UCL-Birkbeck MRC Doctoral Training Programme across 4 strategic themes

The UCL-Birkbeck MRC Doctoral Training Programme provides state-of-the-art PhD training across four strategic themes.

Fundamental Mechanisms of Disease (FMD)

Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of disease has a huge translational impact and we are internationally recognised in this area. This theme spans a broad range of research areas, including molecular biology, developmental biology, stem cells and regenerative medicine, immunology, genetics, pharmacology, structural biology and biophysics.

Experimental and Translational Medicine (ETM)

Experimental and personalised medicine drives the translation of discoveries from basic science and clinical medicine into benefits for human health, using an individual's genetic profile to guide decisions on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a disease. Research focuses on understanding pathophysiological mechanisms, identifying new drug targets, developing new models and new biomarkers of disease progression and treatment.

Neuroscience and Mental Health (NMH)

We are one of the world-leading institutions for neuroscience research, and this theme provides research training in a range of neurosciences areas, including developmental, molecular, cellular & systems neuroscience, sensory systems, neurodegeneration, mental health, and neuroimaging.

Health of the Public- Using Population Data for Better Health (HP)

Research in this theme spans a broad range of topics, including understanding the factors that determine health and disease in populations; measuring the burden of disease in populations; developing testing and measuring the impact of interventions and service improvement; and approaches to reducing inequalities in health status.

18 x 4-year studentships will be available across these themes to start September 2022

Studentships include tuition fees at the Home rate and an annual maintenance stipend of no less than £17,609.

The programme comprises 1 year of rotations (3 in total), followed by a 3-year PhD project.

In addition to undertaking their research, students will engage in a range of training activities including:

• Enterprise/entrepreneurship
• Public engagement and knowledge transfer
• Research integrity and culture
• Statistics, computational and quantitative skills training

Applicants must hold undergraduate or Master’s degree (at least 2:1 or equivalent) and meet the eligibility requirement as detailed on the MRC website.

UK and international students (EU and non-EU) are eligible for all UKRI-funded postgraduate studentships from the start of the 2021/22 academic year. Please refer to further guidance from UKRI on changes to EU and International Eligibility for UKRI funded studentships.

All PhD students (UK, EU and non-EU) will be eligible for stipend and fees at the Home rate; UKRI funding will not cover international fees. A limited number of studentships will be offered to international students to cover the fee difference.

All applicants must apply online. Two references are also required per application.

Our programme strives with improving equality, diversity and inclusion in science.

Due to the cohort structure of our programme we only accept students to start in September each year. Application with other start dates may not be reviewed by the programme.

CLOSING DATE: 5pm, Friday, 14nd January 2022.

Available iCASE projects