PhD in Biological Sciences

Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.

An application is only complete when:

1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

If you are also applying for Targeted and iCase studentships, a list of projects can be found on the BBSRC-DTP website.

For further details on the application process, please refer to the Cambridge Biosciences BBSRC DTP website.

Selection Process

Applications are considered together as a gathered field after the closing date in December. Successful applicants will be notified in January and invited to attend an interview, which will be held via Zoom.

Further information on How To Apply

Things You'll Need

In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.

• Two academic references  
• Transcript  
• CV/resume
• Evidence of competence in English  
  If required - you can check using our tool
• Research Theme (one option)
• Studentship
• Project Title (250 characters) (mandatory)
  If you are interested in being considered for the Standard DTP studentship only, add 'Standard' to the text box. If you are interested in being considered for a Targeted and/or iCase project, please insert the project codes in order of preference. You can choose up to 2 projects from the list available at: https://bbsrcdtp.lifesci.cam.ac.uk/available-studentships You can apply for a Standard DTP studentship and 2 projects. If you want to do this, please ensure you insert in order of preference 'Standard' and the projects codes.
• Biological Sciences - Alignment of Interests
  Describe how your research interests align with the research areas and objectives of the programme.
• Biological Sciences - Your Motivation
  Explain what motivates you to apply for a PhD and what drives your interest in pursuing this program. Highlight your inner motivation to learn and develop.
• Biological Sciences - Innovative Thinking
  Describe how you persist through challenges, learn from feedback, and use problem-solving or creative thinking to explore issues from new perspectives. Draw from examples from your academic, professional or personal life.
• Biological Sciences - Independent Study
  Describe how you manage your own learning and meet important milestones. Provide examples from your academic, professional, or personal life that demonstrate how you have successfully handled independent tasks or how you have developed these skills in preparation for doctoral study.
• Biological Sciences - Recent Developments Within Your Research Area
  Discuss your knowledge of developments in your research area, including relevant methods or theories or approaches you’ve engaged with through experiences such as self-directed learning, practical applications in a professional setting or in academic contexts.
• Biological Sciences - Research Process
  Discuss your understanding of the research process and your knowledge of relevant methods and techniques.
• Biological Sciences - Technical Skills
  Describe the technical skills relevant to your research interests (e.g. database management, programming languages), and how you’ve developed these skills in your academic, professional or personal life. You might also discuss how you plan to further develop these skills in the future, with specific examples.
• School of Biological Sciences - Widening Participation Questionnaire
  Applicants to this course are asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study. Find out more about our use of contextual information here: postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/contextual-data.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

• Gates Cambridge Reference  
• Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.

How to Find a Supervisor

If you are interested in applying for a Targeted and/or iCase project, you must contact the project supervisor in advance of submitting your application to discuss the project.

If you are applying for a Standard studentship only - there is no need to contact a supervisor in advance of submitting your application.