About the Department of Pharmacology
The Department of Pharmacology admits 12 - 15 graduate students per year and offers comprehensive facilities for research in a modern building located in the centre of Cambridge and well-equipped for postgraduate training. Research Studentships to study for the PhD degree are awarded on a competitive basis and supported by the research councils, medical research charities, industrial sponsors and by University schemes. In addition to these funding opportunities, the Department also offers studentships, including The David James Studentship.
The research areas of the Department include: molecular and cellular mechanisms of secretion and neurotransmitter release; receptor cycling; use of atomic force microscopy to investigate molecular structure; molecular mechanisms of sensation; neurodegeneration; control of appetite; mechanisms controlling sleep and appetite; drug action on membrane permeability and regulation of ion channels; angiogenesis and natural products; ion channel structure and function; receptor/intracellular messenger transduction mechanisms; vascular pharmacology; and anticancer drug resistance.
2 course(s) offered in the Department of Pharmacology
Biological Science (Pharmacology) by thesis - MPhil
This one-year full-time or two-years part-time research programme is suited to those who wish to pursue research at a level beyond that of an undergraduate degree and will give a good basic training in laboratory work.
Pharmacology - PhD
During this three-year research programme (which does not include a one-year master’s degree), students undertake a period of supervised research and are expected to submit a thesis for examination within their fourth year at the latest. Students also attend relevant lectures and seminars and participate in skills development activities.
All PhD students are required to undergo formal assessment (by written report and viva) at the end of their first year ("The First Year Assessment"). If successful, the student moves from being "probationary" to being registered for the PhD and can proceed with their thesis project.
2 course(s) also advertised in the Department of Pharmacology
Biological Science (BioSCaPe) - PhD
From the Babraham Research Institute
The BioSCaPe PhD programme is a four year fully-funded doctoral training programme that aims to develop future leaders in bioscience. Based within the world-class South Cambridgeshire bioscience cluster, the programme combines cutting-edge research with entrepreneurial and leadership training. Students will undertake their research in the University of Cambridge or one of its Partner Institutions – the Babraham Institute, Wellcome Sanger Institute, or the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology – and benefit from unique academic–industry collaboration through placements with their Industrial Partner (for a minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 18 months) and projects with companies and research parks.
BioSCaPe offers comprehensive training in areas such as bioinformatics, AI, machine learning, and business innovation, alongside optional cross-disciplinary modules. Students will have access to bespoke leadership programmes, industry immersion opportunities, and a supportive supervisory network.
The programme fosters innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.
Students will be expected to submit their thesis at the end of the fourth year.
Part-time study, whilst not the norm, will be considered on a case by case basis.
Biological Sciences - PhD
From the School of the Biological Sciences
The Cambridge Biosciences DTP is a four year fully-funded PhD programme that aims to create highly skilled and employable people. The programme offers training across 23 University Departments/Institutes and 3 Partner Institutes providing access to a wide range of research areas related to the strategic themes of the BBSRC. We offer three types of DTP studentships:
- DTP Standard
- Targeted
- iCase
During the programme, DTP Standard and Targeted students will undertake two ten-week rotations in different labs before commencing their PhD. They will receive training in a variety of areas including but not limited to statistics, programming, ethics, data analysis, scientific writing and public engagement. Students will also undertake a 12-week internship (PIPS).
iCase students are not required to undertake rotations but may do so if they feel that this training would be useful. They must undertake a placement with their Industrial Partner for a minimum of three months and a maximum of 18 months.
Students will be expected to submit their thesis at the end of the fourth year.
Part-time study, whilst not the norm, may be viable, depending on the project, and will be considered on a case by case basis so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study.