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Postgraduate Study

About the Wellcome Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leading genomics institute at the forefront of experimental, computational and translational genomic research.  We use genome sequences to advance understanding of the biology of humans and pathogens to improve human health, and to explore the diversity of complex organisms.  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 courses offered in the Wellcome Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is one of the world's premier genomics research institutes and is at the forefront of this fast-developing field. We use large-scale DNA sequencing, informatics and analysis of genome variation to further our understanding of gene function in health and disease, and the genomic diversity of complex organisms. 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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The Wellcome Sanger Institute is one of the world's premier genomics research institutes and is at the forefront of this fast-developing field. We use large-scale DNA sequencing, informatics and analysis of genome variation to further our understanding of gene function in health and disease, and the genomic diversity of complex organisms. 

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 courses also advertised in the Wellcome Sanger Institute

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.

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From the Faculty of Clinical Medicine

We provide high-quality research training to clinical health professionals with an aptitude for research to enable them to become future leaders in medical and healthcare science. We offer training in an outstanding environment, spanning basic science, translational medicine, interdisciplinary, behavioural and applied health research.

We take great pride in our track record of successfully training health professionals to undertake the highest quality research across Cambridge and Norwich. We offer one of the most rewarding environments in which you could pursue your research training with world-leading researchers in The  Schools of Clinical Medicine and Biological Sciences at the Universities of Cambridge, Wellcome Sanger Institute and other MRC, Wellcome & Cancer Research UK funded Institutes, Centres & Units in the wider Cambridge area, as well as the School of Health Sciences and Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia with other partners on the Norwich Research Park.  The most important criteria we are looking for are the pursuit of research excellence, hard work and the will to make a difference to health.

The programme faculty provides mentoring and guidance on opportunities to undertake pre-doctoral research placements, enabling successful candidates to make an informed choice of PhD project and supervisor.  Bespoke training and support for career development for fellows, together with support to supervisors, ensures a successful research experience.  Post-doctorally, we will guide fellows based on their individual progress, to make the transition into higher research fellowships and clinical pathways, enabling ongoing training with continuance of research momentum.

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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
  • 80 Graduate Students

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

Research Areas