PhD Infection and Immunity

UCL is a world leading university and a dynamic and exciting environment for your studies. We offer research training of the highest standard to form the future leaders in the field.

Our researchers are internationally recognised leaders in infection and immunity, providing a unique opportunity for you to network and further your career. Identify a potential supervisor by exploring our list of investigators and projects.

The Division

The Division comprises:

• The Department of Infection
• The Department of Immunology

and two Institutes:

• UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation
• UCL Africa Health Research Institute

We have strong links to UCL hospitals, which include University College Hospital (UCH), The Royal Free Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH), and other UCL Partners members.

Key information

Duration: Full-time: 3-4 years / Part-time: 5 years.

Entry requirements: A First-Class degree or equivalent from a good institution. For candidates with an Upper-Second class (2:1) degree, the standing of the awarding institution carries more weight, along with A-level (or equivalent) results. Previous research experience is required. For overseas students, we provide advice on academic degree equivalence. You must also meet English language requirements.

Structure

• Each student will have a primary supervisor and a thesis committee, which will include a secondary supervisor (acting as thesis committee chair) and one or two faculty members who can provide guidance and insight over the duration of the project. The thesis committee will have an advisory role and will meet at regular intervals during the PhD. The thesis committee will foster intellectual exchange and collaborations between the student and faculty members as well as among faculty members based at the different Institutes. 
• Students will transfer (upgrade) from MPhil to PhD one and a half years after registration. Upgrade is conditional on satisfactory progress and the student will be required to present his/her research at a Divisional seminar, write a report and pass a viva examination.
• Students will have access to lectures and modules organized by the Division. Currently there are 19 modules covering Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, Mycology, Epidemiology, Immunology, Allergy and Immunodeficiency.

Fees and funding

We do not currently offer studentships, but you can apply to several competitive PhD funding schemes that accept overseas students. (The Royal Free Charity / Pears Foundation Scholarship is only available to students with 'home' fee status.)

If you are accepted to one of these schemes, you will be able to choose a PhD project in the Division of Infection & Immunity.

We welcome applicants who have secured, or plan to secure, a governmental scholarship through their home country. Overseas students must obtain funding that covers:

• tuition fees for 3 years (subject to yearly increases)
• your living expenses
• research consumables, where relevant.

Self-funded students are considered only if they have been shortlisted by a UK competitive PhD funding scheme but were just below the threshold for acceptance. Evidence of the selection process is required.

You must inform your prospective supervisor how you propose to fund your studies. If you have not yet secured funding, please indicate where you intend to seek it.

UCL Research Scholarships for 2025/26 entry

Applications for the UCL Research Excellence Scholarship and Research Opportunity Scholarship for 2025/26 entry closed on 10 January 2025.

What happens next?

Suitable applicants who meet the selection criteria will be shortlisted for interview, either in person or remotely.