higher Degree at the School of Medicine?
- Biological Scientists
- Computational Scientists and Bioinformaticians
- Epidemiologists, Statisticians, Mathematicians
- Psychologists, Social Scientists
- Physical Scientists.
Key facts
| Mode of study | Full-time, part-time |
|---|---|
| Qualification | PhD, MPhil, MD |
| Full-time duration | PhD 3-4 years; MD 2 years; MPhil 1 year |
| Part-time duration | PhD 5 years; MD 3 years; MPhil 2 year |
| Start dates | January, April, July, October |
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
The PhD programme will equip students for a career in academic research/teaching, NHS clinical laboratories, and pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.
UK government postgraduate doctoral loans
Candidates for the Professional Doctorate programme may be eligible to apply for a UK government postgraduate doctoral loan.
Find out more about UK government postgraduate doctoral loansFunding
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)
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.
Contacts
Administrative contact(s)
School of Medicine Research Degrees Office
Administrative contact
