Wellcome Trust 4 Year PhD Studentship Programme

Funding

Studentships offered each year:

At least 4 x 4 year PhD for UK students

• 4 Years Fees at UK rates
• Wellcome Trust stipend for 4 years of the PhD*

2 x 4 year PhD for International from Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC)

• 4 Years Full Overseas Fees
• Wellcome Trust stipend for 4 years of the PhD*

2 x 1 year MSc + 4 year PhD 

• Year 1 (Masters) UK Fees only (no stipend).
• UK Fees for years 2-5 (PhD years) 
• Wellcome Trust stipend for years 2-5 (PhD years)*

*Wellcome Trust stipend rates: PhD Year 1 £19,919; Year 2 £21,542; Year 3 £23,298; Year 4 £23,997.

International students who are not from an identified LMIC are welcome to apply but may be required to pay the difference between UK student fees and international student fees for the duration of their studies.

Additional funding for all study options include:

• Funding for training, research costs directly related to the studentship and a contribution towards project related travel. 
• A generous transition fund, focused on preparing students for their subsequent careers – this could for example provide for a student-driven choice of employment placement after submission of their PhD.

Entry requirements

• Candidates applying to the 4-year PhD should hold or expect to hold an undergraduate degree or a Master's degree in a relevant subject or overseas equivalent
• Candidates applying to the 1-year MSc + 4-year PhD should hold or expect to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject
• University of Leicester English language requirements apply

Candidates who do not meet these entry requirements, but feel they have additional research experience should describe this clearly in the applicant statement.

We welcome applications from those from underrepresented groups, including minority ethnic groups and those with disabilities.

The 4-year PhD may also be undertaken on a part time basis for students who have family or other commitments (UK applicants only).

Any questions regarding flexible study can be directed to genomicsphd@le.ac.uk. 

Applicants should note that this programme is not intended for clinically active, medically qualified candidates.

Informal enquiries

For project enquiries please contact the relevant theme lead or the project supervisor in the first instance.

Administration and general enquiries to Sarah Robinson at genomicsphd@leicester.ac.uk.

Application enquiries can be sent to pgradmissions@le.ac.uk.

How to apply

The application in the first instance is to Health Sciences but if an offer is made the academic department may change depending on the research project. click on the Apply Button at the bottom of this page to access the online application.

Application Notes (all applicants)

In addition to the documentation detailed on the online application portal, candidates will need to have prepared and uploaded a current CV and an applicant statement.

All applicants should enter Wellcome Trust DTP in the Funding section of the online application form and include the project title and Reference Number in the Supervisor's section if they are applying for a specific project.

It is advisable that candidates approach the supervisor(s) of their proposed project(s) prior to submitting their application.

The applicant statement must:

• Be of 700 words or less
• Explain why the candidate is planning to undertake study at PhD level
• Explain why the candidate should be considered for a PhD studentship within the Genomic Epidemiology and Public Health Genomics Doctoral Training Programme at the University of Leicester

Additional Application Notes (specific routes)

• Applicants to the 4-year route within Themes 1-3 only should list three advertised projects in order of first, second and third preference as part of the applicant statement.
• Applicants to the 4-year route within Theme 4 only should clearly identify preferred project(s), and in order of preference where applicable, as part of the applicant statement.
• Applicants to the 1+4 route only are not required to identify preferred project(s) at the time of application, but should identify any preferred Themes. Candidates must also clearly specify their preferred Master’s course(s) and the relevance to future research
• Applicants who wish to propose original projects should upload a separate 1-page project description in the proposal section in addition to the applicant statement. It is essential that candidates have discussed their proposed project with the intended supervisor before submitting an application. We will be unable to shortlist projects that have not been initially discussed with an appropriate academic.

Interviews

All successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30-minute interview. Interviews will be conducted virtually for overseas candidates. 

Please note that due to current restrictions, all interviews will be conducted virtually until further notice.

Eligibility

UK/ International* applicants may apply.

*International applicants not applying from a Low or Middle Income Country must be able to demonstrate that they can fund the difference between UK and International tuition fees for the duration of the PhD.

Please see details of the currently advertised positions as we may advertise for different funding levels at different times of the year