PhD eligibility and application information

Admissions to all ICR research degree programmes are governed by the ICR admissions policy (PDF).

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a PhD at the ICR, you must possess or expect to obtain a degree in a relevant subject — either an undergraduate degree (at UK First or Upper Second class honours level, or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard) or a Master’s degree (either a UK Master’s or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard).

If you have not yet completed the relevant qualification then you are expected to be in your final year of study, and to nominate an academic referee from your institution who can confirm the classification you are on track to achieve. Note that our standard expectation from undergraduate study is a First, but we will consider candidates with a good Upper Second.

Candidates are also expected to have experience of relevant laboratory or research work. One of your referees must be able to comment on your research experience.

Candidates whose first language is not English must be able to demonstrate a proficiency in English to the equivalent of an IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum of 6 in any one component. Students without a valid IETLS score should have either education experience in English (minimum 1 year) or work experience (minimum 18 months), and be able to satisfy Home Office visa criteria where necessary.

Please note the Home Office visa criteria for English language eligibility is either for applicants to be from or have studied an appropriate academic qualification in a majority English-speaking country, or have passed an approved English language test (the full visa guidance gives details of countries that are recognized as majority English speaking countries).

Application

If you meet the eligibility criteria above, please apply via our online application form. The closing date is 5 September 2016.

The application form requires you to nominate two referees, one of whom must be able to comment on your research experience. We will request references from these referees immediately when your application is submitted, and will not consider applications without references. You are strongly advised to also ask your referees to respond promptly to us, and to submit your application well before the closing date to give your referees more time. The deadline for their references will be 12 September 2016.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed to assess their academic abilities and whether they have the energy, enthusiasm and motivation to succeed at PhD level. Please see our what to expect at interview page for further information.

Contact information

Our main round of recruitment will begin in October 2016 for studentships commencing in October 2017. For any queries and to register your interest for any future PhD studentship opportunities please email Registry.