The College of Medicine, Biological Sciences & Psychology

The College offers an exciting and stimulating environment in which to undertake PhD research. With almost 300 academic staff, over 700 research staff and 850 postgraduate students in our three Schools that span the biological, medical and human sciences we have a dynamic research community with a strong spirit of collaboration.

Research Excellence

We are proud of our international reputation for the high quality of our research that ranges from fundamental biological studies and investigations into the molecular basis of disease for development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, through cognitive and behavioural research, to the analysis and improvement of health and social care provision. This scientific research is focussed into eight cross-departmental multidisciplinary themes and our achievements include the development of DNA fingerprinting, plus major advances in understanding and fighting heart disease, cancer and infection. 

We occupy purpose-built scientific accommodation that is new or recently refurbished and equipped with the latest technologies, both on the University main campus and at the three Leicester hospital sites. With the added friendliness and first-rate resources of the University and the city’s excellent facilities, you will understand why we attract leading scientists here - not to mention some of the most promising students from the UK and around the world!

Funded PhD Opportunities in the Science of Healthcare Quality and Safety Improvement, funded by the Health Foundation

Application Deadline: June 28th, 2013
Number of Studentships available: 3 positions
Stipend: Up to £23,000 per annum
Duration of Studentship: 3 years (subject to satisfactory progress)

The Department of Health Sciences at the University of Leicester has been awarded funding by the Health Foundation for three prestigious doctoral fellowships in the field of improvement science in healthcare. These fellowships are intended to provide doctoral training—including development in research, leadership and wider professional skills—to individuals demonstrating outstanding promise. Leicester is one of only eight leading centres in the UK chosen to host these fellowships by the Health Foundation, an independent charitable foundation that works to continuously improve the quality of healthcare in the UK. Fellows will have access to world-leading scholars in the social and clinical sciences to support their development.

The fellowships will provide tax-free stipends of up to £23,000 per annum for three years and full tuition fees. Fellows will be expected to complete a self-contained project focused on patient safety or quality in healthcare. An indicative choice of research projects that might be undertaken is available at https://swww2.le.ac.uk/departments/health-sciences/research/soc-sci/phd-opportunity. Fellows will enjoy a programme of personal and professional development that will include bespoke doctoral-level training, opportunities for networking with leading thinkers in the field, and funding to attend conferences.

Contact, eligibility and application details can be found at the link below.

Leicester PhD Studentships

We are seeking the next generation of world-class researchers in the following areas:

• Cancer
• Cardiovascular Science
• Diabetes and Metabolic Medicine
• Genome Science
• Microbial Science
• Molecular & Cellular Bioscience
• Respiratory Science
• Neuroscience & Behaviour
• Population Science
• Research Underpinning Learning and Teaching

We have 3-year and 4-year Studentships available from various sources, including the UK Research Councils, Medical Charities, Industry, and the College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology at the University; each provides a stipend to the student and pays University tuition fees at the full-time Home/EU rate.

Research Postgraduate Training

As a PhD student you will join a research group that is part of one of our academic departments. In addition to your principal supervisor(s) you will also benefit from a Thesis Committee who can offer advice on the direction of your research and monitor your progress. You will have access to wide-ranging lecture and seminar programmes, and there are University Graduate School and College programmes of training in generic transferable skills and career management designed to aid your professional career development.

Next Step

For full details of PhD Studentships that are currently available and details of how to apply, please visit our website at:

www2.le.ac.uk/colleges/medbiopsych/research/studentships