skip to content

Postgraduate Study

I was awarded a BBSRC-funded iCASE studentship supported by MedImmune to do a PhD at the Metabolic Research Laboratories at Cambridge. My PhD project focuses on the gut-brain axis in the control of appetite, with a particular interest in how specific neuronal populations within the brain regulate food preference and feeding behaviour.  The aim of this work is to increase understanding of the central mechanisms underlying body weight homeostasis and thus obesity, one of the biggest threats to public health.

I thoroughly enjoy working at the Metabolic Research Laboratories. The facilities are excellent and there are lots of talks from inspirational speakers from both within and outside the department to increase your breadth of knowledge in the metabolic disease field. The strong community of students, senior researchers and administration staff here at the Metabolic Research Laboratories is amazing and there is a range of support available to students during their project and beyond.

Alongside my main project work I have taken the opportunity to get involved in the department student committee and also in public engagement events which have enabled me to develop and apply transferable skills which will be invaluable in any career. The ability to develop core scientific skills through my PhD project and excellent transferable skills through participation in extracurricular activities is one of the best aspects of working at the Metabolic Research Laboratories and will provide me with a great basis for my future career.

Anon (April 2019)

Apply Now

Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Clinical Biochemistry

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Oct. 4, 2023
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Jan. 11, 2024
Course Starts
April 17, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Lent 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
April 25, 2024
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Oct. 3, 2024
Course Starts
April 17, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 4, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


Similar Courses