PhDs

overview information to go here about phds in CBD

Students are regularly monitored by a small committee appointed among experts in the field, which stimulates interactions between laboratories, and excellent courses are offered on generic research and other skills (speaking, writing, imaging, etc.).

Requirements for all CDB PhD Programmes

To register for a PhD you will require one of the following:

- a first or upper second class UK Bachelor's degree in an appropriate subject, or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard from a recognised higher education institution
- a recognised Master's degree
If you are an overseas applicant you will also require evidence of proficiency in English. The standard of English expected is the 'good level'.

Developmental and Stem Cell Biology PhD Programme

This programme offers a unique environment with one of the largest and strongest concentrations of high quality developmental and stem cell biologists anywhere in the world.

The programme provides training at the interface between developmental and stem cell biology. It is available either as a 3 or 4 year programme. The 4 year version includes a first year with a taught component and rotations in 3 laboratories providing the basis for an informed choice and an excellent platform for progression in the research project in years 2-4. Both include active, small group training in key skills including good writing, experimental design, reviewing papers and many modern techniques as appropriate to the project

• First year: 3 rotations of 3 months each in different laboratories and journal clubs overseen by all supervisors on the programme (4 year programme only).

• Second year: thesis work starts in August/September of the first year. In the second year, an advanced modern microscopy course and an intensive workshop to develop writing and reviewing skills take place in parallel, with a small group of students.

• Third year: continue thesis research work, complemented with experimental design workshops.

• Fourth year: complete research project, write up thesis. Workshops on funding, career planning and other skills tailored to each student.

The 3 year version of the programme starts from the "second year" above.

Developmental and Stem Cell Biology PhD Programme

Please complete a UCL Graduate Student application form

Select "Division of Biosciences" for the UCL Department you are applying to, then for Programme Title:

• 4 year programme "RRDDSCS4YR01 Research Degree: Developmental and Stem Cell Biology (4 years)"
• 3 year programme "RRDDSCSING01 Research Degree: Developmental and Stem Cell Biology"

Please note re the application process:

• For the 3 year programme, you can contact prospective supervisors and discuss a project before making your application.  For the 4 year programme, this isn't necessary.
• When you submit your application, an e-mail request will automatically be sent to your referees providing them with a link to a secure website to upload a reference - please ensure that your referees add their references by the deadline. 
• You will be required to upload your transcripts - if you are a current student and do not yet have a final transcript, please upload those from the years you have completed to date.  If you don't have a transcript, please upload a list of your marks in this space and forward the transcript to Admissions as soon as available.
• If you are applying for a UCL Scholarship, please see the 'UCL Scholarships and Funded Programmes' box above as there are additional steps to complete.  For the 4 year programme, as this begins with lab rotations, the lay summary can be a brief outline of your research interests and there is no need to obtain a supervisor's reference as this will be added by the programme director if you are shortlisted.