BHF Centre of Research Excellence 3-year PhD studentships

TBC

UCL BHF Centre of Research Excellence (CRE)

3-year PhD studentship for overseas medical graduates

 

Overview 

In spite of considerable advances in diagnosis and management, cardiovascular disease remains a major burden to global populations. Additionally, the challenges presented by cardiovascular disease have evolved with an ageing population and a greater appreciation of the impact of ethnicity, sex and the socioeconomic dimensions of health is required. New developments in cardiovascular science, socioeconomic research, data science and engineering have the potential to significantly reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. However, true progress will only be made through multidisciplinary collaborations. At UCL, the BHF Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) is offering a three-year PhD programme with interdisciplinary cardiovascular research at its core. 

This three-year PhD programme provides an exciting opportunity for outstanding graduates with a medical degree, a keen interest in cardiovascular disease, and previous experience in a wide range of disciplines, including fundamental and laboratory sciences, genomics, engineering, mathematics or physics, medical imaging, computing, data science, epidemiology, and social sciences. 

At UCL, we have an outstanding track record across these disciplines. We have also strong partnerships with some of the largest providers of specialised cardiovascular care in the UK (St Bartholomew’s, University College London, Moorfields, Royal Free and Great Ormond Street hospitals). Thus, we are ideally placed to offer a truly interdisciplinary 3-year PhD programme, with multiple opportunities for rapid translation into the clinical environment. As a postgraduate research student within the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, you will have the opportunity to connect with clinical cardiovascular scientists, and to form links with researchers in a wide range of disciplines.

As part of the programme, you will have access to postgraduate-level tuition in selected relevant topics and training in transferable research skills. During your PhD thesis research, you will be encouraged to present your work at international meetings, and funds will be made available for this. A consumables’ allowance will be provided across the studentship. 

You will gain skills suitable for a career as a clinical academic, in research, the pharmaceutical and medical devices industry, policy making, and other related fields.

Research areas 

The programme focuses around 4 key cardiovascular research themes: 

A number of cutting-edge PhD projects and supervisors will be available for your consideration during the application process, before interview if you are shortlisted. Shortlisted applicants will be required to contact potential supervisors with the aim to discuss the group’s research and supervisory arrangements prior to interview. The programme is led by the Institute of Cardiovascular Science, but supervisors can be from other Faculties and Institutes within UCL. 

Eligibility & Funding 

Applicant entry requirement  

An undergraduate medical degree or overseas equivalent. Good spoken and written English is expected. 

Funding 

The British Heart Foundation provides funds for student’s stipend, UK tuition fees (Home rate), consumables and a travel fund, whereas  UCL International Scholars Award for Doctoral Training (ISAD) will cover for the fee difference between Home rate and the non-UK fees.  Please note that the stipend (estimated £22,278 in year 1) is tax-free and NI contributions are not required to be paid by either UCL or by the studentship holder.

Why study this degree at UCL? 

Outstanding research opportunities 

University College London (UCL) offers unrivalled opportunities for PhD research in all aspects of Cardiovascular Biomedicine. The Institute of Cardiovascular Science was set up in 2011 and is a centre of excellence in preventative and therapeutic cardiovascular medicine. Our academic staff have international reputation, and the Institute provides a stimulating academic setting. Research groups are well-funded and equipped, so that PhD students have the best chance of getting off to a productive start straightaway.  The BHF Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) is a brand new BHF-funded research centre that will combine rich platforms for genomic, imaging and socioeconomic research, building on collaborations with engineering and data science, to enable the development of a multidisciplinary workforce tackling cardiovascular diseases from cell to society.

Pastoral care

Throughout the 3 years, student’s progress will be monitored and assessed by a committee responsible for the training provided. PhD students are integrated into the community of cardiovascular researchers at UCL by participation in journal clubs, seminars and social events. Career advice will be provided in the last year.

Cultural and social opportunities provided by London 

The UCL BHF CRE is located in Bloomsbury, close to the entertainment areas of the West End and South Bank which offer an enormous range of music, art, theatre and film, and a vast number of restaurants and bars. London is extremely socially diverse: most PhD students rapidly establish a thriving social life.

Careers 

As well as post-doctoral fellowships (UK and abroad), UCL British Heart Foundation PhD students have gone on to form start-up companies, work for research organisations, teach, and work for Research Councils.

Employability

The breadth of our programme allows engagement with colleagues with professional experience in fundamental science, imaging, regenerative medicine, genetics, epidemiology and translational cardiovascular genomics, prevention and outcomes, and cardiology. A PhD at ICS provides the student with an opportunity to consider cardiovascular disease from the bench to the bedside.

Networking 

Our academics have numerous national and international collaborations with academic and commercial organisations, which provides students with broad opportunities for networking and career development.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the online application form. You will be required to submit a 600-word statement. We encourage interested candidates to contact the CRE Director, or Deputy Director or one of the four Theme Leads/co-Leads for discussion, ahead of the application.

Deadline: 31st May 2025 

Outcome of application will be communicated via email only to successful candidates by mid-June.

Enquires -  Dr Alisia Carnemolla, CRE manager,  a.carnemolla@ucl.ac.uk