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Postgraduate Study

About the Wellcome Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leader in genome research that delivers insights into human, evolutionary and pathogen biology.  We apply and explore genomic technologies to advance understanding of biology and improve health.  We are tackling some of the most difficult challenges in genomic research.  This demands science at scale; a visionary and creative approach to research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding in ever new and exciting ways.

2 course(s) offered in the Wellcome Sanger Institute

Biological Science (Sanger Institute) - PhD

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leader in genome research that delivers insights into human, evolutionary and pathogen biology. We apply and explore genomic technologies to advance understanding of biology and improve health. The Institute's PhD programme is open to UK and overseas applicants, and we aim to attract the brightest and best young scientists worldwide.

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Biological Science (Sanger Institute) by thesis - MPhil

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leader in genome research that delivers insights into human, evolutionary and pathogen biology. We apply and explore genomic technologies to advance understanding of biology and improve health.

The Institute occasionally takes on research MPhil students, provided they have the support of a faculty member. Students should contact faculty members directly to obtain support. For information on our faculty members' research interests, please visit the Potential Supervisors page on the Sanger Institute website.

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3 course(s) also advertised in the Wellcome Sanger Institute

Biological Science (BioSCaPe) BBSRC IDLA - PhD

From the Babraham 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.

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Biological Sciences BBSRC DTP - 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 two types of DTP studentships:

  • Targeted

  • iCase

During the programme, DTP 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.

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National Institutes of Health Oxford/Cambridge Programme NIH Ox/Cam - PhD

From the Department of Medicine

This innovative programme was established in 2002 as a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US. Its aim is to train outstanding students in biomedical research, taking advantage of the excellent research environments in Cambridge and the US. Students work on collaborative projects organised by co-supervisors in Cambridge and the NIH, spending two years at each institution. Students have access to all NIH facilities and are paid by the NIH. The PhD is awarded by the University of Cambridge.

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Department Members


Professor Matthew Hurles
Head of Department
Dr Alice Mann
Director of Postgraduate Education
Dr Annabel Smith
Deputy Director of Postgraduate Education

  • 30 Academic Staff
  • 110 Postdoctoral Researchers
  • 85 Graduate Students

http://www.sanger.ac.uk/

Research Areas