What is the definition of a Health Professional?
A health professional is an individual who is registered with a national professional regulatory body (e.g. the General Medical Council, Health and Care Professions Council) in the country in which the PhD programme is based. This would include, but not be limited to, the following professions:
- Allied Health Professionals (Art Therapists, Chiropodists/Podiatrists, Dieticians, Drama Therapists, Music Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Operating Department Practitioners, Orthoptists, Osteopaths, Paramedics, Physiotherapists, Prosthetists and Orthotists, Radiographers and Speech and Language Therapists)
- Chiropractors
- Clinical psychologists
- Dentists
- Dental hygienists
- Dental nurses
- Dental therapists
- Healthcare scientists (in life sciences, physiological sciences, physical sciences and biomechanical engineering, and bioinformatics)
- Health Visitors
- Medics
- Midwives
- Non-medical Public Health Specialty Trainees, specialists or Consultants
- Nurses
- Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians
- Osteopaths
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy technicians
- Practitioner Psychologists
- Social Workers
- Vets
Can I apply to the Programme if already registered for a PhD?
If you are already registered for a PhD with funding available to support the full duration of this higher degree, you are not eligible to apply to this programme.
Do I need to apply for alternative/additional funding?
No, all studentships are fully funded so there is no need to apply for additional funding to be considered for this PhD programme.
What information should I put in my Statement of Interest?
Please provide a one-page statement on your research interests and experience, career goals and how these fit with your preliminary project aspirations. Please state whether or not you would consider a fellowship based at the Wellcome Sanger Institute or the University of East Anglia.
Can I apply for an MPhil prior to starting my PhD?
Funding is not available for an individual to undertake an MPhil prior to starting a PhD.
Do I need to have a confirmed supervisor and/or project before applying?
No. This programme does encourage individuals who do not have a specific research project to experience different laboratories before making a choice of research project and supervisor; therefore, there is no requirement to have a pre-determined project proposal or supervisor in mind prior to application. Alternatively, individuals with a predetermined project and supervisor are also welcome to apply. In either case, candidates will be asked to describe their research plan or aspirations in detail at interview; and this will form part of the selection process.
Is it possible to continue some clinical work during my PhD?
Successful individuals are able to continue limited clinical work, usually a maximum of one outpatient clinic per week.
Is the scheme open to clinicians who have completed clinical training (Consultant-level individuals)?
No, clinicians with CCT are not eligible to apply.
What if I have further questions?
Contact Teresa Wallman with questions about the PhD Programme itself, or the Postgraduate Admissions Office for information about the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Application Portal.
