Endocrinology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for UK Students

A PhD in Endocrinology gives you the chance to lead your own research project that will further our current understanding of hormones.

Whether you are looking at metabolism in people with type 1 diabetes, researching the effect of non-pharmacological interventions in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or modelling glycaemic progression and cardiorenal outcomes, you will be aiming to improve care for thousands of patients worldwide.

What’s it like to study a PhD in Endocrinology?

Doing a PhD in Endocrinology, you will become proficient in the skills necessary to contribute to a research portfolio which spans cardiovascular and metabolic diseases affecting those with diabetes, renal disease, and endocrine conditions.

Some typical research topics in Endocrinology include:

• obesity
• biological timing
• diabetes
• nutrition
• cellular physiology

Typical Endocrinology PhD research projects take between three and four years to complete. You will spend time reading around your research area and gain inspiration for methods to improve your experimental work.

During a standard PhD day, you will be in the laboratory performing, preparing, or planning experiments, writing up sections of your thesis, and chatting to your colleagues and supervisor about your current and upcoming work.

To be awarded your PhD, you must submit a thesis of about 60,000 words and defend this during your viva exam.

PhD in Endocrinology entry requirements

The entry requirements for a typical PhD in Endocrinology usually involve a Bachelors and a Masters degree in a related subject. You will also need to submit a compelling research proposal detailing your study plans. You may also need some professional experience in Endocrinology, depending on the programme. 

PhD in Endocrinology funding options

In the UK, PhDs in Endocrinology are funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), which provides a tuition fee waiver and a living cost stipend. Depending on the programme, you may submit your own research proposal before being considered for funding, or apply for a project that already has funding attached.   before being considered for funding or apply for a project that already has funding attached.

It is also possible to apply for a PhD loan to help with the costs of a doctorate in Endocrinology (although this cannot be combined with Research Council funding). Other options for financial support include university scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and charities.

If you are considering a part-time PhD in Endocrinology, it may also be worth asking your employer if they are happy to sponsor you. 

PhD in Endocrinology careers

After completing your PhD, you may want to continue your research through a postdoctoral role or go into the NHS (National Health Service), government, or commercial sector.