Postgraduate Research Degrees

Most research students will be based at one of our three campuses (Royal Free, Whittington or Bloomsbury) under the supervision of UCL academic experts.

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds. Most secure funds for their studies via competitive selection or peer reviewed grant.

The Division of Medicine aims to educate, train, and inspire the next generation of scientists and doctors and to be at the forefront of biomedical research.

Where to start

You can study a research degree full-time or part-time.

If you are interested in joining us as a research student, browse our research areas to identify areas of interest to you. From here, you can contact an academic who shares the same research interest to discuss your project proposal.

It is important that you find the best possible match with a potential supervisor. You should discuss a supervision arrangement before you apply.

Sources of funding

We expect applicants to secure funding before applying to cover tuition, living costs, and bench fees if applicable.

Funding opportunities can be found through scholarships or UCL Jobs.

How to apply

You apply online through our application portal.

You will also need to supply:

• Two references (at least one of which must be academic)
• A copy of your transcript (e.g. BSc / MSc)
• Research proposal (1-2 sides of A4)
• Proof of funding
• English language proficiency certificate (if applicable).

You will register for the MPhil degree in the first instance. If you meet the progression requirements, your registration will transfer to the PhD degree in the second year.

Medicine MPhil/PhD Application Guide

What happens next?

Once you complete your submission, the UCL Admissions team and our Postgraduate Tutor (Research) will review your application based on our requirements and the suitability of your submission. Our Admissions team will notify you of the outcome.

When you accept your place, our Admissions team will send you a pre-enrolment email. You must complete this before you can enrol in person.

If you begin your studies in September, we will ask you to enrol on a specific date and time. At other times of the year, you will enrol as directed by Admissions. You must complete enrolment within two weeks of the date of your offer letter or this will become invalid, and you will need to request a new start date.