A major advantage of SynBioCDT is that students choose a PhD project after a training phase, allowing a more informed choice.
The first six months of the course develops advanced theoretical and technical skills for Synthetic Biology, drawing from the engineering, mathematical, physical, chemical and biological sciences. It also involves a term-long project, in our purpose-built Wetlab. The taught course is combined with research and communication skills training, through a combination of intensive lecture courses and project work.
After completing the taught training, two, 11-week Exploratory Research Projects are undertaken, at least one in the candidate’s home institution. The substantive PhD research project then follows, also based in the home institution.
Applications are invited from students with a wide range of academic backgrounds including, but not exclusively, Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Plant Sciences, Chemistry, Statistics, Mathematics and Computing, who have received, or are on target to achieve, a strong 2:1 degree or above. Applications to SynBioCDT are through the graduate admissions procedures at Oxford, Bristol or Warwick. By applying through one of these universities, you identify it as your preferred host institution.
Oxford applicants are encouraged to submit a copy of an up to date CV for assessment before making a formal application for the programme. For Oxford, this is at dtcenquiries@dtc.ox.ac.uk
Additional Studentship Oxford
In 2018, in addition to the main field of studentships awarded through the EPSRC, the programme has funding for a specific funded project:
Studentship with the CRUK Oxford Centre
The Synthetic Biology CDT is pleased to announce a new initiative with the CRUK Oxford Centre which will provide 1 fully funded studentship (EU/UK rate) to join the 2018/9 Oxford–based cohort and go on to complete an interdisciplinary cancer related project for their DPhil. Applicants with an interest in this studentships should describe and evidence their strong interest in the application of Synthetic Biology to cancer research in their application cover letter.
Warwick applicants should not submit a CV before applying; instead they should make a formal application via: www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/study/pgr/studentships/synbiocdt
Bristol applicants should not submit a CV before applying; instead they should make a formal application at: www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2016/doctoral/phd-epsrc-cdt-synthetic-biology
Full studentships are available to home students. A limited number of studentships are available to EU and overseas students.
Deadlines vary depending on the host University of your choice. Please check our website for more details.
www.synbio-cdt.ac.uk