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Postgraduate Research Degrees
The Division offers research opportunities in a variety of subjects within the field of Medicine. There are over 190 current research students on MD(Res) (discontinued for new applicants) and MPhil/PhD programmes and most of our students undertake their studies on one of our three Campuses (Royal Free, Whittington or Bloomsbury) under the supervision of UCL academics who are experts in their fields. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds with the majority having secured funds for their studies via competitive selection or peer reviewed grant.
The Division aims to educate, train, and inspire the next generation of scientists and doctors and to be at the forefront of biomedical research. In 09/10 the Division had a submission rate of 81% and we hope to continue this trend by attracting high calibre applicants.
If you are interested in joining us as a research student we recommend that you first take a look at our Research Areas pages to identify areas of interest to you. You should then contact an academic who shares the same research interest to discuss your proposed project. It is important for students to be matched in the best way possible with their proposed supervisor so we strongly recommend that you come to an agreement of supervision before submitting an application.
- Research Areas
The programme of research degrees in the Division of Medicine offers students the opportunity to study towards an MPhil/PhD in the following areas:
- Amyloidosis and Acute
- Phase Protein
- Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine
- Cell Signalling and Molecular Genetics
- Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Clinical Science and Technology
- Gastroenterology and Nutrition
- Hepatology
- Human Health and Performance
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Medical Imaging
- Molecular Medicine
- Nephrology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Obesity Research
- Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases
- Rheumatology and Bloomsbury Rheumatology Unit
- Respiratory Research
- Choosing a Supervisor
For most research degrees, the student is expected to identify a supervisor before submitting an application. For information on the academic staff working within each area of research in the Division of Medicine, please select the appropriate theme:
- Funding Opportunities
Applicants are expected to have their funding secured (tuition/living costs and bench fees if applicable) before applying for the programme. Available funding opportunities are advertised on the Scholarship funding page or on the UCL Jobs page.
NEW!
- UCL Research Excellence Scholarship (RES) and China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship Round for 24/25 entry.
Applications are now being invited for UCL RES and CSC Scholarships to commence at the start of 24/25. The divisional deadline for submission of applications is 5pm on Monday 4th December 2023. See the attachment linked below for divisional guidance and links to the scholarship pages. Please ensure that you read the guidance in full before submitting an application.
- UCL Research Opportunity Scholarship (UCL-ROS) - 24/25 Entry
Applications are now being invited for UCL Research Opportunity Scholarships which aim to support BAME postgraduate research degree students. The UCL scheme offers full financial support and a skills development programme, both designed to promote academia as a more attractive career option. Students should email their application no later than Friday 12th January 2024 to med.postgrad-research@ucl.ac.uk with the subject heading 'UCL-ROS 24/25'.
Please ensure that you review the eligibility criteria and full guidance which is available here before applying.
- Entry Requirements
MPhil/PhD: A UK Bachelor's degree in an appropriate subject, awarded with first or upper second-class Honours, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard from a recognised higher education institute, or a recognised taught Master's degree is required. Some research degrees will require all applicants to hold a Master's degree.
Students register for the MPhil degree in the first instance and, subject to satisfactory progression, transfer to the PhD degree in the second year of research.
- How to apply
- All applicants must apply online
- Applications will require 2 references and a copy of your transcript before being deemed complete. CVs will not be accepted without the presence of a completed application form.
Additional Requested Documents:
- Full research proposal (at least 1 side of A4)
- Proof of funding
- English language proficiency certificate (if applicable)
Essential information for DoM applicants can be found in the
.- FAQ
1. How do I apply?
2. Is there a deadline for applying?
3. When can I apply?
4. What are the entry requirements?
5. What are the English language requirements?
6. Do both of my references need to be academic?
7. Can I still apply if I do not have a relevant degree?
8. How much does the doctorate programme cost?
9. Are there any scholarships available for students?
10. What does the Admissions process involve?
11. When does the course start?
12. Can I study part-time?
13. Can I study by distance learning?
14. I am going to take an English test later in the year, can I still apply now?
15. What happens after I have been made an offer?
16. How long is the course and what are the term dates?
17. If I cannot take up my offer of a place this year, can I defer it to next year?
18. How do I contact the department?
1. Please find information on how to apply
.2. There are no deadlines for submitting an application.
3. Applications can be made at any time of the year.
4. A UK Bachelor's degree in an appropriate subject, awarded with first or upper-second class Honours, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard from a recognised higher education institute, or a recognised taught Master's degree is required.
5. All students whose first language is not English must be able to provide recent evidence that their spoken and written command of the English language is adequate for the programmes for which they have applied. This will take the form of either:
a. Substantial education (minimum twelve months) or work experience (minimum eighteen months) conducted in English and undertaken no more than three years prior to the proposed date of enrolment, or
b. A recently obtained acceptable English language qualification or test result. The qualification or test result must have been awarded no more than three years prior to the proposed date of enrolment.
6. One of your references must be academic but the other may be from an employer or colleague who has worked with you closely.
7. Applicants are strongly advised only to apply if they have a degree in a subject relevant to their proposed research area.
8. Fees (payable per year and subject to annual increase)See Fees and funding section for further information on fees, including part-time fees.
9. Information on available scholarships can be accessed here.
10.The prospective student submits their application to Admissions. They will check that the application meets the general entrance requirements before forwarding the application to the Division for review. Once the application is deemed complete the Postgraduate Tutor (Research) will review the application and make their deicision. If approved, the application will be returned to Admissions who will issue an offer letter. The student must then accept their offer and enrol as directed by Admissions.
If an application is rejected the applicant will be notified by UCL Admissions.
11. Students will usually commence their degree on the start date given on the offer letter. Students should ensure that they are fully enrolled before commencing their studies.
12. Part-time study is available for research degree programmes.
13. Students are permitted to register for non-resident PhD programmes. Further information can be found here
14. It is possible to apply for your degree before taking a language test however your application will be kept on hold until a valid certificate is received.
15. After receiving your offer letter you will need to accept your place on the programme. Once you have received confirmation from Admissions that they have received your acceptance you will be sent a pre-enrolment email. This will need to be completed before you will be permitted to enrol in person. If you begin your studies at the start of the academic year (September) you will be asked to enrol on a specific date and time. At any other time of the year you will enrol as directed by Admissions. Once you have enrolled you can begin your studies.
If you do not complete your enrolment within two weeks of the date of your offer letter, your start date will become invalid and you will need to request a later start date.
16. Research degree programmes do not follow term dates as is the case with taught degrees. Students are expected to be in continuous attendance except during college closures and when a leave of absence has been agreed with their supervisor.
The registration period for the MPhil/PhD programme is as follows:- Full time = 3 years + 1 year CRS (writing up period)
- Part time = 5 years + 2 years CRS
17. Offers can be deferred subject to approval by the Division.18. If you can't find the information you need on this website please contact the Postgraduate Research Administrator: med.postgrad-research@ucl.ac.uk.
