Postgraduate research
Cardiovascular Sciences 4-Year PhD Studentships 2025
Qualifications: MRes,PhD
Department: Cardiovascular Sciences
Application deadline: 7 February 2025
Start date: 22 September 2025
Overview
Cardiovascular Sciences 4-Year PhD Studentships 2025
The University of Leicester Cardiovascular Sciences 4 Year MRes/PhD Programme is a flagship programme designed to provide high quality training for students with an interest in Cardiovascular research from a range of biological science / biomedical engineering backgrounds. The University of Leicester has an international reputation for excellence in cardiovascular research, with research spanning the full spectrum from the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease to translational clinical research. This programme will be set within a vibrant training environment, alongside other 3.5- or 4-year doctoral training programmes within the University, with well-established training and management infrastructure.
We currently have up to 4 fully funded studentships available to start in September 2025. Students receive an enhanced stipend rate (currently starting at £19,919 per annum) plus tuition fees at the standard home rate* as well as enhanced bench fees and a travel allowance.
Our 4 Year MRes/PhD programme provides tailored training in cardiovascular sciences and includes broad training in general research and transferrable skills.
Key features of the Programme
- An MRes degree in year 1 that enables students from different undergraduate backgrounds to develop a sound knowledge-base of cardiovascular science and a wide range of research and technical skills, providing a solid preparation for their PhD.
- The MRes includes two mini-projects providing the opportunity for students to broaden their research experience. There are opportunities for students to undertake projects under the guidance of principal investigators with world-leading expertise in a cutting-edge research areas, including cardiovascular genomics, proteomics, biomarker discovery, data science, electrophysiology, lifestyle risk factors, clinical translational research, and interdisciplinary cardiovascular research.
- During year 1, students have the unique opportunity to input into the design of their final PhD project which they will then undertake in years 2-4.
You will need to complete the widening participation form (docx., 19kb) and include it with your application.
Funding
Funding
All entrants into this prestigious PhD programme receive full funding, which covers the tuition fees at standard home student rate and provides a tax-free stipend start at £19,919 per annum and associated research consumables.
*Exceptional candidates who qualify as international students will be considered, but must pay the difference between UK and overseas fees themselves. For 2025/6 entry this will be £18,864 per year of study.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
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 University of Leicester English language requirements.
Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries
Please email enquiries to Cardiovascular Sciences cls-pgr@le.ac.uk and include CVS 4 year studentship in the subject line
How to apply
How to apply
The first year of study will be a MRes in Cardiovascular Sciences followed by PhD.
To apply, please use the Apply button at the bottom of the page and apply for the PhD in the first instance. Select September 2025 entry.
Within the application form please:
- Specify CVS 4 Year Studentship in the funding section of the application
- Download and complete the widening participation form (docx., 19kb) and upload it in the Proposal Section
- In the supervisor/project title section on the research proposal page state MRes+PhD
With the application, please include:
- CV
- Personal statement explaining your interest in the MRes + PhD programme, your experience and why we should consider you
- Degree certificates and transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken
- Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
- In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available.
Provisional interview dates are 26th and 27th February 2025.
Eligibility
Eligibility
The Cardiovascular Sciences 4 year PhD programme is available to UK and International* applicants.
*Exceptional candidates who qualify as international students will be considered, but must pay the difference between UK and overseas fees themselves. For 2025/6 entry this will be £18,864 per year of study.
