PhD Programme for Health Professionals at Cambridge and East Anglia

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.

Open Days

The University of Cambridge Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November.  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.

The University of East Anglia Postgraduate Open Days are also still largely virtual. Registration is available via https://www.uea.ac.uk/visit/postgraduate-open-days