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:
- you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
- you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
- your referees have provided their references.
Please refer to the PhD Opportunities page on the MRC BSU website to view project and supervisor availability before applying.
Places are usually allocated in January and February, however occasionally PhD projects and studentships are advertised at other times during the year, so applicants should refer to the Unit website for details of current opportunities and closing dates.
Selection Process
Our main recruitment round takes place from September to January, with an initial application deadline in early January. This is followed by shortlisting and interviews in mid to late January.
However, applications will be considered as they are received and in exceptional circumstances, an earlier decision may be made.
If we have not filled all places by the end of February, we may re-open for applications, and applications at this stage are assessed as they are received. We aim to have all decisions made and places allocated by the end of April.
Things You'll Need
You should start preparing the things that you'll need when you apply. These will be mandatory, unless specifically flagged as optional.
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Two referees willing to give you a reference
Either academic or professional – please see our References guidance for more information about which type you need. Your referees will need to have submitted their reference by the course deadline. - Transcript
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:
See Gates Cambridge for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
Before applying, please carefully review the information available on our departmental website. Familiarise yourself with the work conducted by the department and the research interests and projects of potential supervisors. See our PhD Opportunities page to view project availability and for details of the members of the department interested in accepting students to supervise in this academic year.
You are expected to contact potential supervisors before making a formal application. The purpose of this initial contact is to discuss research proposals and determine if there is a good fit between your interests and theirs. When contacting a supervisor, it is recommended that you consider their research profile when writing to them.
You must nominate your preferred supervisors in your application. The admission committee will take this preference into account. We do not guarantee you will be assigned that supervisor if admitted, and nomination of a supervisor does not guarantee your admission.