College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
PhD Studentships

Join a world-class research environment

We offer a number of funded PhD studentships to high calibre graduates interested in scientific research in a range of areas across medicine and veterinary medicine.

Our approach ranges from molecules to man, from bench to bedside and from process to population.

Our PhD students research alongside experts in the field and join an extensive network of interdisciplinary groups, centres and institutes, whilst our thriving scientific community brings together basic and clinical staff from across the College.

Why not join us and complete your doctoral work in one of our world-class research facilities?

Fully funded PhD studentships

• PhDs in Cancer Research - Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre
• TRACC Programme CRTF-PhD for Clinicians - Cancer Research UK
• PhDs in Cardiovascular Science
• PhDs with Integrated Study in Advanced Care
• PhDs in Bioscience BBSRC EASTBIO doctoral training partnership
• PhDs in Genetics and Molecular Medicine - Human Genetics Unit
• PhDs in Integrative Biomedical Sciences
• PhDs with Integrated study in Precision Medicine - joint with University of Glasgow.
• PhDs in Translational Neuroscience - Wellcome Trust
• PhDs with integrated study in One Health Models of Disease - Wellcome Trust
• PhDs in Health Data Science - HDRUK-Turing
• Epilepsy Research UK - Doctoral Training Centre
• PhDs at Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
• BBSRC Eastbio R(D)SVS PhD projects

Other funding opportunities

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

We also host students on personal fellowships provided by external funders, University scholarships or by private funding.

How to apply?

Our funded schemes have a range of 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 the application process.

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

Postgraduate Virtual Open Day November 2023 – registration open early October 2023

Join our mailing list to be among the first to register for our November Virtual Open Day.

Why choose us for your PhD?

One of the world’s top research intensive Universities

We are ranked 4th in the UK for research power (Times Higher Education, Overall Ranking of Institutions), with our research activity classified as world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

World-leading medical and scientific research

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. We are currently ranked 1st in the UK for Veterinary Medicine and 3rd for Medicine (The Guardian Best UK Universities Guide 2023).

Interdisciplinary research

Our interdisciplinary Research Centres are tackling some of the world’s major global challenges. They provide the opportunity to cross boundaries and work on cutting-edge research projects with access to an exceptional range of facilities.

A supportive community

You will join a large and dynamic community of more than 1,000 postgraduate research students working across a wide-range of disciplines. At Edinburgh you will have the support of your supervisor and benefit from a wide range of support services and facilities.

Edinburgh: An inspiring city

Scotland’s capital is one of Europe’s great cultural hubs and an exciting place to study. Regularly voted as one of the most desirable place to live in the world, you’ll never be short of things to do.