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UCL School of Pharmacy

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Studentships and funding

The UCL School of Pharmacy offers funded studentships throughout the year. Interested applicants should check this page regularly for new opportunities that arise.

For all UCL funding opportunities, please see Scholarships Finder and funding for students on postgraduate research courses

Studentships at the UCL School of Pharmacy

Project title: Global Epidemiology Network for Enhancing Systems and Innovation in Regulatory Science

Project description
The GENESIS project (Global Epidemiology Network for Enhancing Systems and Innovation in Regulatory Science) is a collaborative initiative centred between UCL and Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) in South Korea, with contributions from a global network of partners. Funded by the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, this project addresses critical global challenges in drug safety and efficacy by leveraging real-world data (RWD) from diverse populations across Asia, Europe, and North America. GENESIS aims to generate high-quality evidence to inform regulatory decisions and improve health outcomes on a global scale.

This PhD studentship at UCL is a core component of the GENESIS project, dedicated to advancing research in mental health and maternal-child health domains. The successful candidate will work on multinational studies, utilising large-scale international datasets to tackle key questions about medication safety and effectiveness. By connecting expertise from UCL, SKKU, and collaborators worldwide, the GENESIS project fosters innovation in regulatory science and builds the next generation of leaders in pharmacoepidemiology and real-world data research.

The supervisor for this studentship is Dr Kenneth Man.

Main methods and techniques
This project will leverage cutting-edge techniques in pharmacoepidemiology and advanced statistical methods to analyse extensive datasets from multiple countries. Researchers will employ robust methodologies such as statistical modelling and data harmonisation tailored for real-world evidence studies. These approaches are critical for addressing intricate questions about drug safety and effectiveness across diverse populations while maintaining scientific rigour and accuracy.

The PhD candidate in this project will gain a comprehensive skillset, including proficiency in managing and analysing large-scale real-world data, a deep understanding of international regulatory frameworks, and experience in interdisciplinary collaboration. The research will utilise harmonised multinational data to investigate the influence of cultural and healthcare system differences on various health outcomes, ensuring the findings are both meaningful and generalisable. By integrating expertise in pharmacy, regulatory science, and data analysis, this work will produce evidence that meets the needs of healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers globally.

Person specification
Applicants are expected to hold a first degree in Pharmacy, Epidemiology, Statistics, or Computer Science (minimum 2.1). Other relevant skills will be taught during the project.

Applicants will also need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English Language requirements.  See here for further details. 

This studentship is open to Home UK applicants only. The student stipend will be paid at UCL normal rates (the stipend rate for 2024/25 is £21,237).

How to apply
Applications must include CV, personal statement, and the contact details of two referees.  Applications should be emailed to Ms Michelle Ward at sop.pgr@ucl.ac.uk

The deadline for applications is 31st January 2025 and it is hoped that the project will commence in May 2025.


Up to 13 fully funded 4-year PhD studentships in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Accelerated Medicine Design & Development 

The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) is a partnership between the University College London (UCL) and University of Nottingham.

Our CDT provides doctoral level education in a multidisciplinary environment uniting university, industry researchers and clinical partners.  We train student cohorts using advanced experimental and computational methods to optimise and predict medicines design, development, translation and performance.

The CDT provides world-leading doctoral training to future leaders from all backgrounds in pharmaceuticals and medical technology.   Students engage in innovation and entrepreneurship activities, conferences, team working, problem solving, and outreach, with industry and clinical involvement. Our curriculum foregrounds personal researcher development through provision of transferable skills and incorporation of equity principles within training and research. It includes training projects in academic and industry sites and “miniMD” placement at clinical partner sites.

Please note that applications are to join the CDT, rather than for a specific PhD research project. The PhD project topics for 2025 students will be generated during an event within the first six months of the programme, in early 2026. This will be a collaborative process involving students, academics, and our industry and clinical partners.

Why study with us?  

  • Fully funded PhD studentships at leading UK universities 
  • Incorporation of equity principles in all activities, including recruitment, training, supervision and mentoring
  • Diverse PhD projects across various disciplines 
  • Network with alumni in industry and academia 
  • Open innovation environment with academia and industry partners

What do we offer? 

  • Up to 5 fully funded studentships at the University of Nottingham (UoN)
  • Up to 8 fully funded studentships at University College London (UCL)
  • All starting in October 2025
  • Competitive tax-free stipends: £19,975 (plus £3,000 London weighting for UCL).
  • Generous funding support for research expenses, training, and travel.
  • Bespoke student mentoring
  • Provision of safe spaces with a focus on the needs of Black and other minoritised backgrounds.
  • Opportunities for industry experience and networking 
  • Full and part-time positions
  • Additional financial support for students with disabilities, and paid parental leave

Entry and funding requirements 

Candidates should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper-second class degree (master, bachelor or international equivalent) in pharmacy, chemistry, engineering, physics, biology, mathematics or related sciences.  

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with Black and other minoritised backgrounds.  If they meet the eligibility criteria and qualify for UK fee status, these applicants are guaranteed an interview.

International applicants are welcome.  Subject to availability, funding for international scholars to receive the same benefits as UK residents can be provided for a limited number of positions. For fee status, consult the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

 How to apply 

To apply, please complete the online application form.

For a full summary of our Doctoral Training Programme please visit the official CDT in Accelerated Medicines Design and Development website.

For all UCL funding opportunities, please see Scholarships Finder and funding for students on postgraduate research courses