Cancer (Intercalated) PhD
Awards: PhD
Study modes: Full-time
Funding opportunities
PhD research is carried out in groups, centres and institutes associated with the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine in Edinburgh or the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences in Glasgow. We emphasise cross-city interactions, which may include:
- collaborative projects
- joint symposia
- other activities bringing together PhD students, clinical research fellows and other researchers or clinicians As well as benefiting from the vibrant cancer research community across Edinburgh and Glasgow, we will encourage PhD students to network with students in other UK centres.
Launched in 2019, this programme is funded by Cancer Research UK and allows Medical students to enter a 3-year PhD training programme during their medical degree. The programme offers a new and exciting opportunity for bright and enthusiastic medical students to gain top-quality research training and secure a clinical qualification.
To maximise the chance of sustaining a successful academic career, students will be mentored by their supervisors and other members of staff throughout the stages of the programme including:
- the PhD selection process
- the PhD project
- completion of their Medical degree
- the postgraduate phase.
This scheme is designed to offer PhD training integrated into a clinical medical degree and maximise retention of participants in medical research. We see Programme alumni as the future academic clinical leaders in cancer research. Selected applicants will be trained in cutting-edge practical, scientific and analytic skills with a focus on scientific excellence. They will also gain in-depth understanding of the rigour, discipline and precision required for translational research. We expect the high-profile medical and scientific journals to publish the outcomes of students’ research. Many projects will focus on cancer pathogenesis or treatment, while others may focus on developing high-level skills applicable to important questions in cancer research.
These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.
The programme is tailored specifically for intercalating medical students and is only available to students who are currently undertaking an intercalated medical degree, a MBChB, MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery). Only students registered at the following universities are eligible to apply:
- The University of Edinburgh
- The University of Glasgow
- University of Aberdeen
- University of St. Andrews
- University of Dundee
- University of Belfast
- University of Newcastle
Students studying in Scotland can enter the programme at the end of year 4 following their first clinical year.
Due to limited places, entry to this programme is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements for consideration does not guarantee an offer of study.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which 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 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
- Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 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:
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).
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.
Find out more about our language requirements:
| Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Cancer | 3 Years | Full-time | Tuition fees |
Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.
Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
borrowing money
taking out a loan
family support
personal savings
income from work
employer sponsorship
- scholarships
Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Postgraduate Administrator , Alana Johnson
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5771
- Contact: student-admin@igc.ed.ac.uk
- Programme Director , Charlie Gourley
- Contact: charlie.gourley@ed.ac.uk
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer
- Western General Hospital
- Edinburgh
- EH4 2XU
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
PhD Cancer (Intercalated) (UoE Lead with Glasgow) - 3 Years (Full-time)
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. We may consider late applications if we have places available, but you should contact the relevant Admissions Office for advice first.
You must submit two references with your application.
You are required to submit three references; one should be a letter of Good Standing from your Undergraduate Student Adviser.
Personal statements will be a key criterion in the assessment of your application. Your personal statement should show your knowledge and experience of research and the research process and should address the following points:
- Why do you want to take the PhD?
- What experience of scientific research do you have?
- Describe the area of biological or medical sciences you want to investigate. (This does not need to directly relate to cancer, but it should include relevant skills.)
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- Postgraduate Administrator , Alana Johnson
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5771
- Contact: student-admin@igc.ed.ac.uk
- Programme Director , Charlie Gourley
- Contact: charlie.gourley@ed.ac.uk
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer
- Western General Hospital
- Edinburgh
- EH4 2XU