CHR PhD Studentships Application process

Child Health Research PhD Studentships Application Process

The following guidance must be read carefully before completing and submitting an application.

Stage one

Prior to application, potential students are required to contact supervisors on projects they are interested in to discuss the group's research and supervisory arrangements before applying. Supervisors may provide students with a supporting statement (<300 words) which students will be able to include as part of their application. Supporting statements may be used to differentiate between students with identical rankings during shortlisting.

Link to application form (MS form) Application deadline: 09:00 Friday 12th January 2024

Shortlisting and interview
Applications will be shortlisted in February 2024 and shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 11th and 12th March 2024.
Shortlisted students will be interviewed online and selected by a central GOS ICH committee, chaired by the Institute Director in March 2024.

Stage two

Post interview
If you are offered a studentship you must:

• Submit a UCL Graduate application to the Child Health MPhil/PhD research degree (only do this if you are offered the studentship).
• Work with your supervisor on a full PhD project proposal which will be submitted for internal peer review, and approval by your Thesis Committee to ensure the project is appropriate and up to date.

Your supervisor must:

• Submit the required supplementary GOS ICH registration paperwork prior to a formal UCL offer being made.
• UCL offers expected to be confirmed by end of May 2024.

Studentship Application

Applications must be submitted via MS Form (see link below).
Your application must include:

• Your name, contact email and nationality.
• Project of choice from the CHR Research PhD project portfolio.
• Your CV details.
  • Education: Please list degree names, awarding institutions and grades achieved or expected starting with the most recent. 
  • Extracurricular experiences: List any work, volunteering or leadership roles (up to 500 words).
• Research Experience. Please detail your previous experience of working in a research environment (up to 500 words).
• Personal statement. Please explain why you wish to apply for a Child Health Research PhD studentship (up to 500 words).
• Project supervisor's name and supporting statement. (up to 300 words).
• How you will fund international fees if applicable.
• Contact details of two referees.
• How would you fund international fees, if applicable? (up to 150 words).

Link to application form (MS form) Application deadline: 09:00 Friday 12th January 2024.

Applicants will be shortlisted in January/February and shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 11th and 12th March 2024.

Overseas applicants should also see below FAQ BEFORE applying.
Please note that if you apply without following the above application process, your application may not be considered or successful.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What funding is provided?
   1. The studentship covers UK tuition fees, and provides 3 years of funding, comprised of an NI and tax-free stipend (currently £20,622 pa) and a consumables budget of £5,000 per annum. See: Studentship budgets.
2. Can students from outside the UK apply?
   1. Yes, overseas students have previously been accepted into the programme and we welcome applications from international students. The Child Health Research Studentships fully fund UK (Home) fees.
   2. EU nationals should see this Student fee status page for information about eligibility for UK fees. 
   3. Non-UK students receive the stipend, and the UK component of their fees is paid, but they must pay the extra overseas fees themselves (the difference for 2024/25 will be £25,065 per year and there is normally a 5% increase on fees each year).
   4. Subject to confirmation, further funding will be available to cover overseas fees for some of these studentships. Overseas candidates who would require additional funding support should visit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/
3. Can I visit the Institute before the interviews?
   1. All candidates who are short-listed must be interviewed online. At any time, you may make direct and independent contact with potential supervisors. Shortlisted candidates are encouraged to ask potential supervisors whether they can organise a visit or online meeting to meet the group.
4. I have a lower second degree but I am now doing an MSc. Is this equivalent to an upper second? 
   1. Assuming you pass your MSc with at least a merit, you could be eligible to hold a PhD studentship.
5. Do I need to have chosen my project from the portfolio, prior to interview?
   1. Yes. Prior to application, you are required to contact supervisors on projects you are interested in to discuss the group's research and supervisory arrangements. Supervisors may provide you with a supporting statement (<300 words) which you will be able to include as part of your application. Supporting statements may be used by the committee to differentiate between students with identical rankings during shortlisting.
   2. This does not mean that your PhD project is rigidly set in stone: successful applicants are expected to work with their prospective supervisors to submit an updated project proposal for peer review by departmental academics before starting their studentship.
6. I have another PhD offer, which needs a decision before I decide on my studentships.
   1. Please ask them to wait (they usually will); if not, contact us.

Link back to PhD Studentships page