PhD in Programme for Health Professionals

Overview

The PhD in Programme for Health Professionals is designed to allow clinical health professionals to reach their full potential and pursue a successful academic career. Up to seven fellowships are offered each year with a single round of admissions. Fellowships, supported either by the University or Wellcome Sanger Institute, cover the broad themes of:

• Genetic and Molecular Basis of Disease
• Pathogens, Infectious Disease and Immunity
• Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Medicine
• Behaviour, Mental Health and Neurological Diseases
• Epidemiology, Prevention and Public Health
• Health Care Delivery and Improvement
• Research Programmes at the Wellcome Sanger Institute Interdisciplinary research, with doctoral projects co-supervised by biomedical researchers and university investigators in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, is also encouraged.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the fellowships, applicants must be qualified in clinical, dental or veterinary medicine or be a non-medical health professional, and be registered with a national professional regulatory body in the UK. Medical and dental applicants must be eligible for/already have GMC/GDC registration and be in a training grade (i.e., not a Consultant, University Faculty or equivalent position) in the UK or RoI. Veterinary applicants can have achieved board certification following completion of clinical residency but should not hold an academic position within the University. Non-medical healthcare professionals may be at different stages in their clinical careers, but should possess relevant research experience to be able to take advantage of this opportunity.

Programme Structure

The programme includes:

• A three-month pre-doctoral research placement for medical graduates who do not hold academic clinical fellowships (ACFs) and non-medical health professionals
• Induction events for postgraduate students organised at the University of Cambridge, the University of East Anglia or Wellcome Sanger Institute
• Lectures, workshops, and taught modules, constituting a personal portfolio of training
• Mentoring by one or more individuals from the Faculty and Management Committee of the PhD programme
• Regular presentations at lab meetings, departmental seminars and meetings of learned societies
• Annual Summer Symposium and Michaelmas Term Research & Training Day

Yearly Progression

• Year One: Fellows are encouraged to present regularly at lab meetings and to attend journal clubs and seminars. They must complete and pass an assessment after 12 months to progress to a PhD.
• Year Two: Fellows are encouraged to continue to present regularly at lab meetings, departmental seminars and at meetings of learned societies.
• Year Three: Ongoing regular presentations at lab meetings, departmental seminars and meetings of learned societies are encouraged. Fellows will prepare their thesis for submission and the final viva will take place in October or November.

Key Information

• Study Mode: Research
• Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
• Faculty: Faculty of Clinical Medicine
• Duration: 3-4 years full-time
• Departments: The course is advertised in multiple departments, including:
  • Department of Biochemistry
  • Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine
  • Cambridge Stem Cell Institute
  • Wellcome Sanger Institute
  • MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
  • Babraham Research Institute
  • European Bioinformatics Institute
  • MRC Toxicology Unit
  • Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy
  • Department of Clinical Biochemistry
  • Department of Clinical Neurosciences
  • Department of Haematology
  • Department of Medical Genetics
  • Department of Medicine
  • Division of Anaesthesia
  • Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
  • Department of Psychiatry
  • Department of Public Health and Primary Care
  • Department of Surgery
  • Cambridge Institute for Medical Research
  • Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute
  • MRC Epidemiology Unit
  • MRC Biostatistics Unit
  • MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit
  • MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit
  • Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories
  • Department of Engineering

Application and Admission

• Applications open: September 3
• Application deadline: November 4
• Course starts: October 1
• Admission criteria: Eligible applicants must satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

University of Cambridge

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Overview:

The University of Cambridge is a prestigious public research university located in Cambridge, England. It is one of the world's leading academic institutions, known for its high-quality teaching and research. The university is comprised of 31 constituent colleges, each with its own unique character and traditions.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect to be part of a close-knit community within their chosen college, while also having access to the wider university's resources and facilities. The university boasts a rich history and tradition, with numerous historic buildings and gardens. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and cultural events.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

Cambridge is renowned for its world-class academics and research.

Prestigious Reputation:

A degree from Cambridge is highly valued globally, opening doors to various career opportunities.

Unique College System:

The college system provides a supportive and intimate learning environment, fostering close relationships between students and tutors.

Exceptional Facilities:

The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and museums.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Cambridge offers a rich and diverse student experience, with numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities and social engagement.

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Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

History, English Literature, Classics, Philosophy, Theology, Music, Art History, and more.

Social Sciences:

Economics, Politics, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, and more.

Sciences:

Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, and more.

Medicine:

Clinical Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and more.

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Other: