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.
This is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time research MPhil that starts in October. Assessment is by submission of a thesis and an oral examination.
Please note that part-time study may not be viable, depending on the project, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are considering part-time study, please get in touch with the Sanger Institute Postgraduate Office (gradoffice@sanger.ac.uk) to discuss this option before applying for this study mode.
The MPhil aims to provide research opportunities in the field of genomics that reflect the unique nature of Sanger Institute science, with an emphasis on large-scale, high-throughput approaches and the development of a blend of wet-lab and computational skills. The Institute also aims to provide students with general research and transferable skills training in addition to training in their specific research area.
Applicants will often have a bioscience background, but applicants with a computational or mathematical background are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the MPhil, students will be expected to have acquired a detailed understanding of the relevant areas of genomics that underlie their research project and to have written a thesis on their work (of not more than 20,000 words in length, excluding tables, footnotes, bibliography and appendices). They will also be expected to have attended courses or lectures on general research and transferable skills, covering subjects such as bioinformatics, statistics, research integrity, scientific writing and presentation skills, together with the Institute’s Postgraduate Student Lecture Series and student journal club.
Continuing
Students who want to continue to a PhD have to apply through the usual Wellcome Sanger Institute PhD application process.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options.
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars
Practical, step-by-step information about preparing a strong application for postgraduate study. Find out more on the Discover Cambridge webpage.
Virtual Postgraduate Open Days
The November Open Days focus on subject and course information. Webinar recordings are available until May.
Events for international students
Join us for Q&A webinars, funding webinars or get in touch with our regional managers. Find out more about events for international students.
For more information about all upcoming events visit our events pages.