The IMS-MRL supports students, both basic scientists and clinical trainees, wishing to study for either a PhD or a 1-year MPhil by research. We are at the forefront of international efforts to understand the interrelated problems of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and at any one time, around 20% of the researchers associated with the IMS-MRL are postgraduate students, with a broad range of nationalities, creating a lively and diverse community.

The IMS-MRL also has a thriving Student Committee who organise regular journal clubs, social events and an annual student symposium, as well as making sure students are properly represented at all levels at the institute.

What’s it like studying for a PhD at the IMS-MRL?

Hear from six PhD students about why they chose to work at the IMS-MRL, what it’s like and on the advice they would give to potential applicants for a postgrad place. (2020)

Applications and Funding

OPTION ONE:

If you would like to study for a 3-year PhD or an MPhil at the Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, consider which research areas most interest you and contact a short list of Principal Investigators at the IMS-MRL working in these fields. You should email these individuals explaining what interests you about their particular research area and include a CV or other relevant information in this first email (a generic email sent to many Principal Investigators is not likely to receive a positive response).

You can also check to see if there are any additional PhD and MPhil opportunities currently available at the IMS-MRL you could explore.

You can then apply formally to the University using the links below and the applicant portal.

Application details for a PhD in Clinical Biochemistry.

Application details for the MPhil in Medical Science (Clinical Biochemistry).

Please note – applications without a predetermined supervisor will not be considered.

OPTION TWO

Many of our PIs also have close links with other PhD programmes at the University, which have their own deadlines. These include:

Doctoral Training Programme in Medical Research (DTP-MR) – Projects, How to apply DEADLINE 1 December
PhD Programme for Health Professionals – 2023 applications now closed
MRC iCase Programme (with industry partners)* – Projects, How to apply DEADLINE 1 December
BBSRC DTP Programme DEADLINE 1 December
Cambridge 4-Year BHF PhD Programme in Cardiovascular Research DEADLINE 1 December
MRC Epidemiology Unit PhD Programme DEADLINE 5 January

*We encourage eligible students to apply to the MRC iCase/DTP as well as submitting a Departmental application to study with an investigator based at the IMS-MRL to maximise the opportunities of obtaining studentship funding.

OPTION THREE

There are a number of generic Cambridge funding schemes available for postgraduate students, although a few specific ones you might wish to explore are:

EU and UK students

Cambridge home scholarship scheme (CHSS) (graduates only)

The Cambridge Trust

International students

Cambridge international scholarship scheme (CISS) (graduate)

Cambridge Australia Scholarships

Cambridge Trust Scholarships available for African applicants

Gates Cambridge Scholarship