British Heart Foundation 4-year funded PhD studentships 2024

Qualifications: MRes,PhD

Department: Cardiovascular Sciences

Application deadline: closed

Start date: 23 September 2024

Overview

The University of Leicester British Heart Foundation 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. The BHF 4-year PhD 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 5 fully funded studentships available to start in September 2024. 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 BHF 4-year 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.

Please refer to the application advice under How to Apply below.

You will need to complete the widening participation form (docx., 19kb) and include it with your application.

Funding

All entrants into this prestigious PhD programme receive funding through the British Heart Foundation, 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.

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

Please email enquiries to Cardiovascular Sciences (cvspgr@le.ac.uk).

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 2024 entry.

Within the application form please:

Specify British Heart Foundation 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.

Eligibility

The British Heart Foundation MRes + 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.