Our PhD programmes - A World-Class Research Environment

Each year we offer a wide number of studentships to high calibre students interested in scientific research in a wide range of areas across medicine and veterinary medicine.

Our funded PhD programmes provide outstanding candidates with a financial support package (including stipend, tuition fees waiver and research costs) , as well as world-class teaching and research training at our cutting-edge research centres.

Our ‘integrated programmes’ also offer students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge by taking credit-bearing courses that deepen their knowledge and complement their research work.

The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine is an international leader in basic-to-clinical translational research. Our research centres and institutes provide exceptional research environments to over 1000 research students advancing scientific knowledge on human, animal and ecosystem health.

Our Flagship programmes

• Bioscience: EASTBIO (funded by BBSRC)
• Cancer (funded by Cancer Research UK)
• Cardiovascular Science (funded by BHF)
• Human Genetics, Genomics and Disease (funded by MRC)
• Precision Medicine (funded by MRC)
• Reproductive Health (funded by MRC)
• Translational Brain Science (Autism) (funded by SFARI)
• Translational Neuroscience (funded by Wellcome Trust)

Why choose us for your PhD?

A world-class research environment: Our interdisciplinary Research Centres give research trainees the opportunity to overcome boundaries and work on cutting-edge research projects. When you study with us, you will work with some of the most influential academics in your chosen field and learn about the very latest developments in your subject.

Personal and professional development: Undertaking a PhD with us will develop your skills and attributes, enhancing your capacity to compete in the job market and to achieve your full potential as a scientist.

A supportive community: at Edinburgh you will have the support of your supervisor and benefit from a wide range of support services and facilities. You can look forward to a warm welcome to our vibrant scientific community. Increasingly, our PhD programmes recruit a number of students to start at the same time, providing cohorts with additional administrative and peer support.

A vibrant city: Edinburgh is an international city with a rich history and culture. Our city is regularly voted as one of the most desirable place to live in the world!

Other funding opportunities

In addition to our funded PhD programmes, we also offer funded PhD projects, which are usually advertised on findaphd.com.

We also host students on personal fellowships provided by external funders, University scholarships or their private funding. You can use our funding search tool to identify additional opportunities available to you.

How to apply?

Our funded schemes have variable application deadlines, some as early as December, so it is advisable to start your research as soon as possible. Visit our Funded PhD page to find out more about deadlines, entry requirements and application process.

Research centres advertise funded PhDs projects at any time of year, depending on availability of funding. Please check individual projects for deadlines and application information.