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Apply using the Applicant Portal
The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.
An application is only complete when:
- you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
- you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
- your referees have provided their references.
If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.
The MRC Toxicology Unit offers a number of fully funded PhD studentships each year. These are advertised by the potential supervisor for a specific research project and can be found here: https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk/phd-programme. Applicants should also provide a CV and personal statement highlighting why they are interested in applying for a PhD at the Toxicology Unit. A research proposal is not required for advertised projects. Applicants should supply the name of two referees, including the head of the department or their supervisor at their place of undergraduate study.
Alternatively, you are welcome to suggest and develop your own project with your potential supervisor. You will need to identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your ideas for a research project and see if they can accommodate you within their research group. If you are accepted you will need to provide your own funding; the University has a number of funding opportunities, and the deadlines for these are usually towards the end of the calendar year.
Selection Process
Applicants should expect to hear whether they have been successful within 12 weeks following the submission of their completed application and required supporting documents.
Appointment to a studentship will normally follow a two stage selection process: a panel interview to assess overall suitability for a PhD studentship at the Toxicology Unit, and a second stage 1:1 interview with the potential supervisor(s).
The interviewers must be satisfied that the candidate is suitably qualified and capable of undertaking the proposed research and present a final thesis.
The formal offer of admission will be made by the Postgraduate Admissions Office on the recommendation of the Unit.
What Happens Next? | Postgraduate Admissions (cam.ac.uk)
Further information on How To Apply
Things You'll Need
In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.
- Two academic references
- Transcript
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - you can check using our tool - Statement of Interest (M)
- Research Proposal (O)
- Proposed Supervisor (Optional)
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:
See Gates Cambridge for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
For information regarding available funded PhD studentships please visit: https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk/phd-programme
You may also want to contact a potential supervisor from the list of MRC Investigator Scientists: MRC Investigators | MRC Toxicology Unit (cam.ac.uk)