phd student medicine

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PhD in Medicine

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Doctoral studies are carried out by science postgraduates, medical students combining clinical training with the PhD, and clinically qualified doctors undertaking scientific training. The research covers the whole spectrum of medical science from basic biology to clinical therapies.

Along with the specific research training provided in the laboratory in which they work, students receive further training within the department in the form of postgraduate workshops concentrating on research techniques, research seminars both on the Addenbrooke's site and elsewhere in the University, and postgraduate student seminars dealing with generic skills such as intellectual property rights, writing a thesis or paper, and entrepreneurship.

Candidates wishing to take a shorter course of research and write a thesis for the master's after one year may apply for the MPhil in Medical Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

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.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, doctor of philosophy, department of medicine, 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

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 (Medicine) MPhil
• MD (Doctor of Medicine) MD
• Infection and Immunity PhD
• Medical Science (Medical Genetics) MPhil
• Biological Science (Pathology) by thesis MPhil

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Imperial College London Imperial College London

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• Undergraduate

Intercalated PhD option for Medical Students

Build on your study of Medicine with the chance to complete a PhD as part of your course.

Include a PhD as part of your Medicine degree

Explore research from a range of specialities

Benefit from world-class facilities and collaborate across departments at Imperial

Course key facts

Qualification, october 2024, ucas course code, apply to a100, mbbs: £9,250 phd: varies by year home, mbbs: £53,700 phd: varies by year overseas, delivered by, school of medicine, south kensington, applications: places, 12 : 1 (2022), course overview.

This course offers exceptional students on the standard Medicine MBBS/BSc degree the opportunity to include a PhD as part of their course.

This consists of three years’ research, taken after completion of the BSc component.

Research within the Department covers a very broad range of specialities, and you will benefit from access to world class facilities and the chance to collaborate with researchers from other departments and faculties at the College.

After your three years of research are complete, you will continue with the remainder of the MBBS programme, graduating with both an MBBS and PhD qualification.

• 4th in the world Medicine, Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, 2023
• Specialist pathways so you can focus on core fields of interest such as neuroscience or mental health.
• Accredited by the General Medical Council Graduate qualified for provisional registration with the GMC
• Phases 1-3 (MBBS/BSc)
• Intercalated PhD

Phase 1 of the course runs over three years. You will undertake an integrated programme covering the scientific basis of medicine and the foundations of clinical practice, with clinical experience from the start.

The third year consists of clinical attachments in hospitals and placements in a primary care setting, supported by structured teaching.

Phase 2 leads to the award of a BSc degree at the end of year four. We have many specialist pathways available, exposing you to research at the cutting edge of the field. You also undertake a supervised research project.

Phase 3 covers the final two years of the MBBS qualification. You rotate through a wide range of clinical specialties, such as obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, general practice and paediatrics.

In the final years, you have the freedom to follow your own interests and undertake an eight-week elective, which you may complete in the UK or overseas.

For full details of each phase, including specific modules, please see the Medicine MBBS/BSc page .

You will initially apply initially for Medicine MBBS/BSc (UCAS code A100) .

During your fourth or third year of study, you will contact the BSc Programme Officer to apply to undertake an intercalated PhD.

While undertaking a PhD, you will be placed on an interruption of studies from your MBBS medicine course.

Professional accreditation

This course is professionally accredited by General Medical Council .

This means that your education meets a respected and recognised standard, starting your career with skills and attitudes needed deliver high-quality care.

Associateship

As well as your main Imperial degree, you will also receive the award of the Associateship of the Imperial College School of Medicine (AICSM). This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.

Your timetable and learning

We use a repeating schedule to allow you to focus on Professional Knowledge, Clinical Skills, Professional Values and Behaviours at specific times.

You will focus on deep and active learning methods, such as flipped classrooms and team-based Learning so you can practise and apply your knowledge and critical thinking. 

Your performance will be assesed by a combination of written and clinical examinations and continuous assessment.

Assessments for the MBBS programme are pass/fail. In-course assessments and examinations relating to the science modules in Phase 2 contribute to the final classification for honours for the BSc element of the MBBS/BSc degree and are graded.

Medical Licensing Assessment

The General Medical Council's Medical Licensing Assessment aims to demonstrate that those who obtain registration with a licence to practise medicine in the UK meet a common threshold for safe practice.

To obtain registration with a licence to practise, you will need to pass both parts of the MLA, pass university finals and demonstrate your fitness to practise.

Student agreement

Due to the unique nature of Medicine courses, which emphasise clinical placements, all students will be asked to sign an agreement upon entry which sets out the responsibilities of both the College and the student.

The agreement complements the College’s current policies and procedures, promoting a coherent understanding between students and the Faculty as to what is expected from each and improving the student’s learning experience.‌

Placements and location of study

You will complete a number of placements and clinical attachments throughout your degree. Most of your study will be at our South Kensington and Charing Cross campuses, however, your studies will also take you off-campus at various points in each academic year.

During phase one, you will undertake community-based experiences at General Practices in London. Practices will be accessible by either bus or train, usually requiring under one hour travel.

The Phase 3 clinical specialities, as well as other opportunities to specialise, may be located at other Imperial campuses such as  Charing Cross ,  Chelsea and Westminster ,  Hammersmith ,  Royal Brompton ,  St. Mary’s .

You can expect to complete attachments at the below list of teaching hospitals, provided as a guide:

• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
• London North West Healthcare NHS Trust – Ealing Hospital
• Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Charing Cross, Hammersmith, St Mary's and Western Eye Hospitals
• London North West Healthcare NHS Trust – Northwick Park
• Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust
• West Middlesex University Hospital

We have partnerships with healthcare providers inside and outside of London, and the list above is given as a guide and is not intended to be exhaustive.

The main clinical attachments or training away from South Kensington and Charing Cross are in the Phase 1c, Phase 3a and Phase 3b:

• Phase 1c: three 8-weeks clinical placements (including one in General Practice)
• Phase 3a: dedicated pathology course and a range of clinical specialities
• Phase 3b: range of clinical attachments and elective period

Staff expertise

At Imperial, you will be taught by a range of teachers of all levels from Professors to PhD students, including some who undertake groundbreaking research and are regarded as experts in their field. You may also experience peer teaching and be taught by specialists external to the College.

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

• Minimum entry requirements
• Foundation programmes

We do not currently accept UCL UPCSE or Warwick IFP Science and Engineering applications for this course.

How to apply

Applications for 2024 entry are now closed, application process.

You will initially apply initially for Medicine MBBS/BSc (UCAS code A100).

You must meet certain academic requirements in the early years of your degree to be eligible for the PhD programme, and places are competitive so cannot be guaranteed.

While undertaking a PhD, you will be placed on an interruption of studies from your medical course.

Student visas

If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa.

Find out more from our International Student Support website .

Tuition fees

Overseas fee, £9,250 per year, phd fee: dependent on the year in which you study, inflationary increases.

Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.

Find out more about our  tuition fees payment terms , including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.

Which fee you pay

Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out  how we assess your fee status .

Government funding

If you're a Home student, you can apply for a  Tuition Fee Loan  from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.

You can also apply for a means-tested  Maintenance Loan  to help towards your living costs.

Imperial Bursary scheme

We’re offering up to £5,000 each year through our Imperial Bursary scheme for eligible Home undergraduates.

If your household income remains under £70,000 a year, you’ll automatically qualify for every year of your course.

Find out more about our Imperial Bursary scheme .

As a guide, the Overseas fee for 2023-24 was £50,400.

Scholarships, imperial bursary, value per award.

• £1,000–£5,000 per year

Who it's for

• Home students whose household income falls below £60,000 a year

Medicine scholarships

• Students who have Firm Unconditional places to study Medicine at Imperial.

NHS funding

• Full tuition fee support and a means-tested bursary or a tuition fees only bursary.
• Students in the final (clinical) years of their MBBS

Your career as a doctor

Graduate with the skills and knowledge to enter into a diverse range of careers including clinical medical practice, biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry, scientific journalism and healthcare management.

Access the specialist careers support from the medical school careers team, alongside the support offered through your personal tutor and other medical school staff. Including one-to-one appointments, talks from doctors in different specialities, skill sessions, networking events and careers fairs, a dedicated careers websites and much more.

Achieving this MBBS provides you with a primary medical qualification (PMQ), entitling you to provisional registration with the GMC and license to practise in approved Foundation Year 1 posts. In your final year, we will support you to apply for a Foundation Year 1 post through the UK Foundation Programme selection scheme.

On successful completion of the Foundation Year 1 programme you can apply for full registration with the GMC before entering Foundation Year 2.

As a doctor you’ll need full registration with a license to practise for unsupervised medical practise in the NHS or UK private practice, although regulations in this area are subject to change. Then, you can train as a specialist through an NHS scheme, choosing from around seventy different specialities.

Further links

Contact the department.

• Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 7259
• Email: [email protected]

Visit the School of Medicine website

Request info

Learn more about studying at Imperial. Receive useful information about our life in our undergraduate community and download our latest Study Guide.

Events, tasters and talks

Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.

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Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

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MCOM Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs

Quick links, phd students & faculty, current students & faculty.

The University of South Florida is a globally minded institution, and the Medical Sciences PhD program is representative of the university’s commitment to consistently enrolling highly qualified and motivated students from diverse backgrounds. We have more than 80 students in our program, in more than 40 different labs across campus. We invite you to learn more about our students, their research, and our faculty mentors by exploring their profiles. 

Incoming students do not need to select a mentor prior to joining the program. All students participate in at least three rotations before joining a lab. 

Association of Medical Sciences Graduate Students

AMSGS is a fully student-run organization for students in the Medical Sciences graduate programs (PhD and Masters). In addition to assisting with recruitment visits and new student orientation, AMSGS hosts social, academic, and professional development events throughout the year.

Follow @AMSGS on Facebook, @usf_health_amsgs on Instagram, and visit the AMSGS website to learn about recent and upcoming events!

Why Pursue an MD-PhD?

New section.

Just some of the reasons why people choose a career as a physician-scientist.

• The career of a physician-scientist is unique. There are few comparable careers that allow one to experience the passion of solving a patient's medical struggles while pursuing research that may define the mechanism of that patient’s disease and may ultimately translate into a clinical cure for the disease.
• MD-PhD trainees are research scientists who solve mechanisms underlying disease, combined with their passion to treat patients in a clinical setting.
• MD-PhD training efficiently integrates the scientific and medical education of the physician-scientist.
• During the PhD training years, MD-PhD students take the coursework and formal training in research methodology that are important for the development of the research scientist.
• Most MD-PhD programs provide trainees with a stipend and tuition scholarships. This financial support recognizes the time that a student must spend in training for the MD-PhD career. The extent of financial support varies among programs and may only support U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Areas of Research Interest for MD-PhD Training

• Most MD-PhD candidates earn their PhD in biomedical laboratory disciplines such as cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering.
• Some MD-PhD Programs also allow trainees to do their graduate work in fields outside of laboratory disciplines, including computational biology, economics, epidemiology, health care policy, anthropology, sociology, or the history of medicine.
• The spectrum of graduate degree programs offered is an important element to consider when applying to specific MD-PhD Programs.
• @AAMCpremed

Helpful tools and information regarding medical MD-PhD programs.

Information about applying to MD-PhD programs, emphasizing the application process during COVID-19.

Information about MD-PhD programs, emphasizing the career and application process.

Learn about MD-PhD Programs from program leaders.

Upcoming short presentations will describe features of MD-PhD training, alumni careers, and detailed logistics of the application process.

Emily battled viral encephalitis for years during college, and now as a MD/PhD student, she reminds premeds that it's okay to ask for help.

Cesar couldn't apply to medical school when he first graduated from college due to his undocumented status. Now he's in a MD-PhD program and hopes to practice in the Southwest where there's a high need for Spanish-speaking physicians.

MD/PhD Program

Our MD/PhD Program, the largest national program of its kind, trains and mentors the next generation of physician scientists.

Physician scientists are trained as medical doctors and scientists. They are in the unique position of pursuing both scientific research and clinical practice, translating academic excellence into health care excellence for Canadians every day. Our program attracts the very best medical researchers to U of T PhD programs, and has produced successive generations of innovative health leaders. Through collaborative and interdisciplinary research, we are advancing medicine and improving health around the world.

The MD/PhD Program trains physician scientists who are well prepared for both research and clinical practice, highly competitive and productive.

You may apply for admission into the MD/PhD Program at the same time as your MD application, or during your first year of medical school at U of T.

Research Training Opportunities

We have a wide array of research training opportunities available.

Research Application Support Initiative (RASI)

RASI is offered through the Community of Support and includes MD and MD/PhD student support with developing research CVs, publishing research, and finding research positions.

Black Student Application Program

The MD/PhD Program encourages applications for both the MD/PhD Program and BSAP.

Indigenous Student Application Program

Indigenous applicants are welcome to apply through both ISAP and the MD/PhD Program.

We live during a time of remarkable advances in the sciences that span the expanse of biomedical to health services research. Indeed, there has never been a time when it is so exciting to do science; never has there been such potential for discovery and application of these discoveries for the benefit of human health. Nicola Jones, MD, PhD, MD/PhD Program Director

MD/PhD student Hannah Kozlowski receives inaugural future leaders prize

Class of 2T6: What Drives Your Passion for Medicine?

Faces of Temerty Medicine: Mitch De Snoo

Melbourne Medical School

Md-phd pathway.

While the Melbourne MD already equips students with the necessary skills to commence a career as a clinician-researcher, the pathway allows those with a deep interest in research to explore this exciting opportunity early in their medical training to lay a parallel foundation for their academic career.

The Melbourne MD-PhD is not an accelerated pathway. The minimum duration of the MD-PhD pathway is seven years, comprised of four years MD and three years PhD. Students will find that the research training components of the MD will have synergies with the PhD which will, in turn, inform and enhance their MD experience.

Offering flexibility through a variety of entry points during the MD allows students to commence the MD-PhD pathwat at the time most appropriate for them. A unique feature of the Melbourne MD-PhD approach is that each student's pathway is individually tailored in accordance with their needs, preferences, and life circumstances. Diagrams on the timelines page show possible ways of completing the MD-PhD pathway, with other modes also possible. The optimal pathway will vary according to the individual’s needs and the nature of their PhD research activity. However, common to all pathways is that students can only commence their PhD after the first year of the MD.

Eligibility

Md students wishing to enrol in a phd must have completed one of the following:.

• A four-year Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25 percent of one year of full-time study and have achieved a minimum weighted average of 80 percent (University of Melbourne) or equivalent.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25 percent of one year of full-time study and achieved a minimum weighted average of 80 percent (University of Melbourne) or equivalent.
• Successful completion of required MD research coursework from the first three years of the four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree (or equivalent).
• A qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent.

Applicants must also have completed the following:

• At least the first year of the Melbourne MD.
• An MD-PhD pathway proposal to be completed with the support of the MD-PhD course advisor, and endorsed by a prospective PhD supervisor.

International students who are interested in the MD-PhD should seek advice from the International Admissions Office in relation to their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and visa implications.

It is important to note that meeting these requirements does not automatically guarantee selection as a PhD candidate. Each application and proposal will be assessed on its individual merits.

Each student will work with their clinical school, course adviser and RTA mentors to identify the right point at which to commence their doctoral research program, to integrate aspects of the two programs, and to ensure good progress in both research and clinical training while maintaining personal well-being.

To assist with application and entry to the program, students will be asked to:

• Have an early consultation with a course advisor to tailor their proposed MD-PhD program to their needs, in consultation with the Director of their clinical school.
• Provide a draft pathway proposal describing their intended program over the duration of the MD-PhD pathway.

Enquiries regarding pathway eligibility and the application process should be submitted to  [email protected].

The Melbourne MD-PhD is not an accelerated pathway. The minimum duration of the MD-PhD pathway is seven years, comprised of four years MD (which may include concurrent part-time enrolment in the PhD in the later years) plus three additional full-time years PhD. MD-PhD students will find however that the research training components of the MD will have synergies with the PhD which will, in turn, inform and enhance their MD experience.

Offering flexibility through a variety of entry points during the MD allows students to join the MD-PhD program at the time most appropriate for them. A unique feature of the Melbourne MD-PhD approach is that each student's pathway is individually tailored in accordance with their needs, preferences, and life circumstances.

Example pathway 1: MD-PhD pathway, with intercalation after MD1

This pathway is recommended for students who have completed Honours or equivalent prior to commencement of the MD.

Example pathway 2: MD-PhD pathway with intercalation after MD2

Example pathway 3: MD-PhD as part of a whole career path

Integration into the MD

As part of the MD-PhD, if required, students will be exempt from enrolling in Discovery subjects in year 3 and 4 of their course, and can use this time to ensure timely completion of the PhD. This will allow for maximum flexibility and support toward successful completion of both the PhD and the MD.

Research Training Academy (RTA)

At the centre of the Melbourne MD-PhD is the Melbourne Medical School Research Training Academy (RTA), a ‘scholarly greenhouse’ that provides a supportive and facilitative community of practice for MD students undertaking joint degree pathways.

The RTA will offer MD joint degree students with access to a range of opportunities and resources including career guidance, mentorship and sponsorship to encourage a supportive environment during their studies.

The Research Training Academy (RTA) will be comprised of:

• Members - MD students undertaking a joint degree (for example: MD-PhD or MD-MPH).
• MACH-Track Fellows - Elite cohort of doctors selected to integrate PhD and research training with completion of their vocational training in accredited hospital specialties, or general practice.
• Alumni - Graduates of MD joint degree programs who are invited to act as junior supervisors and mentors to Members.
• Fellows - Senior clinician-researchers and supervisors, appointed by invitation, who will provide leadership and inspiration to Members and MACH Track-Fellows.

The RTA will provide students a greater understanding of the opportunities and challenges at different stages of their careers and to engage with like-minded clinician-researchers from many different research fields and clinical specialities.

Opportunities will be provided to develop key skills for 21st century researchers including training on:

• maximising research impact
• using social media and other new media
• entrepreneurship and leadership
• knowledge translation
• using emotional intelligence optimally as a clinician-scientist
• career planning
• development of teaching and supervision skills
• science communication

Access to extra learning resources, activities and mentoring will be available to all members of the RTA. However, individuals will determine the level of engagement which is most appropriate to their studies and needs. The right time to engage in these optional opportunities will differ for students, and guidance will be provided through the RTA to ensure students feel inspired and supported, rather than overwhelmed.

Watch the first RTA kick off event for more information.

Associate Professor Margie Danchin

Director, Clinician Scientist Pathways Email: [email protected]

Although every student’s pathway is unique, while you are enroled in the PhD your MD studies will be suspended and then resumed once you return to clinical studies. Depending on your pathway you may be enrolled in a “holding” subject of the MD to allow you to maintain some clinical contact during your PhD.

You can start your PhD anytime after successful completion of the first year of the MD right through to the beginning of the fourth year provided you meet the PhD requirments. The right time for you will depend on many factors which you should discuss with your potential PhD supervisors and members of the MMS Research Training Academy and the Department of Medical Education.

You can take leave from the MD any time after successful completion of the first year to resume and complete your PhD and then return to complete the remaining years of your MD. You may find that after completing the first year of your MD that you may wish to make some modifications to your project to fit your medical career path.

Staying connected with the MD cohort

Many PhD projects allow you to remain connected to clinical medicine while you undertake your research. You will be encouraged to maintain contact with your clinical cohort and engage in some MD clinical opportunities through elective activities. Enrolment in an MD holding subject may be required to undertake these activities so that you remain insured and indemnified.

It is inevitable that the group with whom you start the MD will continue to move through their course while you are spending time on your PhD studies. However you will remain a member of your clinical school so that you can participate in community, social and appropriate learning activities there. MD-PhD students are invited to attend the MD Student Conference and will be given opportunities to present their research, as well as enjoying educational sessions and social networking. In addition to connections with your MD cohort you will develop close connections with other MD-PhD students who are also members of the MMS Research Training Academy through your shared PhD journey. You will also develop new networks through association with senior clinician researchers.

Yes, you are able to undertake postdoctoral research in your chosen area during the MD. Through the MMS Research Training Academy you will have mentors nominated to assist both in the development of a postdoctoral pathway and to guide you during this.

The RTA is a virtual Academy for MD joint degree students. As a member you will be introduced to like-minded peers and mentors, and have the opportunity to be involved in educational events and research workshops. These will be hybrid events with as much face to face contact as possible. You will remain part of the Academy throughout your PhD candidature and then be invited to become part of the alumni community.

Entry to the Academy as a Member will be offered to you as you commence your PhD or other degree at UoM. You’ll earn Alumnus status when you complete both courses, and you will be encouraged to remain part of the RTA and provide guidance and advice to other members as junior supervisors and mentors. Senior leadership within the Academy is provided by the MACH-Track fellows, who are completing PhDs as part of their vocational training after completing their MD, and senior Fellows , who are carefully selected senior academic clinicians and researchers who will actively mentor, supervise and inspire their junior colleagues.

Support and help

Preparing for completion is a critical time for all PhD students and support from the RTA will be maximised.  With guidance from your PhD supervisory team, you will be assisted to submit your thesis, plan for publication of papers, and to prepare for re-entry to the MD with a re-introduction to clinical learning. The intent is to facilitate timely and successful PhD completion for all candidates, as well as a confident, assured return to the MD.

Having your medical degree and research doctorate (in addition to your prior degree/s) under your belt prepares you well for the next phase of your career. Your PhD supervisory team will guide you on decisions around starting your post-doctoral career, supported by mentors within the RTA. As an Alumnus of the Melbourne Medical School RTA, you remain connected to clinical colleagues in the  MACH-Track clinician-scientist pathway who are undertaking postdoctoral research alongside their vocational medical specialist training which will further expand your professional networks.

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