We provide high-quality research training to clinical health professionals with an aptitude for research to enable them to become future leaders in medical and healthcare science. We can offer training in an outstanding environment, spanning basic science, translational medicine, interdisciplinary, behavioural and applied health research.
Message from the Regius Professor of Physic
Professor Patrick Maxwell
Regius Professor of Physic and Head of the School of Clinical Medicine at Cambridge
“On behalf of the University’s School of Clinical Medicine, I welcome your interest in joining us to undertake research towards a PhD. We take great pride in our track record of successfully training health professionals to undertake the highest quality research across Cambridge and Norwich. We offer one of the most rewarding environments in which you could pursue your research training with world-leading researchers in The Schools of Clinical Medicine and Biological Sciences at the Universities of Cambridge, Wellcome Sanger Institute and other MRC, Wellcome & Cancer Research UK funded Institutes, Centres & Units in the wider Cambridge area, as well as the School of Health Sciences and Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia with other partners on the Norwich Research Park“
Message from the Programme Director
Professor Krishna Chatterjee
Director, PhD for Health Professionals Programme Cambridge & East Anglia
“Thank you for your interest in this exciting PhD Programme for Health Professionals, established in partnership between the Universities of Cambridge and East Anglia and the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
The programme offers opportunities to undertake predoctoral research placements to make an informed choice of project and supervisor, bespoke training and mentoring for a successful research experience and guidance postdoctorally to enable clinical health professionals to reach their full potential and pursue a successful academic career.
All we ask is the pursuit of research excellence, hard work and the will to make a difference to health”
Programme design
The Programme offers 5 fellowships funded by the Universities of Cambridge and East Anglia, and 2 Wellcome Sanger Institute-funded fellowships per year. Fellowships cover the broad themes of Genetic and Molecular Basis of Disease; Pathogens, Infectious Disease and Immunity; Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Medicine; Behaviour, Mental Health and Neurological Diseases; Epidemiology, Prevention and Public Health; Health Care Delivery and Improvement. Interdisciplinary research, with doctoral projects cosupervised by biomedical researchers and university investigators in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, is also encouraged.
The programme faculty provides mentoring and guidance on opportunities to undertake predoctoral research placements, enabling successful candidates to make an informed choice of PhD project and supervisor. Bespoke training and support for career development for fellows, together with support to supervisors, ensures a successful research experience. Postdoctorally, we will guide fellows, tailored to their individual progress, to make the transition into higher research fellowships and clinical pathways, enabling ongoing training with continuance of research momentum.
Programme structure
Up to seven fellowships are offered each year with a single round of admissions.
For medical graduates who do not hold academic clinical fellowships (ACFs) and nonmedical health professionals, there is the opportunity to undertake a three-month predoctoral research placement. During this time, you can undertake mini-projects with research groups in your area of interest, enabling making an informed choice of PhD project and supervisor(s), and formulation of a “Project Proposal” leading to a PhD.
At the start of the Programme, all fellows attend induction events for postgraduate students organised at the University of Cambridge, the University of East Anglia or Wellcome Sanger Institute. The programme includes lectures, workshops, and taught modules, constituting a personal portfolio of training.
Throughout the Programme and after completion, you will be mentored by one or more individuals from the Faculty and Management Committee of the PhD programme.
Year One
During year one, fellows are encouraged to present regularly at lab meetings and to attend journal clubs and seminars. Under University of Cambridge regulations, all PhD students are “probationary” in their first year. Those who wish to progress to a PhD must complete an assessment after 12 months, satisfying their supervisor(s), Head of Department and Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills, ability and scientific basis to achieve the higher degree, in order to be registered for the PhD. Fellows are therefore required to write a report on their work to date and plans for forthcoming work, and attend a viva. There is also a summer symposium where fellows present their work.
Year Two
You will be encouraged to present regularly at lab meetings, departmental seminars and at meetings of learned societies. You will also prepare for, and present at the summer symposium. Your progress will also be reviewed by the mentoring committee.
Year Three
Ongoing regular presentations at lab meetings, departmental seminars and meetings of learned societies is encouraged. Your progress will be reviewed by the mentoring committee and you will again present at the summer symposium. You will prepare your thesis for submission (deadline of 30 September) and your final viva will take place in October or November.
Programme supervisors
PhD Programme for Health Professionals at Cambridge and East Anglia
For further details of Individual Supervisors or Faculty please click here.
How to apply
Information on ‘how to apply’ for this programme, can be found here.
Current and previous Clinical PhD Fellows
FAQ’s
Click here for frequently asked questions.
