medical phd uk

Study Postgraduate

Phd (warwick medical school) (2024 entry).

Course code

See course overview

30 September 2024

4 years full-time; 7 years part-time

Qualification

Warwick Medical School

University of Warwick

Find out more about our Warwick Medical School PhD.

Warwick Medical School offers PhDs on a wide range of health-related topics, including health sciences, medical sciences, clinical education, medicine and more. Studying at Warwick you will gain the confidence and skills to maximise your talents for your future career.

Course overview

You will find yourself integrated into the Medical School’s exciting and often ground breaking research. You will have the opportunity to help improve patient outcomes, change care pathways and improve service organisations. Change lives, make a difference.

Course codes

• Medical Sciences: P-A34P
• Health Sciences: P-B91P
• Clinical education: P-B91F
• Medicine: P-A31P
• Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research: P-B92K
• Nursing: P-B718
• Healthcare: P-B717
• Health and Social Studies: P-L4PC

Teaching and Learning

You will register for an MPhil/PhD and then go through a formal upgrading process at nine months (15 months for part-time students). You will then be registered for a PhD. Final assessment will be by submission of a thesis followed by a viva examination.

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree or Merit in Master’s degree.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.
• Overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 and minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

(The above depending on the course title).

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

Two academic references

Our research

• Health Sciences
• Medical Sciences
• Clinical Education
• Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research
• Health and Social Studies

Full details of our research interests  are listed on the Warwick Medical School website. Read more about our research strategy, research centres and research programmes.

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.

Find a supervisor

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

Explore our Warwick Medical School List of Approved Supervisors to where you will be able to search by research interests.

You should initially approach a suitable Academic Advisor (supervisor) from this list to discuss their work and to see if they would be willing to provide guidance on the presentation of the proposed Thesis for submission.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website .

Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Established in 2000, Warwick Medical School (WMS) forms part of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine at the University of Warwick. Alongside a range of educational opportunities, WMS has a reputation for research excellence, investigating solutions to significant global health challenges.

Find out more about us on our website Link opens in a new window

Our Graduate Entry Undergraduate course

• Medicine (MBChB - Graduate Entry Undergraduate Course)

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

• Advanced Clinical Practice (Critical Care) (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
• Advanced Clinical Practice (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
• Diabetes (PGDip/PGCert)
• Health Research (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
• Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research (MSc)
• Medical Education (MMedEd/PG Dip/PGCert)
• Pre-Hospital Critical Care (PGCert)
• Public Health (MPH/PGDip/PGCert)

Our Postgraduate Online courses

• Clinical Research - iheed (PGCert/PGDip/MSc)
• Diabetes Care - iheed (PGDip/MSc)
• Healthcare Leadership - iheed (/PGCert/PGDip/MSc)
• Medical Education for Health Professionals - iheed (/PGCert/PGDip/MSc)
• Neuroscience and Psychology of Mental Health - iheed (PGCert/PGDip/MSc)
• Public Health - iheed (MPH)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

• MD Doctor of Medicine
• MSc by Research (at Warwick Medical School)
• PhD (at Warwick Medical School)
• PhD by Published Work

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted Events Link opens in a new window

Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.

Connect with us

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

Page updates

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2024) Link opens in a new window

67th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) Link opens in a new window

6th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate employers Link opens in a new window

(The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd. Link opens in a new window )

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2024 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

University | A to Z | Departments

• York Biomedical Research Institute

PhD in Biomedical Science

• Clinical and translational research
• Krebs Memorial Scholarship
• MSc by Research in Biomedical Science
• Facilities and platforms
• Intranet (staff only)
• Work with us

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

Attend an open day

MD Medicine / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page

Applicants for admission must hold an MBChB degree or equivalent medical degree.

The nature of the research project must require the candidate to have specialist clinical knowledge and/or skills in order to complete at least one aspect (e.g. recruitment/assessment of patients, acquisition of experimental samples, experimental procedures, interpretation of findings) of the study. Consequently, it is expected that all MD candidates will have a clinician as part of the supervisory team.

Applicants (including international students) will need to be working in the NHS already and have identified a supervisor and project in order to apply.

Full entry requirements

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

Programme options

Programme overview.

• Learn from some of Europe's leading researchers while undertaking your own project.
• Access some of the best research facilities in the world at both the University and in hospitals around Greater Manchester.
• Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme.
• Conduct research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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Medical Sciences PhD/MPhil/MRes

• Full-time: Up to 4 years
• Part-time: Up to 8 years
• Start date: Multiple available
• UK fees: To be confirmed
• International fees: To be confirmed

Research overview

Specific subject titles have included:

• Breast Surgery
• Medicine and Health

Some project areas do not offer all of the qualification options, so we recommend getting in touch with a supervisor to clarify which project area and qualification are right for you.

Course content

For your postgraduate research degree, you'll complete a research project in your specific field of study and complete a written thesis with expert support and advice from your academic supervisor(s).

The written thesis must be no more than:

• 35,000 words for an MRes
• 60,000 words for an MPhil
• 100,000 words for a PhD

These word counts are inclusive of appendices, footnotes, tables, and bibliography.

You'll then take a verbal examination called a viva voce where you explain your project in-depth to an examination panel.

You'll gain your degree on passing your viva exam.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our  Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us .

If you need some advice on which research course is right for you, please check out our guide to research courses .

Multiple start dates are available for this course. Make sure you specify when you would like to start at the University in your application:

Potential start dates include:

We strongly recommend identifying and getting in touch with a possible supervisor before making an application. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support to find funding opportunities in your area. Please send them a CV, research proposal and cover letter.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice .

You should factor some additional costs into your budget such as living expenses, printing and travel.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need to complete your project through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or access to more specific titles.

The School of Medicine may make a contribution to some of your costs relating to attending conferences or research expenses, however, this will be discussed with students as appropriate.

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

We're committed to providing support to postgraduate students across the course of their research studies in addition to their project supervision

Postgraduate research students will study as part of a division within the School of Medicine and each division has its own PGR representative who is there to address student concerns and feedback.

Peer support groups have been established to encourage students in all years of their studies to contribute to regular meetings covering issues such as tips for writing up and preparing for the viva. The topics are determined by the students in the group.

Further, students entering their second year of full-time study (or equivalent for part-time students) are encouraged to sign up to the formal Mentoring Scheme   within the School of Medicine which offers one to one mentoring by a trained member of staff.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services , including:

• academic and disability support
• childcare services
• counselling service
• faith support
• financial support
• mental health and wellbeing support
• visa and immigration advice
• welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer .

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

• international students
• black and minority ethnic students
• students who identify as women
• students with disabilities
• LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

Royal derby hospital.

Royal Derby Hospital is based in the city of Derby, around 15 miles from Nottingham. This modern, purpose-built building offers you all the facilities you need to study.

You will have access to laboratories and anatomy, clinical skills and computer suites. The NHS library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. View a tour of the medical school online.

You can travel to  University Park Campus  in around 45 minutes on our free hopper bus. Derby city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus.

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route . Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

90% of postgraduates from the School of Medicine secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £39,564.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022 . The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

Related courses

Medicine phd/dm/mphil/mres, primary care phd/dm/mphil/mres, research excellence framework.

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

• 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
• 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
• 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 10 August 2023 . Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.

Imperial College London Imperial College London

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• Faculty of Medicine

Postgraduate

Wide-ranging postgraduate programmes and doctoral training to immerse you in world-leading scientific discovery and its translation to public health improvements

Find your calling at Imperial with our wide range of postgraduate training programmes for careers in research science, public health and clinical healthcare.

Our degrees are complemented by a comprehensive programme of professional development, delivered by our Graduate School . This is a critical part of postgraduate study at Imperial. It includes over 100 free professional development courses to enable you to continually develop as a researcher and gain skills that will benefit your career.

Master's programmes

Search our Postgraduate Master's programmes, including PG certificates and PG Diplomas

Postgraduate research

Find out more about Doctoral (PhD) study and PhD opportunities in the Faculty of Medicine

Short courses

A full A-Z list of the short courses available within the Faculty, covering a variety of themes and topics

pg funding, events and international

Student funding

Information on scholarships, studentships and bursaries available to postgraduate students

Postgraduate events

Events run with the Faculty of Medicine for prospective and current postgraduate students

International students

Find out how Imperial College can assist you in your time here as an international student

For any Imperial College staff members who require any further information on our postgraduate provisions, please see the Postgraduate staff information hub

Doctor of Medicine (DM)

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

The Doctor of Medicine is a flexible, variable intensity, clinical research-based doctorate. You will pursue research that is in synergy with your medical practice. The degree will provide you with research skills, in-depth knowledge, understanding and expertise in your chosen field of research.

To apply to this course you must be medically-qualified (registered with the UK General Medical Council) and employed at the time of application at ST1 grade or above (including those who have completed their training) within the University of Oxford, in Primary Care within Oxfordshire or in an approved NHS Trust (see Entry requirements ).

The Doctor of Medicine is a highly distinctive degree. It is flexible enough to allow you to study part-time for some parts of your degree and full-time for others, to balance time for Doctor of Medicine degree work with your professional duties (milestones will be set accordingly).

Your Doctor of Medicine project will be in synergy with your clinical work, but may be undertaken across the whole spectrum of medical science from basic biology to clinical therapies. Prior work, judged to be of adequate academic rigour and coherence with the Doctor of Medicine project by the Doctor of Medicine committee, may be included in your thesis.

At the start of the course, you will be placed in a host department within the University's Medical Sciences Division depending on the match between your research and the departmental expertise. Your admission to the Doctor of Medicine degree will be overseen by the Doctor of Medicine committee. At the commencement of the degree you will be expected to establish a clear work plan and timeline for your research.

You will be encouraged to attend lectures and seminars related to your programme of research and make the most of the doctoral training and research methods provision available across the Medical Sciences Division. The aim is to tailor this training to individual needs and bring all students up to a satisfactory level in background knowledge. Your later training is focused on the skills required for a successful career in independent clinical research.

You will need to ensure that your available time for study not only allows your research to progress but also permits you to attend any training that may be necessary for your research (or desirable for the development of transferable skills).

As an alternative route to undertaking research work, the Doctor of Medicine committee may, exceptionally, permit applicants to present an integrated thesis with an introduction and conclusion, drawing together a series of publications that represent a substantial body of original research, and submit this to be considered for the award of the degree.

In exceptional cases, if progress towards the Doctor of Medicine degree is inadequate, students may be admitted to study for the MSc by Research degree following initial assessment for Transfer of Status from probationary to DM status (see the Assessment section below for further details).

Doctor of Medicine students will be exempt from residency requirements. These are replaced by the employment requirements which are deemed to allow access to appropriate supervisory arrangements.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Medical Sciences Board's Doctor of Medicine committee and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.

You will be expected to propose supervisors at the point of application. The Doctor of Medicine committee will adjudicate on their suitability and where necessary appoint co-supervisors in liaison with departmental Directors of Graduate Studies.

It is anticipated that you will meet monthly or termly with your supervisor, depending on the intensity of study you are undertaking and the relationship between the research project and your clinical environment.

Students will be admitted to the course as a Probationer Research Student (PRS) and will transfer to the status of Doctor of Medicine student after successfully completing their Transfer of Status milestone. Students will subsequently be assessed for their Confirmation of Status milestone. The timing of relevant milestones will be established when a workplan is agreed at the commencement of this course of study. Assessment as having made inadequate progress at Transfer of Status may result in registration instead for the degree of MSc by Research.

Doctor of Medicine students must submit a thesis not exceeding 50,000 words that details the original research they have undertaken in the context of their overall field of study.   

At the end of the programme, Doctor of Medicine students will produce a written thesis, followed by an oral examination based on both this and a broader knowledge of their chosen area of research.

Graduate destinations

All Doctor of Medicine students will be medical graduates currently employed in clinical positions, and as such will already be highly employable. However, obtaining a Doctor of Medicine degree is likely to further enhance their professional standing and open up a range of opportunities as clinical academics. The return to clinical practice after completing a research degree is an important time in determining the future career path for clinical trainees. For all, research experience will enhance and refresh their professional practice. For many, there will also be a question of how best to retain their research activity and status. Oxford has a proven track record of developing clinical academics through the Oxford University Clinical Academic Graduate School.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence, degree-level qualifications.

As a minimum, applicants should hold the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• an undergraduate degree with honours in Medicine; and
• ongoing registration with the UK General Medical Council .

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
• Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
• Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
• Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
• Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
• Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Evidence of excellence in the area of clinical practice that is in synergy with the research project will be an advantage. 
• Relevant experience  in the area of clinical practice that is in synergy with the research project will be a pre-requisite.
• Relevant publications will be an advantage to all applicants.
• It would be expected that graduate applicants would be familiar with the recent published work of their proposed supervisor and have an understanding of the background to the proposed area of study.
• Candidates for the Doctor of Medicine degree who are post-graduate doctors in training will need to arrange their research workplan in conjunction with the relevant authorities overseeing their clinical training (Health Education England/NHS England) and where appropriate arrange to have a period of time 'Out of Programme'.
• Candidates for the Doctor of Medicine degree, whether in training or in substantive posts, will need to make appropriate arrangements with their employers to ensure they have enough flexibility in their clinical duties to undertake this programme of research successfully.     

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  standard level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's standard level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

The timetable for the majority of interviews will be aligned as closely as possible with recruitment for postgraduate research courses in the Medical Sciences Division. Interviews may be held on termly basis if the course remains open to applications after the March deadline.

By preference, interviews will be conducted in person, but when this is not possible interviews will be conducted online. Normally the interview will consist of a seven-minute presentation of the proposed project, supervisory arrangements and workplan by the applicant, followed by 15-25 minutes of questioning from the panel. There will usually be a minimum of two to three academics on the interview panel.

Supporting documents will be considered as part of the interview shortlisting process and the assessment criteria for these can be found in the How to apply section of this page. Questions arising from the Doctor of Medicine committee's deliberations on your application may be directed to you for a response (eg requesting clarification about the methods, sample size, the extent of the applicant’s role, etc) either in writing or as part of the interview process.

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Initiatives to improve access to graduate study

This course is taking part in a continuing pilot programme to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications, in order to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly.

For this course, socio-economic data (where it has been provided in the application form) will be used to contextualise applications at the different stages of the selection process.  Further information about how we use your socio-economic data  can be found in our page about initiatives to improve access to graduate study.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

As a Doctor of Medicine student, you will be based in one of the constituent departments of the University's Medical Sciences Division. The Medical Sciences Division is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for biomedical and clinical research and teaching, and the largest academic division in the University of Oxford. World-leading programmes, housed in state-of-the-art facilities, cover the full range of scientific endeavour from molecular to population levels. With our NHS partners we also foster the highest possible standards in patient care.

Departments offering this course

As a Doctor of Medicine student, you will be based in one of the constituent departments of the University's Medical Sciences Division. All of the Division’s departments are in receipt of Athena SWAN awards that recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all.

This course is offered by the following departments:

Department of Biochemistry

The Department of Biochemistry comprises over 45 research groups and around 400 researchers and support staff, including more than 100 graduate students.

Oxford's Department of Biochemistry is a vibrant research and teaching department and benefits from state-of-the-art research facilities in its stunning purpose-built building occupied since 2008.

Research in the department is very broad and encompasses all aspects of modern molecular and cellular biochemistry, from atomic resolution biophysics to cell biology and imaging. The quality of research is outstanding, as demonstrated by an impressive publications output and the international standing of many of the department's researchers.

Research students reading for their DPhil or MSc by Research in the Department of Biochemistry are admitted to one of several programmes, either by the department or one of Oxford’s Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs).

View all courses   View taught courses View research courses

Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine

The Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine (NDM) is a large multi-disciplinary department that links high quality clinical and basic research. The underpinning motivation behind all research carried out by NDM is the pursuit of academic excellence and the positive impact of research on the health and wellbeing of the global community.

Much of the £130 million per annum grant income is spent on understanding the most basic principles of biology and disease pathogenesis. As well as its research and clinical commitments in Oxford, the department has Africa and Asia programmes in Thailand, Vietnam and Kenya.

The NDM has a community of around 60 graduate research students each year, the majority of whom are studying towards a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) degree, which is the University of Oxford's equivalent of a PhD. The department also offers an MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine, an MSc in Modelling for Global Health and an MSc in Genomic Medicine, each with an intake of around 20 students every year, plus a PGDip in Global Health Research. The Careers Service at Oxford University reports that six months after leaving Oxford, postgraduate research students at NDM are on average earning £31,000 with 83.8% in employment and a further 11% in further study (eg Graduate Entry Medicine).

Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences

The Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN) comprises more than 500 staff including over 150 graduate students. The DPhil and the MSc (Res) in Clinical Neurosciences cover all areas of the research carried out in the department.

NDCN was formed in November 2010 and incorporates the Centre for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia, the Division of Clinical Neurology, the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit, the Nuffield Division of Anaesthetics, the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology (which also houses sleep medicine research) and the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging.

The department usually admits over 30 postgraduate research students per year, from both scientific and clinical backgrounds. Each research student will work on a specified research project with close supervision from one or more of the department’s principal investigators and their teams, and become part of a vibrant research community both within the department and the wider University. The department's sleep medicine course admits c. 15-20 postgraduate taught students per year across the MSc, PGDip and standalone modular routes.

Department of Experimental Psychology

The Department of Experimental Psychology has a thriving graduate community. As a graduate student in the department, you will receive advanced training in psychological methods and theory, and gain hands-on research experience under the supervision of world-class academic staff.

Research in the department is organised around five core themes — behavioural neuroscience, developmental psychology, perception and cognition, psychological and brain health, and social psychology—and extends into several cognate areas. Research facilities in the department include labs for behavioural testing, EEG and brain stimulation, infant research including eye-tracking and EEG, and neuropsychological patient testing.

Through its links with departments and centres across the University, the department also enjoys excellent access to fMRI, MEG, genetic testing, and animal testing facilities.

The department recognises the vital contribution of graduate students to its research and teaching and strives to create a competitive and supportive programme to develop and challenge students. You would be encouraged to participate in training within the department and wider university, and to attend invited lectures and seminars by leading scientists from across the world, to complement the close supervision on your chosen topic received within your home lab.

Radcliffe Department of Medicine

The Radcliffe Department of Medicine (RDM) is a large multi-disciplinary department with research interests that span the translational spectrum, from basic biological research through to clinical application. 

The department offers one DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy) degree, which is the University of Oxford equivalent to a PhD. The DPhil in Medical Sciences covers all areas of RDM research. In keeping with the department’s focus on translational research, applications are welcomed from both basic scientists and clinicians for this programme.

The department has a community of around 150 students, the vast majority of whom are studying for a DPhil. A DPhil typically lasts three to four years, depending on the project and the student. The department has considerable experience supervising clinicians who hold three-year fellowships and tailors research projects for such students accordingly. 

You will be admitted directly onto a research project with one of RDM’s world-leading scientists, who will act as your supervisor. 

Department of Oncology

The Department of Oncology has an established graduate training programme for science graduates and clinical research fellows under the leadership of Professor Mark Middleton.

It is one of the largest departments in the University of Oxford’s Medical Sciences Division. It houses over 400 staff and graduate students, both clinical and non-clinical, and brings together research and clinical groups from across Oxford who are based at the Old Road Campus Research Building (ORCRB), the Radiobiology Research Institute (RRI), the Weatherall Institute for Molecular Medicine (WIMM) and the NHS Cancer and Haematology Centre.

The Department of Oncology offers promising graduates a broad range of multidisciplinary and translational cancer research projects. As a result, its graduates come from a wide range of scientific backgrounds, including biology, medicine, engineering, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. The department prides itself on supporting and training the next generation of world leaders in cancer research to ensure its research continues over the long term.

The department ethos is to improve treatment of cancer patients by harnessing Oxford University’s scientific research prowess and translating this into an impactful benefit to cancer patients through our own clinical trials. Working together to achieve this aim, we have renowned experts alongside cutting-edge scientists that collaborate across the university to understand the biology of cancer and how to best adopt new therapeutic strategies in medical and clinical oncology.

Research in the Department of Oncology is focused on the biology of cancer and how to translate discoveries into better treatments for patients. The department research strategy centres around the three core themes of DNA (including DNA damage, repair, and replication), cell and tissue biology (tumour microenvironment), and immuno-oncology (including cancer vaccines and virotherapy). Details of individual research groups  which work within each of these themes can be found on the department website.

Department of Paediatrics

The Department of Paediatrics has major research interests in developmental immunology and haematology, infectious diseases of infancy and childhood, mucosal immunology, HIV infection and immune control, design, development and testing of vaccines, neuromuscular biology, the origins of childhood leukaemia, paediatric neuroimaging, and in paediatric molecular genetics.

As a graduate student, you will conduct research within an expanding department that has over 30 DPhil students and 270 members of staff including clinical practitioners, research scientists, support staff and academic visitors.

You will join one of our research groups with primary supervision provided by faculty members in one of the department's laboratory or clinical research facilities, and you will become part of a vibrant research community both within the department and in the wider University.

You will develop research skills by making use of a range of research training and skills development offered by the Medical Sciences Division, alongside direction by your supervisor in specific research methods in relation to your project. You are encouraged to develop a literature review in your first year and to attend courses in manuscript and thesis writing as well as in presentation skills. At the heart of the skills provision are regular group meetings and the Annual Departmental Research Day where you will have the opportunity to present and develop your research ideas and proposals and gain feedback and support from your peers.

Sir William Dunn School of Pathology

Research at the Dunn School addresses the fundamental causes of human disease and the development of new approaches to therapy. 

The Dunn School is a world-class biomedical research department with an outstanding track record. Over 300 scientists from more than 30 countries aim to discover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie human health and disease. Famous for the development of penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics, this is a dynamic, innovative, and growing department located in beautiful surroundings near the historic centre of Oxford.

The department offers students opportunities to do research in a wide range of areas, including cell biology, stem cells, development, infection, immunity, cancer and genome stability.

The department has around 70 graduate students at any one time, of whom at least half are from outside the UK. The department is large and well-funded, and able to offer graduate students plenty of space and outstanding facilities. Students benefit from the department's close proximity to colleges, libraries and other facilities in the University Science Area.

The department is very friendly and sociable with a popular central cafeteria and recreational area. The very enthusiastic graduate students’ association arranges many social activities, as well as science and networking events.

Department of Pharmacology

The Department of Pharmacology is one of the top preclinical departments in the country with excellent research and teaching facilities with a large and vibrant community of graduate students. Since 2019, the Department has been top of the QS World University Rankings for Pharmacy and Pharmacology.  

In the 2021 the Research Excellence Framework (REF), research from the Department of Pharmacology was submitted to Unit of Assessment UOA5 along with Biochemistry, Biology (Zoology/Plant Sciences), The Dunn School of Pathology and DPAG. Within UOA5, Oxford's submission had the largest volume of world-leading research (overall 4*x submitted FTE) and scored 100% 4* for Environment.

The department has over 50 DPhil students and around 25 MSc taught course students at any one time who enjoy outstanding facilities. Students also benefit from having close proximity to colleges, libraries and other facilities in the University Science Area.

The department has a very active graduate student association and a Pharmacology Society, which arranges talks and social activities.

Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics

The Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG) is a major basic-science department within the Division of Medical Sciences.

The department offers top-quality advanced degrees, covering an extraordinarily wide range of specialised and interdisciplinary topics. These include molecular, cellular and integrative neuroscience, cardiovascular physiology, cellular and whole-body metabolism, functional genomics, neurobiology of sleep and circadian rhythms. 

DPAG is home to a large number of internationally-renowned teams of scientists addressing major questions in biomedicine, the answers to which will have a profound effect on modern biology. Crucially, DPAG thinks learning is just as important as research, and at the department's core lies a belief that a synthesis of the two is key to advancing our understanding. As such, DPAG works to provide outstanding opportunities for graduate students to enjoy cutting-edge training across a diverse range of state-of-the-art methodologies in leading laboratories in the field, to develop practical skills to excel in academia, industry, consulting, high-tech start-ups and have made outstanding achievements in a variety of career fields; from making ground-breaking discoveries into fundamental biological processes to translational contributions with real-life impacts.

Since the department's work is multidisciplinary and cross-cutting, researchers often work across more than one theme, as well as collaborating with colleagues in the physical sciences, life sciences and clinical departments across Oxford and elsewhere. It is hoped, the postgraduate students’ experiences in DPAG will help them to become the leaders in science of tomorrow, to communicate and employ their research in the wider world.

In parallel to research, DPAG staff undertake the majority of the pre-clinical teaching for the University's top-ranked medical degrees while the department's graduate courses also attract a wealth of international talent. Ultimately, the department is built on a desire to understand – its scientific research areas with a belief its students are the future of research.

Nuffield Department of Population Health

The Nuffield Department of Population Health (NDPH) brings together over 500 staff from a number of world-leading research groups with the aim of reducing premature death and disability from human disease.

A number of world-renowned research groups and disciplines are part of the NDPH, including the Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU), Cancer Epidemiology Unit (CEU), National Perinatal Epidemiology Group (NPEU), Health Economics Research Centre (HERC) and Ethox. These groups are responsible for some of the world’s largest population cohorts and randomised trials, and produce highly-cited practice-changing research, which continues to have a major impact on international clinical management guidelines (eg on statins, aspirin, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, heart failure, serious childhood illness and infections). The department offers three taught courses: the one-year taught MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology, the PG Certificate in Statistics and Epidemiology and the two-year distance learning MSc in Clinical Trials. The department also offers the DPhil in Population Health, offered full-time over three to four years and part-time over six to eight years.

Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences

The University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences has been one of the world's most important primary care centres for over 20 years.

Leading world-class research and training to rethink the way healthcare is delivered in general practice and other primary care settings, both across the UK and globally. Integrating evidence and innovation, its main research focus is on the prevention, early diagnosis and management of common illness, health services research and digital health.

Research is led by internationally renowned scientists; many of whom are practising GPs, but NDPCHS also has academics from a range of non-medical disciplines including the social sciences and humanities. The department covers the broad range of issues that you might expect to consult your GP about including cardiovascular and metabolic disease, infectious diseases and childhood illness, diet, smoking and cancer. It also focuses on understanding and improving the experiences of patients, utilising big data, developing digital health interventions and working internationally. 

The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences has methodological expertise in clinical decision making and diagnostics, clinical epidemiology, medical statistics, modelling, qualitative research and the wider application of social science theory and methods to address practical and theoretical challenges in health and care settings. The department also has a dedicated in-house Primary Care Clinical Trials Unit.

The department is home to 14 of the National Institute for Health Research's 200 most prestigious and prominent researchers. These NIHR Senior Investigators contribute significantly to the health sciences as senior leaders, demonstrate research excellence and lead in training of the NIHR's people.

We teach elements of the undergraduate programme in medicine including arranging placements for medical students in GP practices. We also provide a highly supportive environment for postgraduates whether they are registered for a DPhil, enrolled on one of our short courses or the Evidence Based Health Care programme (administered by the Department for Continuing Education ). We welcome domestic and international students to join our experienced and enthusiastic teachers, mentors and supervisors in aspirational study and research.

Department of Psychiatry

The Department of Psychiatry offers supervision in a wide range of research areas including laboratory-based neuroscience, brain imaging, literature synthesis and psychological and pharmacological treatment research.

The DPhil and MSc by Research degrees, both of which can be studied on a full- or part-time basis, provide students with the opportunity to gain expertise in their chosen field and to develop the skills and experience required to manage a project and conduct independent research. Supervision is provided by senior researchers from within the department and, where appropriate, students can be linked with a co- supervisor in another department (for example, the Department of Experimental Psychology and Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences). Students are also encouraged to attend seminars and research meetings which are held frequently within the department.

In addition to academic supervision, the graduate studies team within the department provide support and advice to student at all stages of their study. This includes holding regular meetings to provide a forum for students to discuss their research and identify those working in related areas with whom they can share ideas.

Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences

The Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS) is the academic department of surgery at the University of Oxford. It hosts a multidisciplinary team of senior clinical academic surgeons, senior scientists, junior clinicians and scientists in training.

The Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences offers research training opportunities for both clinical and non-clinical graduate students. It has a growing number of full-time funded research student opportunities. Research undertaken within the NDS covers many areas including fields such as cancer, immunology, and neurosciences, and specialities such as patient safety, transplantation, urology and vascular surgery.

The graduate research programme within NDS provides a fully integrated training environment. You will be working closely with an academic supervisor who oversees your studies.

NDS also offers two graduate taught courses: the MSc in Integrated Immunology and the MSc in Surgical Science and Practice. The MSc in Surgical Science and Practice is offered jointly with the Department for Continuing Education.

Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health

The Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health is one of the largest academic and clinical  departments in the world in its field, encompassing multi-disciplinary research across the full spectrum of women’s health.

There are around 180 people working in the department, including senior academic staff, research support staff, professional staff, and graduate students (including clinicians) carrying out research towards a higher degree.  The department's work has four overarching themes: cancer, global health, maternal and foetal health and reproductive medicine and genetics.

Our clinical and laboratory programmes are based in the Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital; the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine; the Institute of Reproductive Sciences (IRS) and the Big Data Institute, and there are collaborations with the School’s Institutes, the University’s Science Departments and with researchers outside Oxford, in both the UK and abroad, especially in low middle income countries.

The department has a variety of students studying towards research degrees, including students from both scientific and clinical backgrounds. The basis of the department’s research programmes are laboratory or clinical projects in which you carry out independent research in your chosen area, as agreed with your supervisor.

The department also offers a taught MSc course which prepares students for active employment within the clinical embryology/artificial reproductive technology (ART) sector and/or a research career in reproductive science. The MSc provides students with theoretical and practical understanding of human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility and ART. Significant emphasis is placed on providing ‘hands-on’ practical training in a range of laboratory techniques associated with scientific research, clinical diagnosis, or ART, including vitrification, comparative array hybridisation, gamete micromanipulation and infra-red laser biopsy.

The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the Medical Sciences Graduate School website.

Variable intensity fees

The fees for this course are charged in the same way for all students, regardless of their intensity of study in any given year. Course fees are charged in two parts. You will pay a registration fee (approximately 75% of total fees) at the start of your first year and a submission fee (approximately 25% of total fees) when you submit your thesis. The registration fee will be payable at the rate shown below. The submission fee will be payable at the published rate applicable in the year in which you submit your thesis, which may be higher than the rate shown below.

Fees for the 2024-25 academic year

Information about course fees.

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

If you are studying part-time your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances but you must still ensure that you will have sufficient funding to meet these costs for the duration of your course.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

The following colleges accept students on the Doctor of Medicine:

• Corpus Christi College
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Lincoln College
• The Queen's College
• St Catherine's College
• Somerville College
• Wadham College

Can I return to my former Oxford college?

If you'd like to return to your former Oxford college, but it is not included on the list above, you should contact your college office to ask whether they would be willing to make an exception. If your college indicates that it is willing to consider your application please contact Graduate Admissions before applying.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend you consult the Medical Sciences Graduate School's research themes to identify the most suitable course and supervisor .

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application.  You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

To apply to this course you must be medically-qualified (registered with the UK General Medical Council) and employed at the time of application at ST1 grade or above (including those who have completed their training) within the University of Oxford, in Primary Care within Oxfordshire or in an approved NHS Trust (see  Entry requirements ).

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Application fee waivers for eligible associated courses

If you apply to this course and up to two eligible associated courses from our predefined list during the same cycle, you can request an application fee waiver so that you only need to pay one application fee.

The list of eligible associated courses may be updated as new courses are opened. Please check the list regularly, especially if you are applying to a course that has recently opened to accept applications.

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You should identify two relevant supervisors in advance of applying and contact them to discuss their proposed area of Doctor of Medicine research. Where ‘prior work’ is requested to be considered, at least one of the supervisors will be expected to have been involved in its conduct and attest to its quality.

It expected that project ideas will arise in the context of your clinical practice and that in general you will be well placed to identify suitable supervisors. We anticipate that you will have extensive discussions with these prospective supervisors to refine the detailed project proposal prior to formal application.

Prior to application you will also need to gain permission from those you work for clinically and those overseeing any clinical training you are required to undertake to ensure sufficient flexibility to undertake the degree requirements.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

You must enter the project you are applying to under 'Field and title of research project' on the 'Course' tab of the application form.

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

You should identify two members of staff willing to supervise you with the resources to support your proposed research project, listing them in order or indicating equal preference. Applicants who have not identified a potential supervisor will not be considered.

At least one proposed supervisor should write a reference relating to your application, to attest to the synergy between your proposal and your clinical work and your suitability to undertake this project.

Referees: Three overall, academic preferred - at least one must be independent of your proposed supervisor(s) 

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

References should usually be academic, though professional references are acceptable where they relate to work within a research setting.

At least one reference should be provided by a supervisor you have proposed, to attest to the synergy between your proposal and your clinical work and your suitability to undertake this project.

At least one referee must be independent of your proposed supervisor(s). 

Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, ability to work in a group and the synergy between your proposal and your clinical work and your suitability to undertake this project.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Statement of purpose/personal statement and research proposal: Statement of a maximum of 500 words and a proposal of a maximum of 1,500 words

Statement of purpose/personal statement (maximum 500 words).

You should provide a statement of your research interests, in English, describing how your background and research interests relate to the programme. If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

The statement should focus on academic or research-related achievements and interests rather than personal achievements and interests.

This will be assessed for:

• your reasons for applying;
• evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study;
• the ability to present a reasoned case in English;
• capacity for sustained and focused work; and
• understanding of problems in the area and ability to construct and defend an argument.

It will be normal for students’ ideas and goals to change in some ways as they undertake their studies, but your personal statement will enable you to demonstrate your current interests and aspirations.

Research proposal (maximum 1,500 words)

You should submit a detailed outline of your proposed research, written in English, covering areas such as the background to the research, methodology, expected results and the contribution to the field of learning.

The word count does not include bibliography, brief footnotes, captions, titles or legends that are applied to images, tables or charts.  

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

Your research proposal will be assessed for:

• comprehensive understanding of the subject area;
• understanding of problems in the area;
• synergy with the applicant’s clinical work;
• accessibility, motivation and academic suitability; 
• ability to construct and defend an argument;
• powers of analysis;
• powers of expression;
• the feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available for the course;
• commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course;
• preliminary knowledge of research techniques;
• capacity for sustained and intense work;
• reasoning ability; and
• ability to absorb new ideas, often presented abstractly, at a rapid pace.

Written work A workplan of a maximum of 2,500 words

You will need to provide a timeline of your proposed work in the form of a Doctor of Medicine ‘workplan’. This should set out the periods of time across the period of study when you plan to work at full-time or part-time (and if the latter at what percentage full-time equivalent intensity) on your Doctor of Medicine research project. The workplan should not exceed 2,500 words.

The workplan must set out in sufficient detail how you propose to balance time for Doctor of Medicine research and academic training as a student of the University, alongside your professional employment with the NHS, postgraduate medical training and other clinical responsibilities.

If you are seeking for previous work to be counted towards your Doctor of Medicine (DM) studies, you will need to provide detailed information about the work you wish to include, when it was performed and under what supervisory arrangements (at least one of the proposed DM supervisors must have been involved). The justification for inclusion of this work will need to be particularly strong if it was undertaken more than 12 months prior to commencement of the degree.

The workplan is a key part of the application process and it must be agreed by both you and your employer before your application is submitted (or your application will be delayed until employer agreement has been secured). In many cases this will involve the local Deanery (or successor organisation), since it is the postgraduate Dean who is responsible for approving requests for time ‘out of programme’ (OOP) for doctors in training.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

Application Guide   Apply

ADMISSION STATUS

Open - applications are still being accepted

Up to a week's notice of closure will be provided on this page - no other notification will be given

12:00 midday UK time on:

Friday 1 December 2023 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships

A later deadline shown under 'Admission status' If places are still available,  applications may be accepted after 1 December . The 'Admissions status' (above) will provide notice of any later deadline.

*One-year average (applications for entry in 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by multiple departments within the Medical Sciences Division , except for the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS).

• Course page on the Graduate School website
• Medical Sciences Graduate School
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Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 289576

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

• Postgraduate Research

Medical Education PhD / MPhil / MD

• Part time available: yes

Studying in:

• institute-of-life-course-and-medical-sciences
• Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

The School of Medicine offers a range of research areas spanning medical education. Our current portfolio includes topics covering the development of professional identity and professionalism lapses and the development of empathy during undergraduate medicine studies. In line with current changes in the NHS and workforce, transitioning into clinical posts and their impact upon wellbeing, is also a research area.

Why study with us?

Associate Clinical Teachers for trainee doctors in Merseyside recruited in the 2017/18 Academic Year

postgraduate students in the Faculty.

of the largest medical schools in the country.

Situated within one of the UK’s larger Schools of Medicine, undertaking a PhD in Medical Education at Liverpool gives PhD candidates based here a unique opportunity to work alongside an engaged and committed cohort of Medical Students all of whom are encouraged to take an interest in the development of medical education, for the improvement of systems and processes for future generations of students. 

The University of Liverpool’s School of Medicine is one of the largest medical education providers in the UK. We train and develop doctors throughout their careers, enabling them to use the latest advances to provide exceptional care to their patients.

We deliver teaching and training for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as continuous professional development for medical practitioners.  Joining our department involves you in this vibrant medical education community.

We work collaboratively; across professions, institutions and departments.  Completing your studies with us means an opportunity to work with world-leading educators and clinical staff across a full range of disciplines.  In all these areas, our work is characterised by a focus on research excellence and by attention to the real world impact of our scholarship.

We have expertise in a range of methodological approaches, and are happy to hear from potential PhD candidates who are interested in undertaking either quantitative, qualitative or mixed-method approaches to their work. Our current PhD students are using a range of unique techniques, including longitudinal impact studies and narrative interviewing and analysis.

PhD students undertaking their research here often have the opportunity to see the they develop as part of their research implemented immediately into the curriculum, as part of research-led practice.

Research themes

We particularly welcome research proposals that match those of our researchers, including:

• Professionalism
• Curriculum Development
• Technology Enhanced Learning
• Professional Identity Development
• Simulation-based training
• Wellbeing and resilience
• Interprofessional / inter-disciplinary working
• Leadership and Management.

Research undertaken within Medical Education is usually desk-based, but you may be interested in working with one of our NHS sites.  Please visit our undergraduate website pages for details of each of the different sites aligned to Liverpool.  We are also willing to consider co-facilitation with other, relevant departments (psychology, sociology, history etc) so please do not hesitate to contact us if you would be interested in such arrangements.

Study options and fees

The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.

* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.

^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.

Entry requirements

You'll need a 2:1 or first class or equivalent first degree in a relevant discipline, such as medicine, psychology or sociology. This breadth reflects our commitment to multidisciplinary approaches when investigating complex research questions.

English language requirements

Additional requirements.

Your research can be in any area that matches our research interests and expertise, outlined above. CRB and other checks may be necessary for some project types and every proposal will need to receive ethical approval.

You'll also need coherent writing skills, along with the stamina, self-motivation and organisation to complete a demanding research project.

How to apply

Research degree applications can be made online.  You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.

Applications are  open all year round .

More about applying for research degrees

Apply online

Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal

Find a supervisor

Professor Taz Goddard-Fuller - [email protected]

Professor Hazel Scott - [email protected]

Dr Dominic Johnson - [email protected]

Dr Neil Henney - [email protected]

Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us

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• Email: [email protected]

Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects

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We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.

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Clinical Education PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Clinical Education

Upcoming Introduction to Postgraduate Study and Research events

Join us online on the 19th June or 26th June to learn more about studying and researching at Edinburgh.

Choose your event and register

Research profile

This new PhD in clinical education builds on our world-renowned expertise in the field of clinical education, and our well-established and respected Masters in Clinical Education programme.

It is an ideal programme for those wishing to further their career in academic clinical or medical education, who already have experience of delivering education for healthcare professionals, whether students, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, dental or veterinary practitioners. It will particularly appeal to those seeking leadership positions or to undertake independent high-quality research in clinical education.

Some of our current research focuses on:

• Faculty development
• Assessment and feedback in medical education
• Psychometrics
• Learning outcome development and mapping
• Students learning to teach and Peer Assisted Learning (PAL)
• Preparation for practice
• International medical education
• Clinical skills

The Centre for Medical Education has 25 members of academic staff (including fixed-term Fellows), 5 administrators, approximately 100 distance-learning MSc students, and typically 5-7 doctoral students.

We have good collaboration between university faculty, clinicians, NHS Education for Scotland and other institutions.

Training and support

The Centre has an excellent track record in providing training within clinical education to MSc students, undergraduate medical students and fixed-term clinical Fellows.

Doctoral students receive direct support from at least two academic supervisors during their studies, and a dedicated thesis committee provides guidance throughout the programme of research.

Research training is tailored to each doctoral student, but typically includes material from the well-established MSc ‘Research in Clinical Education’ and ‘Dissertation’ courses, an extensive programme of university PhD training workshops and meetings, and fortnightly ‘Medical Education Forum’ and ‘CME Research Meeting’ events for presentation of completed research and work-in-progress.

The Centre for Medical Education is based in The Chancellors Building, Little France, next to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Most faculty and doctoral students share three large offices, with others based in the state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Centre.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK masters degree, or its international equivalent, in a clinical, medical or health field, and a primary clinical qualification, such as an MBChB, BVS, BDS or Bachelor of Nursing.

You must have experience of clinical, medical, allied healthcare or veterinary education, for example teaching undergraduate or postgraduate students.

We will also consider your application if you have a biomedical or social science qualification, or a professional qualification, such as RGN , with appropriate clinical experience; please contact the programme team to check before you apply.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 62 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Tuition fees, scholarships and funding, featured funding.

• College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine funding opportunities

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Phone: +44 (0)131 242 6536
• Contact: [email protected]
• GU304 The Chancellors Building
• 49 Little France Crescent
• Little France
• Programme: Clinical Education
• School: Edinburgh Medical School: Medicine
• College: Medicine & Veterinary Medicine

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Clinical Education - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd clinical education - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

Before making your application, you must make contact with a potential supervisor to discuss your research proposal. Further information on making a research degree application can be found on the College website:

• How to apply for a research degree

You will be formally interviewed (in person, by video-conferencing or Skype).

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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PhD in Medical Science (CIMR)

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The Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) is one of the leading research institutions in the UK. The Institute’s mission is to determine the molecular mechanisms of disease in order to advance human health, and the working environment emphasises collaboration between basic and clinician scientists, meaning the students can learn from multiple different approaches to biomedical problems. There are 24 research groups working across three research themes (protein folding and quality control, membrane trafficking and organelle biology) and three disease areas where these fundamental processes are disturbed (rare genetic disease, neurological disease, and intracellular infection).

Students at CIMR benefit from a wealth of seminars, core topic sessions and workshops held in CIMR by outstanding world-leading researchers, providing a broad scientific education. Our students receive expert training in state-of-the-art technologies through our core research facilities, and also have diverse opportunities to communicate their research findings and develop collaborative networks, e.g. at the annual CIMR research retreat. There are also opportunities for training and involvement in public engagement with research, which is a particular area of focus.

CIMR welcomes applications from postgraduates to undertake research towards a PhD in any of the labs based in CIMR. We admit those applicants who meet the academic admissions criteria and whose research interests match those of an available member of the academic staff who is willing to act as the student's supervisor. We believe that research is most effective when it reflects the widest possible diversity of ideas and inspiration, so we welcome applications from individuals from groups that are traditionally under-represented in scientific research.

Applicants are required to contact potential supervisors directly in the first instance, to discuss their application and funding possibilities. A list of CIMR PIs can be found on the CIMR website.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of their PhD, students should:

• have a thorough knowledge of the literature and a comprehensive understanding of scientific methods and techniques applicable to their own research;
• be able to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
• have developed the ability to critically evaluate current research and research techniques and methodologies;
• have self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems;
• be able to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of research; and
• have gained oral presentation and scientific writing skills.

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments:

• Department of Pathology
• Department of Clinical Biochemistry
• Department of Clinical Neurosciences
• Department of Haematology
• Department of Medical Genetics
• Department of Medicine

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, cambridge institute for medical research this course is advertised in multiple departments. please see the overview tab for more details., course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Michaelmas 2024, easter 2025, funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• Medical Science (CIMR) MPhil
• Haematology PhD
• Medical Science (Haematology) MPhil
• Infection and Immunity PhD
• Biological Science (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology) by thesis MPhil

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Epidemiology and Public Health MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

Our PhD programme aims to equip the next generation of experts with the necessary tools to address major 21st-century health challenges and deliver real-world impact.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Prospective students should apply at least four months before their intended start date. If you require a visa we recommend allowing for more time.

• Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree and/or a Master’s degree (preferably with a merit or distinction) in a relevant discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The Epidemiology and Public Health research degree programme is based within UCL's Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care.

You will join an extremely engaging PhD programme, which currently supports a vibrant community of over 100 students from all over the world.

This programme offers you the opportunity to join a multidisciplinary research department with experts who focus on a wide range of public health concerns such as:

• Infectious disease monitoring, prevention and control
• Social determinants of health 
• Dental public health
• Disability across the globe
• Health and life expectancy in socially excluded groups
• Health surveys and longitudinal cohort studies

You will be supported to gain a wealth of skills, experience and networking opportunities that are relevant for a wide range of future careers, both within academia and more widely in the healthcare, industry and governmental sector.

You will receive direct supervision from world-leading academics based on UCL's campus in the heart of London. All PhD students are supported by supervisory panels of multidisciplinary staff, as well as student mentors, and departmental graduate tutors.

Who this course is for

This programme provides training for those looking for a career in epidemiology, public health and health care policy, either in academia, industry or public health practice. It is offered full time or part time, the latter option being suitable for those who continue in employment while gaining a research qualification.

What this course will give you

This programme will provide you with access to a wide range of supporting opportunities that will increase your ability to develop transferable skills, that are sought after by national and international employers.

Skills Development programme

UCL's DocSkills Development Programme is open to all PhD students at UCL and it offers an extensive list of development opportunities. The purpose of the programme is to give you the opportunity to expand your research and transferable skills in order to support your research, professional development and employability. Find out more about UCL's DocSkills Development programme .

Mentoring programme

We offer a Peer-Level Research Student Mentoring Scheme and provide all new research degree students with a peer-mentor upon arrival. The mentor you are allocated will generally be a 2nd or 3rd year PhD student.

We take career support very seriously at UCL and you can find out more within the programmes Careers and Employability section .

Early Career Researchers Forum

The Institutes’s Early Career Researcher Forum (ECF) is an ongoing and expanding programme of regular seminars for postdoctoral researchers and PhD students. Previous events focused on how to apply for jobs in academia, authorship and publishing, patient and public involvement in research, using social media in research (including film), how PhD students can best prepare for their viva, and oral and poster presentations.

Journal Club

A PhD and junior researcher journal club group which meets in an informal setting. With the aim of improving student's critical analysis and methodology skills, the Journal Club discusses papers from a broad range of topics on health promotion and disease prevention. The club is run by students and facilitated by a senior member of academic staff within the Institute.

Lunchtime Seminar Series

The Lunchtime Seminar series is delivered by the department's research groups and PhD students. The seminars typically take place once a month.

PhD Poster Competition

Every year we run a PhD student poster competition which is an opportunity to share students work with members of staff, outsiders who will be visiting for our Open Day and fellow students.

3-minute thesis competition (3MT)

The Institute runs an annual 3-minute thesis competition which is an academic competition that challenges PhD students to describe their research within three minutes to a general audience. 3MT celebrates the discoveries made by research students and encourages them to communicate the importance of their research to the broader community. It's a great opportunity for students to practice their presentation skills, meet other candidates and have a chance to win prize money.

Teaching Opportunities for PhD Students

The Institute is committed and recognises the importance of providing postgraduate teaching assistant opportunities for PhD students, so they can gain valuable experience during their studies at UCL. Formal is provided and a wide range of teaching opportunities are offered each term.

The foundation of your career

We produce graduates with the skills and knowledge sought after by government departments and public sector organisations worldwide, as well as leading academic institutions.

Employability

This research degree programme aims to provide excellent and challenging training for exceptional students, so that they may successfully pursue careers in:

• Local and central government
• Public health organisations
• Hospitals and clinical trial units
• Academic researchers and university lecturers
• Policy management
• Government advisors
• Charity and non-governmental sectors

This degree can be varied and may have an international dimension, including fieldwork carried out abroad, setting up a study within the UK or other countries, or using secondary data from some of the UK’s largest, most comprehensive longitudinal datasets many of which are housed within the institute.

You will also have access to UCL's Doctoral Skills Development programme, which will enable you to expand your research and transferable skills in order to support your research, professional development and employability.

The Institute’s research departments collaborate with third sector and governmental organisations, as well as members of the media, both nationally and internationally to ensure the highest possible impact of their work beyond the academic community. Students are encouraged to take up internships with relevant organisations where funding permits. Members of staff also collaborate closely with academics from leading institutions globally.

Teaching and learning

Learning is mostly self-directed with input from PhD supervisors. The training and development programme for each student is overseen and supported by a Thesis Committee panel, appointed by the supervisory team.

PhD final assessment is by means of a thesis, which should demonstrate your ability to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline.

Your thesis must also represent your distinct and significant contribution to the subject, either through the discovery of new knowledge, through the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory, or the revision of older views.

Your thesis should reflect the exercise of critical judgement with regard to both your own work and that of other scholars in the field.

You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transfer to PhD after successful completion of an upgrade viva. For a successful upgrade to PhD, you prepare a written report, give an oral presentation and pass an oral examination.

For a PhD award, you will be examined on your submitted thesis, this involves a viva (an oral exam) with two independent examiners.

Contact hours and hours of self-study are agreed between the student and the supervisor at the beginning of their research degree and should be reviewed on a regular basis. Full-time postgraduate research students are expected to work a minimum of 36.5 hours per week on their project. With agreement of their supervisors, contact time can be on-site or remote working depending upon the nature and stage of the project. PGR students can have the opportunity to access UCL facilities ‘out of hours’ including weekends and holidays during their period of registration. Students will have research meetings with their supervisors at least once per month. Full-time Research students can take 27 days of annual leave, plus eight days of Bank holidays and six UCL closure days.

Research areas and structure

Our research focuses on a wide range of public health concerns such as heart disease; dental public health; mental health and well-being; and child development and ageing. Our research has significant real-world impact, informing policy both in the United Kingdom and around the world, and the wider public understanding of health inequalities.

Find out more.

Research environment

UCL is among the world's top ten universities (QS World University Rankings 2024) with a reputation for high-quality research. Located in the heart of London, it is a stimulating and exciting environment in which to study.

• UCL is rated No.1 for research power and impact in medicine, health, and life sciences (REF 2021)
• UCL is ranked 6th in the world for public health (ShanghaiRanking's 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects)
• UCL is ranked 9th in the world as a university (QS World Rankings 2024)

UCL can bring the full power of a multi-faculty university to bear on discussions of population health, involving academics from the wide range of disciplines necessary to tackle some of the most difficult issues in public health.

More specifically, the UCL's Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care brings together four research departments, whose interests span the life course from childhood to old age, and research from the origins of disease to the development of innovative interventions.

The four research Departments are:

• Applied Health Research
• Behavioural Science and Health
• Epidemiology and Public Health
• Primary Care and Population Health

Full-time students are normally registered for a minimum of 3 years. 

All students initially register for the MPhil degree before being upgraded (typically early in the 2nd year) to the PhD degree. For a successful upgrade to a PhD, students must prepare a written report, give an oral presentation and pass an oral examination. 

Students are regularly monitored to ensure that they are making good progress and that supervisory arrangements are satisfactory to both the student and supervisor. Once the student has completed their research and submitted their thesis, they have a viva (an oral exam) with two examiners.

Part-time students are required to register for a minimum of 5 years.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

There may be additional costs related to participating in scientific meetings, conferences, short courses, or data collection/access, but these are all optional.

The students can apply for financial support provided by the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care to participate in conferences.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

View the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care's Studentship and Funding webpage for opportunities.  

The following studentships have been received in previous years: ESRC, MRC, MRC/ESRC, NIHR, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK, Wellcome Trust, European Union and British Heart Foundation.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

We accept research degree applications throughout the year. Please note: essential information about the application process can be found on the website .

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care

[email protected]

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Funding for biomedical research and innovation

Phd studentships and doctoral fellowships.

A PhD is a postgraduate research degree, usually lasting three or four years, if undertaken full time. It involves independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field and is normally assessed by a written thesis and oral examination.

Funding options available

Alzheimer’s Research UK: PhD scholarships Funding to undertake a PhD involving biomedical research in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Applications are made by the prospective supervisor. Funding: Stipend plus tuition fees and research/travel costs Duration: 36 months

Alzheimer’s Society: PhD studentships Funding to undertake a PhD involving biomedical research in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Applications are made by the prospective supervisor. Funding: Up to £85,000 (£91,000 for London) Duration: Three years

British Heart Foundation: Non-clinical PhD studentships Funding to undertake a PhD in cardiovascular science. Applications are made by the prospective supervisor. Funding: Stipend, tuition fees, consumables Duration: Three years

British Heart Foundation: Four-year PhD programme Funding for research organisations to provide a PhD studentship programme in cardiovascular research. Career stage: Prospective students should apply to individual research institutions Funding: Student stipend, tuition fees, research consumables Duration: Four years

MRC: Studentships Find out more about how MRC funds and supports PhD students at universities and MRC units, institutes and centres.

National Centre for the Replacement Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research: PhD studentships Funding to undertake a PhD studentship relevant to any area of medical, biological or veterinary research which supports the development and application of the 3Rs. Funding: Cash-limited award of £30,000 pa (£90,000 total over three years) Duration: 36 months

National Institute for Health Research: Doctoral fellowships Funding to undertake a PhD in an area of NIHR research. Funding: Fully funded including current salary Duration: 36 months with p/t options

Last updated: 6 July 2022

This is the website for UKRI: our seven research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Let us know if you have feedback or would like to help improve our online products and services .

Medical Education

The MPhil / PhD pathway in Medical Education is located within the Centre for Medical Education (C4ME) at the School of Medicine, Cardiff University.

• Fees and funding

Bringing together experienced doctors, nurses, psychologists, social scientists and educationalists, we ensure that the work of the school is based on strong pedagogical research foundations. Particularly suitable for those who have already completed a Postgraduate course in Medical Education (or equivalent), this is an excellent pathway to progress towards establishing a research portfolio in medical education.

Distinctive features

The Centre for Medical Education has a significant educational research profile. Academics and research staff from a variety of backgrounds contribute to our cross-disciplinary and wide-ranging educational research activities.

For further information, please contact Dr Michal Tombs at [email protected] .

Administrative contact(s)

School of medicine research degrees office.

Administrative contact

• Email [email protected]
• Telephone +44 (0)29 2074 6716

Academic contact(s)

Dr Michal Tombs

Educational research is fundamental to improving medical and health-related professional practice, from medical school to postgraduate training, and continuing professional development. At the Centre for Medical Education (C4ME), we are dedicated to contributing to the wider education community by sharing our research findings and involving key stakeholders in our educational research. Our research outputs and reputation are growing in both national and international importance.

Research areas

• Assessment in medical education
• Clinical communication
• E-learning in medical education
• Equality and diversity in medical education
• Simulation and Human Machine Interaction in Medical Education.
• Interprofessional education
• Peer-assisted learning
• Professional identity
• Selection in medicine
• Medical revalidation
• Transitions in medical careers
• Work-based learning
• Evaluation in Medical Education.

You can search our studentships or find out more about funding.

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Students from the rest of the world (international), programme information.

For programme structure, entry requirements and how to apply, visit the Medicine programme.

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Medical Ethics and Law

• Entry year 2024
• Duration Full time 3 - 4 years

The PhD in Medical Ethics and Law provides research training in core concepts and theories in the moral and political philosophy of current issues in biomedicine and health. The programme offers training in areas of the law that address these issues within national and international frameworks. We welcome applications concerning issues in reproductive ethics, environmental ethics, research ethics, clinical ethics and the donation of human body parts.

Your department

• Lancaster Medical School Faculty of Health and Medicine
• Telephone +44 (0)1524 592032

Entry requirements

Academic requirements.

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you will also need to provide a viable research proposal. Guidance for writing a research proposal can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 5.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications .

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes .

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email [email protected]

Fees and funding

The tuition fee for students with home fee status is set in line with the standard fee stipend provided by the UK Research Councils. The fee stipend for 2024/25 has not been set. For reference, the fee stipend for 2023/24 was full-time £4,712, part-time £2,356.

The international fee for new entrants in 2024/25 is full-time £26,490, part-time £13,245.

Depending on the nature of the research project, an additional programme cost may be charged. This additional fee will contribute towards the costs incurred on specific research projects. These costs could include purchasing specialist consumables, equipment access charges, fieldwork expenses and payments for transcription/translation services. Normally any additional charge will not exceed a maximum of £9,720 but this could be increased in exceptional circumstances.

Applicants will be notified of any specific additional programme cost when the offer of a place is made.

General fees and funding information

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee  which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.

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To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated  IT support helpdesk  is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.

For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.

The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your  fee status .

If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about  fees in subsequent years .

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities .

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries .

Similar courses

• Anaesthesia and Peri-Operative Sciences PgDip
• Clinical Psychology DClinPsy
• Clinical Research MSc
• Clinical Research PgCert
• Clinical Research PgDip
• Health Data Science MSc
• Health Data Science PhD
• Medical Education PgCert
• Medical Sciences MSc by Research
• Medicine PhD
• Medicine M.D.
• Social and Behavioural Sciences in Medicine PhD
• Sports and Exercise Sciences PhD
• Statistics and Epidemiology PhD

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The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information .

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We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies .

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Why It's Still Hard to Get Into Medical School Despite a Doctor Shortage

Doctor shortages are a growing concern, yet more than half of med school hopefuls don't get accepted.

Why It's Hard to Get Into Med School

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Medical schools need doctors to educate the next generation of doctors and a physician shortage doesn't help.

Key Takeaways

• A doctor shortage in the U.S. is projected to worsen in coming years.
• More medical school teachers and attending physicians are needed.
• There's a bottleneck between med school and graduate medical education.

Dr. Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, president of the American Medical Association, highlighted a doctor shortage crisis during a speech at the National Press Club in fall 2023.

“Imagine walking into an emergency room in your moment of crisis – in desperate need of a physician’s care – and finding no one there to take care of you,” he said.

A worsening doctor shortage in the U.S. is causing gaps in care across the country. Rural communities , which rely heavily on telemedicine, are most vulnerable. The shortage also directly affects medical schools nationwide, which rely on physicians to teach and mentor future doctors.

With demand for licensed physicians at an all-time high – and projected to be significantly higher by 2034, largely due to a growing and aging population – many observers wonder if admitting more students into medical schools will address the scarcity. Some say yes, but the complexities and demands of an effective medical school education present an uphill battle.

Not Enough Doctors or Med School Seats

In January 2024, there were just above 1.1 million professionally active doctors in the U.S., according to Statista, a worldwide data and business intelligence platform. And tens of thousands of those licensed physicians spend more time teaching, in research or in administrative roles than in patient care, according to the American Medical Association. Per the National Association of Community Health Centers, the physician shortage means 30% of Americans don't have a regular primary care doctor.

That's also a problem for medical schools: In short, you need doctors to make doctors. A shortage of them limits the number of mentors, teachers and attending physicians – for clinical hours – to engage with medical students. This is a consideration when increasing enrollment at medical schools, which number fewer than 200 in terms of accreditation to grant an M.D. or doctor of osteopathic medicine degree in the U.S.

A. Dexter Samuels, executive director of the Center for Health Policy at Meharry Medical College in Tennessee, echoes concerns. Admitting more students would disrupt the ratio of faculty to students, he says.

For every med student, a slot should be available for training in a hospital setting. The doctor shortage can’t accommodate an increase in the number of students, Samuels says, and "hypercompetitiveness of recruiting and retaining faculty" is an ongoing challenge.

Already, fewer than half of all applicants to U.S. med schools are accepted each year, with the average hopeful applying to multiple schools.

Solving the doctor shortage in the U.S. will take more than just increasing the number of spots available in medical school, says Dr. Amy Waer, dean of Texas A&M University's School of Medicine . That’s because there’s a bottleneck between medical school and graduate medical education – that is, residencies and fellowships – also known as GME.

“While many medical schools would like to increase their admission numbers, finding appropriate clinical training sites and physician faculty are limiting factors, particularly for community-based medical schools like Texas A&M,” Waer wrote in an email.

Per the Association of American Medical Colleges, residency slots and clinical training sites haven’t kept pace with growing medical school enrollments – and without residency training, graduating doctors can’t be licensed to treat patients. Experts say the shortfall is largely due to a congressionally imposed cap on federal support for GME through the Medicare program, in place since 1997.

How Medical Schools Are Responding

Enrollment in M.D.-granting medical schools has grown steadily from 92,626 during the 2019-2020 school year to 97,903 in 2023-2024, according to AAMC data . That's up significantly from 69,718 med school students in 2002, per the AAMC.

However, the increases are unlikely to fully address the scarcity of doctors predicted through 2034. The class sizes, enrollment and number of medical schools are “not growing fast enough to meet the demand for physicians' services and health care across the nation,” Ehrenfeld says.

New medical schools are opening, aiming to produce more doctors. They will also benefit their surrounding communities, Ehrenfeld says.

“Schools have different missions and different goals they are trying to achieve," he says. "As there continue to be innovative solutions around medical education and meeting those demands, we will see more campuses and more schools trying to align the needs of the community with the mission of the program.”

This deliberate approach to opening new medical schools can help address the doctor shortage and improve quality of life for their local communities. For example, Texas A&M created the A&M Rural and Community Health Institute to reduce health care disparities in the region.

“Texas A&M's medical school is creating innovative partnerships with communities – particularly for underserved rural communities – to consider the expansion of residency placements and programs,” Waer says.

The doctor shortage in the U.S. will be solved in time, some experts predict. While increasing the number of medical schools and expanding enrollment will help address the shortage, they say, it will take more doctors choosing careers in teaching and mentoring to solve the problem.

Searching for a medical school? Get our complete rankings of Best Medical Schools.

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Chasing childhood dreams, retired state trooper to graduate with medical degree

May 08, 2024.

When John “JB” Bradley was a young boy growing up in Beattyville, Kentucky, he dreamed of being a doctor. Inspired by his small town’s family physician, he imagined taking care of families just like his own one day.

With graduation just days away, Bradley is one step closer to actualizing that dream. He describes his journey to this moment as long, winding and certainly not without challenges. 

He enrolled at the University of Kentucky for the first time in 1988, intending to major in biology before attending medical school. Though Bradley excelled his first semester, he quickly realized he needed to mature and develop better academic habits to make his dream come true. Without completing his degree, he left the university and landed a job at a nearby lab, putting his short-lived science training to use.

After leaving UK in the late 1980s, Bradley would go on to get married, have children and lead an impressive, decades-long career as a public servant. Throughout his life, he strived to be a role model for his children to chase their dreams and, ultimately, to give back to the place and community that raised him. 

A public servant 

Feeling unfulfilled after a few years at the lab, Bradley reconsidered his childhood dream of helping others. Aside from the town doctor, Bradley sought early inspiration from another prominent community figure – his uncle, a Kentucky State Police (KSP) trooper. Bradley was always enamored by the sight of his uncle, dressed head-to-toe in uniform, stepping out of his police cruiser. 

“Against the advice of almost everyone in my life, including my parents, my friends, and, most loudly, the people at work, I put in an application to be a Kentucky State Police trooper,” said Bradley. He started basic training with the Kentucky State Police Academy in February 1996, remarking that his 22-week training coincidentally began on “ the coldest day of the year .” For 21 years, Bradley advanced through the ranks and served Kentucky as a member of law enforcement.

“The KSP phase of my life changed me fundamentally. As an officer, I gained confidence, technical know-how, practical know-how,” he said. “But most importantly, with regard to my medical career, I gained a real understanding of people in crisis – what they need, how they should be talked to – it really honed my communication skills.” 

Bradley lamented never finishing his degree and pledged to go back to school. He had also become a father and wanted to set an example for his two teenage children, so he enrolled at Kentucky State University to study criminal justice in 2016. 

A dream, once deferred 

“I understood what was at stake and how important it was to not squander that opportunity,” Bradley said. Unlike his first attempt at college, Bradley was older, more mature and steadfast in his commitment to success. 

Bradley retired from the KSP in 2017 with a full pension. After just three months of retirement, however, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had more to do. He returned to Kentucky State University once again – this time to finish his biology degree. 

In 2019, he graduated as class valedictorian.

“At this point, I had driven by the UK hospital in Lexington for over 30 years and, every time, I would think to myself, they are doing wonderful things in there, learning, using cutting-edge technology,” Bradley said. “They're doing the things that you've always wanted to do.

“I didn't have the dedication to do it way back when, but what about now?” 

At age 50, he decided to find out. Bradley spent months studying for the MCAT and applied to only one school: the UK College of Medicine . 

“I remember getting a call from Dr. (Michael) Rankin letting me know that I had been accepted. Other than my two children being born, it was the happiest day of my life,” said Bradley. 

According to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), only about  0.3% of medical students are over the age of 40 . Bradley admits being nervous to meet his classmates, noting he was nearly double their age. He wondered if he would fit it in. Within the first hour of orientation, those anxieties melted away. Bradley fondly recalls the diversity of his incoming class and described how their shared purpose of becoming physicians overshadowed any differences they may have had. 

“Medical school wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine though. There were some dark moments during my journey where I questioned if I had made a mistake,” Bradley said. “I can truly say I did not truly appreciate all of the late nights and hard work, my accomplishments and what my future would look like, until  Match Day .” 

Standing beside his daughter, Cali, who is currently a junior at Transylvania University and studying for the MCAT herself, Bradley opened the envelope that fateful Friday in March to reveal he would be staying at the University of Kentucky for residency training in pathology. 

As a police officer, and later investigative lieutenant, Bradley was no stranger to the work of pathologists. He had visited the state medical examiner’s lab in Frankfort many times throughout his career. During his fourth year of med school, he returned to the lab for a pathology elective. He found the discipline of pathology combined everything he was looking for in both a program and a lifestyle. 

Bradley credits then-associate dean for student affairs, Michelle Lineberry, Ed.D., for connecting him with Robert McDonald, D.O., director of the pathology residency program and advanced development director for the department, who helped him learn even more about pathology over the past year. 

“Dr. McDonald welcomed me and showed me other aspects of pathology that I had not been exposed to, like surgical pathology. He enabled me to meet with other faculty, too, which made me realize what an excellent way this would be to leverage my 21 years of police experience and have some continuity in my medical career,” Bradley said. 

A home in Kentucky

“I knew I had found my home once I did the interview,” he said. “I had great residency interviews everywhere, but the pathology department here stood out. Every person I met, I felt like I was sitting and talking with an old friend.”

Bradley also credits Department of Pediatrics Assistant Professor Michael Kuduk, MD, for his successes during school. During moments of personal strife, Bradley was able to turn to Dr. Kuduk for guidance and encouragement. “I was going through the most difficult personal challenges of my life, and it just happened to be at the same time as my most rigorous professional challenge yet — my primary internship,” recalled Bradley. “Dr. Kuduk was there to shepherd me through both.” 

Kuduk will also be the one to hood Bradley at the upcoming commencement ceremony, a gesture representing their strong bond formed over the last four years. 

“Ten years from now I intend to be right here in Lexington, practicing as a pathologist and continuing to do what I've done since 1996, which is, in some form or fashion, providing my service to the people that I grew up with here in Kentucky,” Bradley said. “Kentucky is my home, I've lived here for 53 years. I know what this hospital means to Kentucky. I know what this University means to Kentucky. And I intend to be part of that for as long as I can.” 

Bradley will graduate on Saturday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m. EDT, alongside 194 classmates from all four College of Medicine campuses. Commencement ceremonies will take place at the University of Kentucky Singletary Center for the Arts. 

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S7E6: Beyond Borders — The Journey of an International Medical Graduate

1 in 5 U.S. physicians was born and educated abroad, according to the AAMC. Non-U.S. international medical graduates—different from Americans who attend medical school abroad—face various obstacles in getting to and practicing medicine in America.

In S7E6, Nina Mercado Garcia, an international medical graduate from Colombia, joins Hạ to talk about her unique journey into medicine. From her initial decision to pursue medicine in Colombia to navigating the complexities of practicing in the U.S., Nina shares insights into the challenges and barriers faced by international medical graduates, shedding light on the disparities in opportunities and recognition. Nina's story highlights the significance of global collaboration and exchange in the medical field, and her aspiration to leverage the skills and knowledge gained in America to contribute to health care initiatives worldwide.

This content was originally produced for audio. Certain elements such as tone, sound effects, and music, may not fully capture the intended experience in textual representation. Therefore, the following transcription has been modified for clarity. We recognize not everyone can access the audio podcast. However, for those who can, we encourage subscribing and listening to the original content for a more engaging and immersive experience.

All thoughts and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views held by the institutions with which they are affiliated.

Host: Hạ Lê

Guest: Nina Mercado Garcia

Producer: Chloé Nguyễn

Editor: Mitch Sears

Connect with 'Bundle of Hers'

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At age 53, a retired Kentucky state trooper is graduating from UK’s medical school

After a 21-year career as a Kentucky State Police trooper, John Bradley has swapped his police uniform for a white coat.

On Saturday, the former lieutenant colonel will walk the stage at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine graduation, ready to launch a new career as a pathologist. At 53 years old, Dr. Bradley will be the school’s oldest graduate, about twice the age of the typical med school student.

In the fall of 1988, right out of high school, Bradley enrolled at UK to pursue his childhood dream of working in the medical field. Then, an ironic tragedy struck: He got all As on his first semester report card.

“Probably the worst thing happened to me that could have that first semester. I got a 4.0 grade average,” he said. “As the classes got harder, I started realizing I didn’t really have the academic preparation to be there but, more importantly I didn’t have the maturity.”

No stranger to side quests, Bradley performed in a heavy metal band, Brain Salad, during his first go-around at school. The band made an appearance in the Oct. 3, 1991, edition of Rolling Stone magazine.

Unfortunately, Bradley couldn’t mirror that success in his college classes.

Over the next four years, he was in and out of school. Bradley slowly lost his grip on passing grades and took a step back from college. He put his biology knowledge to use at a lab job.

Though Bradley appreciated his time in the private sector, he felt unfulfilled. He looked to those closest to him for inspiration.

“My uncle is a retired lieutenant colonel with KSP,” Bradley said. “My uncle was not a huge man. He would get out of that cruiser wearing the uniform, and he looked 10-feet-tall to me.”

Over his two-decade career, Bradley held six ranks, climbing all the way to lieutenant colonel, just like his uncle.

While working in Frankfort, he took the chance to go back to school and got a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Kentucky State University.

Still, he longed to be a doctor.

“I’d been driving by Chandler Hospital for 30 years, and I would always have just a pang of regret,” he said.

Though he had no intention of returning to school after retiring from KSP in 2017, Bradley found himself back at Kentucky State finishing his bachelor’s degree in biology a mere three months after retirement.

Matured and with a deeper appreciation for school, he graduated as the class valedictorian.

That’s when he knew he wanted to go to medical school, and he knew where. Bradley only applied to one program, UK’s College of Medicine.

Dr. Michael Rankin served on the admissions committee that year. He said Bradley’s life experience and diversity as a nontraditional student stood out.

“He had already shown that he had a keen interest in helping his fellow man. After all, that’s why we all go into medicine,” Rankin said.

His older sister, Geri Bradley, recalled growing up in a mobile home in Beattyville, playing make-believe doctor with her brother. Between imaginary patients, the pair laid on the floor flipping through pages of their dad’s encyclopedia, learning everything they could about the human body.

“John says he’s always looked up to me, but I’ve actually always looked up to him, and he’s my baby brother,” she said. “He’s done everything that I ever wanted to do, and I have lived these last years in his medical school vicariously through him.

“I am so proud of him, I don’t have the words for it.”

Rankin said UK’s alumni data shows doctors who go to high school, college, medical school and residency in Kentucky are likely to keep practicing medicine in the commonwealth. Bradley is a Kentuckian at heart, and plans to keep serving the commonwealth long after graduation.

He starts his pathology residency at UK later this year.

Bradley spent the first three years of medical school intending to become a radiologist. In his fourth year, he took a pathology elective at the state medical examiners office and knew he had to make the switch.

“It was kind of a call back to my police career. As an investigator, I had been to a lot of autopsies and had a lot of interactions with pathologists, even before I really understood that they were truly medical doctors,” he said.

Bradley called pathologists a “doctor’s doctor.” Although he knows he won’t be directly interacting with a lot of patients, he does take the weight of his job very seriously.

He said the police force taught him how to interact with people on the worst days of their lives, a skill that will help him meet people where they are when delivering a diagnosis.

“Your vocation and your profession is not just black and white, but there’s people behind it. People with consequences and people that need to be helped,” he said. “There’s a human being at the other end of that diagnosis.”

During his time on the force, Bradley said he prided himself on his ability to separate work and home. He could hang up his uniform and leave police work at the station. That changed after a particularly tough case in 2002.

As a sergeant at Post 5 based in Campbellsville, Bradley was called in on his day off to assist with a double murder. He answered questions at a news conference and went inside a Gallatin County house to help process the scene.

Two young children, ages 6 and 7, were dead. A third was assaulted and lived.

“I start to walk out the door, and right beside the door there’s three book bags… and then it just hit me all at once. ‘Damn, these three kids were planning on going to school, not the day that they got.’”

He added: “I could feel myself kind of drain. I got out in the yard, and there were three bicycles left the way kids throw them to the four corners of the wind.”

That day was the first time he cried because of something he experienced on duty. The tears flowed for the 50-mile drive back home.

The man convicted of those murders, Marco Allen Chapman, was executed in 2008. Nobody else in the commonwealth has been executed since.

“I can’t think about those book bags and those bikes because that’s when it got real. I couldn’t treat it as an abstraction anymore,” he said.

Looking forward to his career as a pathologist, Bradley doesn’t plan on leaving everything at the office as he once did.

“When I look at a tissue sample or a slide and I see bad news, it’s not just going to be an abstraction in my microscope. It’s going to be a real human being,” he said. “You hope you can give them a diagnosis and ease their suffering, but you’ve got to realize those things represent realness.”

From one childhood dream to the next, Bradley said after a fulfilling medical career he plans to go back to school and get a degree in meteorology.

Insisting that timing has made everything work in his life, Bradley said he is often struck by dumb luck.

“I just don’t have enough sense to know when I’m beat,” he said.

“I just don’t know when to quit.”

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Chasing childhood dreams, retired state trooper to graduate with medical degree

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 8, 2024) – When John “JB” Bradley was a young boy growing up in Beattyville, Kentucky, he dreamed of being a doctor. Inspired by his small town’s family physician, he imagined taking care of families just like his own one day.

With graduation just days away, Bradley is one step closer to actualizing that dream. He describes his journey to this moment as long, winding and certainly not without challenges. 

He enrolled at the University of Kentucky for the first time in 1988, intending to major in biology before attending medical school. Though Bradley excelled his first semester, he quickly realized he needed to mature and develop better academic habits to make his dream come true. Without completing his degree, he left the university and landed a job at a nearby lab, putting his short-lived science training to use.

After leaving UK in the late 1980s, Bradley would go on to get married, have children and lead an impressive, decades-long career as a public servant. Throughout his life, he strived to be a role model for his children to chase their dreams and, ultimately, to give back to the place and community that raised him. 

A public servant 

Feeling unfulfilled after a few years at the lab, Bradley reconsidered his childhood dream of helping others. Aside from the town doctor, Bradley sought early inspiration from another prominent community figure – his uncle, a Kentucky State Police (KSP) trooper. Bradley was always enamored by the sight of his uncle, dressed head-to-toe in uniform, stepping out of his police cruiser. 

“Against the advice of almost everyone in my life, including my parents, my friends, and, most loudly, the people at work, I put in an application to be a Kentucky State Police trooper,” said Bradley. He started basic training with the Kentucky State Police Academy in February 1996, remarking that his 22-week training coincidentally began on “ the coldest day of the year .” For 21 years, Bradley advanced through the ranks and served Kentucky as a member of law enforcement.

“The KSP phase of my life changed me fundamentally. As an officer, I gained confidence, technical know-how, practical know-how,” he said. “But most importantly, with regard to my medical career, I gained a real understanding of people in crisis – what they need, how they should be talked to – it really honed my communication skills.” 

Bradley lamented never finishing his degree and pledged to go back to school. He had also become a father and wanted to set an example for his two teenage children, so he enrolled at Kentucky State University to study criminal justice in 2016. 

A dream, once deferred 

“I understood what was at stake and how important it was to not squander that opportunity,” Bradley said. Unlike his first attempt at college, Bradley was older, more mature and steadfast in his commitment to success. 

Bradley retired from the KSP in 2017 with a full pension. After just three months of retirement, however, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had more to do. He returned to Kentucky State University once again – this time to finish his biology degree. 

In 2019, he graduated as class valedictorian.

“At this point, I had driven by the UK hospital in Lexington for over 30 years and, every time, I would think to myself, they are doing wonderful things in there, learning, using cutting-edge technology,” Bradley said. “They're doing the things that you've always wanted to do.

“I didn't have the dedication to do it way back when, but what about now?” 

At age 50, he decided to find out. Bradley spent months studying for the MCAT and applied to only one school: the UK College of Medicine . 

“I remember getting a call from Dr. (Michael) Rankin letting me know that I had been accepted. Other than my two children being born, it was the happiest day of my life,” said Bradley. 

According to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), only about  0.3% of medical students are over the age of 40 . Bradley admits being nervous to meet his classmates, noting he was nearly double their age. He wondered if he would fit it in. Within the first hour of orientation, those anxieties melted away. Bradley fondly recalls the diversity of his incoming class and described how their shared purpose of becoming physicians overshadowed any differences they may have had. 

“Medical school wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine though. There were some dark moments during my journey where I questioned if I had made a mistake,” Bradley said. “I can truly say I did not truly appreciate all of the late nights and hard work, my accomplishments and what my future would look like, until  Match Day .” 

Standing beside his daughter, Cali, who is currently a junior at Transylvania University and studying for the MCAT herself, Bradley opened the envelope that fateful Friday in March to reveal he would be staying at the University of Kentucky for residency training in pathology. 

As a police officer, and later investigative lieutenant, Bradley was no stranger to the work of pathologists. He had visited the state medical examiner’s lab in Frankfort many times throughout his career. During his fourth year of med school, he returned to the lab for a pathology elective. He found the discipline of pathology combined everything he was looking for in both a program and a lifestyle. 

Bradley credits then-associate dean for student affairs, Michelle Lineberry, Ed.D., for connecting him with Robert McDonald, D.O., director of the pathology residency program and advanced development director for the department, who helped him learn even more about pathology over the past year. 

“Dr. McDonald welcomed me and showed me other aspects of pathology that I had not been exposed to, like surgical pathology. He enabled me to meet with other faculty, too, which made me realize what an excellent way this would be to leverage my 21 years of police experience and have some continuity in my medical career,” Bradley said. 

A home in Kentucky

“I knew I had found my home once I did the interview,” he said. “I had great residency interviews everywhere, but the pathology department here stood out. Every person I met, I felt like I was sitting and talking with an old friend.”

Bradley also credits Department of Pediatrics Assistant Professor Michael Kuduk, M.D., for his successes during school. During moments of personal strife, Bradley was able to turn to Dr. Kuduk for guidance and encouragement. “I was going through the most difficult personal challenges of my life, and it just happened to be at the same time as my most rigorous professional challenge yet — my primary internship,” recalled Bradley. “Dr. Kuduk was there to shepherd me through both.” 

Kuduk will also be the one to hood Bradley at the upcoming commencement ceremony, a gesture representing their strong bond formed over the last four years. 

“Ten years from now I intend to be right here in Lexington, practicing as a pathologist and continuing to do what I've done since 1996, which is, in some form or fashion, providing my service to the people that I grew up with here in Kentucky,” Bradley said. “Kentucky is my home, I've lived here for 53 years. I know what this hospital means to Kentucky. I know what this University means to Kentucky. And I intend to be part of that for as long as I can.” 

Bradley will graduate on Saturday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m. EDT, alongside 194 classmates from all four College of Medicine campuses. Commencement ceremonies will take place at the University of Kentucky Singletary Center for the Arts. 

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.   

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