British Heart Foundation 4yr PhD Programme

The Department is committed to providing high quality training of the next generation of research leaders in cardiovascular science. The Department runs the University of Leicester British Heart Foundation (BHF) 4-year PhD Programme, in addition to hosting many 3-year PhD studentships. The BHF PhD Programme is set within a vibrant training environment of the University which also runs a number of doctoral training programmes funded by the UK Research Councils and the Wellcome Trust. It complements the training of early career researchers supported by a prestigious BHF Research Accelerator Award and the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre.

The BHF 4-year PhD Programme incorporates an MRes in Cardiovascular Science in year 1 and a PhD project in years 2-4. The MRes enables students from different backgrounds to develop a sound knowledge-base of cardiovascular sciences and a wide range of research and technical skills, for a solid preparation for their PhD. The MRes includes also mini-projects providing the opportunity for students to broaden their research experience and to input into the design of their final PhD project. The Programme provides opportunities for students to undertake projects under the guidance of principal investigators with world-leading expertise in a cutting-edge research area, such as cardiovascular genomics, proteomics, biomarker discovery, data science, lifestyle risk factors, clinical translational research, and interdisciplinary cardiovascular research. Students who successfully complete this 4-year training programme will gain both an MRes CVS degree and a PhD degree.

Key features of the Programme

• The Programme incorporates an MRes in Cardiovascular Science in year 1 followed by a PhD project in years 2-4. Students who successfully complete this 4-year training programme will gain both an MRes CVS degree and a PhD degree.
• Each studentship provides an attractive stipend (starting at £19,919 per annum) plus tuition fees at standard home student rate*.
• In addition, all years benefit from enhanced bench fees to pay for project costs, plus an additional travel allowance during the PhD.

* Exceptional candidates who qualify as international students will be considered, but must pay the extra overseas fees themselves.

Eligibility

Applicants for the Programme must hold a UK undergraduate (Bachelors) degree with at least first class or upper second class honours, or a UK MSc with merit or distinction, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution. International students will need to satisfy the English language entry requirements.

Making an application

Applications usually open in December and close in February for a September start.  When the application process opens for this year, details and the form will be available on University PhD pages.