Postgraduate research (PhD/MPhil)

Research training programmes: A-Z

Applicants for research in any area of:

should apply under 'Medicine':

Applicants may also be interested in:

About postgraduate research training

Our postgraduate research training offers the opportunity to gain extensive grounding in research design, methods, implementation and analysis. Subject specific skills are supported with broader training in areas of emerging importance to research careers, such as public engagement, communication and enhancing accessibility to your research outputs. 

We offer different routes into research training depending on individual requirements and the nature of the research. All our postgraduate researchers form key members of their groups from the outset, supported through supervisory teams, independent academic advisors and postgraduate tutors.

Our training environments span laboratory, social care, public health and clinical settings with external links to our partnering NHS trusts, industry and other institutions. A significant amount of research training now involves placements across more than one location to broaden experience.

 

What is a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)?

PhD training offers the opportunity to conduct an extensive independent research project, typically over 3-4 years full-time or 6 years part-time. Whilst the emphasis remains on a specific project, PhD researchers now benefit from wider skills training in support of the Researcher Development Framework.

Many PhDs now incorporate taught modules in the early stages to provide further theoretical or practical experience in a specific area of importance to the forthcoming research. This is increasingly the case for interdisciplinary PhDs, in which combinations of subjects form the basis for tackling a research question. Examples would include biological/mathematical sciences, social sciences/psychology and medical/physical sciences.

There is often opportunity to experience external placements during PhD training, and we encourage attendance at conferences and seminars, often involving presentation of posters or talks. Publication during the PhD is strongly supported, with projects often allowing submission of the thesis in journal format.

What is an MD (Doctor of Medicine)?

MD follows the same principles of the PhD, but is directed towards clinically qualified individuals seeking experience of independent research. MD training is 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time.

It is recommended that fellows on the two-year programme work no more than one clinical session a week unless more are required for the project. Those fellows with more clinical sessions are recommended to follow the four-year part-time option.

What is an MPhil (Master of Philosophy)?

MPhil training provides the opportunity to conduct independent research on a condensed (1-year full-time; 2 years part-time) scale. It is an ideal route for individuals whose research projects are designed to be achievable within this shorter timeframe, or are subject to specific outcomes before they can be extended. Alternatively, an MPhil provides opportunity to experience independent research for individuals who only have funding secured for this initial period. If additional funding is identified during the MPhil period and the project can be extended, there is option to transfer onto PhD subject to successful assessed progression.

Studentships and funding, research areas and applying

Research opportunities are varied with projects available in the clinical, biological, allied health and psychological sciences, catering to a diverse set of career aspirations. PhD research training has resulted in our graduates:

  • Forging their own independent research groups
  • Entering R&D in industry
  • Developing techniques for clinical career development

Most importantly of all, PhD training within the Faculty provides the scope to deliver improved healthcare, technology and therapies to the benefit of all. Alongside our PhD training there are opportunities to develop transferable skills for effective research through our popular skills training support.

Expression of interest

Applicants can express interest in MPhil/PhD study in one of three ways:

The Faculty also offers an ever-increasing set of Masters of Research (MRes) courses providing an intensive introduction to the challenges of independent research.

Further details