Postgraduate research
Doctor of Medicine - MD
The MD Degree is a postgraduate research degree awarded for original research carried out in a clinical or health-care related context. To be eligible for the MD Degree, candidates must be a graduate in Medicine of at least three years’ standing. MD Degree students at the University of Leicester carry out their research, in any branch of medicine, surgery, or medical science, under the supervision of experienced academic staff. There is also the option for candidates to submit collected inter-related published works or clinical case studies for the degree.
MD Degree students are an integral and valued part of the University’s research student community. They have access to wide-ranging lecture and seminar programmes, plus a College programme of training in transferable and generic skills designed to aid their professional development as independent scientists. Students can take advantage of the full range of University facilities.
Please note that the MD Degree is not the undergraduate degree that leads to qualification as a medical doctor; this is the MBChB.
Research skills training
MD candidates should be expected to take all topics that are relevant to their studies during their probation year, as identified with their supervisors.
Sources of suitable training include:
- Graduate School and College Induction Programme for new research postgraduates
- College Research Skills Training for new research postgraduates
- Training Programmes of other Colleges
- Modules of Masters level courses run within the College (candidates and their supervisor should identify appropriate modules and approach course conveners
Supervision and research areas
MD Degree students register with one of the College's research departments.
Please click on the departments below to find out more about these departments’ research:
- Cardiovascular Sciences
- Cancer Studies
- Genetics and Genome Biology
- Health Sciences
- Respiratory Sciences
- Molecular and Cell Biology
Enquiries
For research enquiries please use the contact details on the relevant subject page.
For application enquiries please contact pgradmissions@le.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
The Degree of Doctor of Medicine may be awarded:
- To a graduate in medicine of the University of at least three years standing; or
- To a graduate in medicine of another University recognised by Senate for this purpose, provided that (i) the qualification was obtained at least three years previously, (ii) is recognised for registration by the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom, and (iii) the intending candidate is, at the time of her/his application, either:
- A member of the academic staff of the University or is otherwise engaged in appropriate clinical or scientific work within the Leicestershire areas or, in special cases, in any hospital associated with the University’s School of Medicine
- Can, in the opinion on the MD Degree Board of Studies, demonstrate a compelling reason why they should be allowed to register in Leicester as opposed to the university of their original qualification or place of work, and for whom appropriate supervision can be provided
- Exceptionally, Senate may waive the requirement that a candidate shall be a graduate in medicine of a University, but in such cases the candidate will be required to hold a qualification recognised for registration by the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom, obtained at least five years previously and be, at the time of application, a member of the academic staff of the University or otherwise engaged in appropriate clinical or scientific work within the Leicestershire area or in any hospital elsewhere associated with the Leicester Medical School.
To be admitted to the Degree of Doctor of Medicine a candidate shall have satisfied the examiners either:
- By means of a thesis in any branch of medicine, surgery, or medical science, which has been specifically composed for the purpose, includes a review of the relevant background literature, contains a critical account of original laboratory-based or clinical research, carried out personally by the candidate, that constitutes a significant contribution to knowledge, and contains material which is deemed worthy of publication and shall have satisfied the examiners in an oral examination;
- With the approval of the MD Degree Board of Studies, by submission of collected inter-related published works or clinical case studies embodying original work, of which a substantial proportion has been carried out personally by the candidate, and constituting a significant contribution to knowledge.
How to apply
Identify a suitable supervisor using the subject links above.
Contact with the proposed supervisor in the first instance is essential prior to application.
To apply submit your application using the relevant Apply Button at the bottom of the page.
Include with the application:
- CV
- Copies of degree certificates and marks transcripts to date
- Research proposal
- Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- Enter contact details for two academic (not personal) referees who can comment on your suitability for the research degree programme in the space provided or upload letters of reference on signed headed paper if already available. Potential PhD supervisors cannot act as referees.
- Include the name of your proposed supervisor and project title in the space provided.
Fees and funding
UK campus based
*UK fees will rise each year of study in line with UKRI rates.
Full-time
- 2024/25 academic year: £4,786
- 2025/26 academic year: To be confirmed in early 2025
Part-time
- 2024/25 academic year: £2,393
- 2025/26 academic year: To be confirmed in early 2025
International campus based
Full-time
- 2024/25 academic year: £23,650 - £38,300 per year
- 2025/26 academic year: £23,650 - £38,300 per year
*International fees vary according to the nature of the research project to be undertaken. The applicable fee will be determined at the point an offer of admissions is made and will be stated on the offer letter.
Part-time
International students who are eligible and hold a suitable visa to study part time will be charged 50% of the full time international fee.
Full time members of University of Leicester staff can apply for a remissions of tuition fees for a part-time MD Study.
PhD description
Period of MD registration: Two to five years
The minimum period of registration is for two years, with the first year at Probationary status. Transfer to MD registration will take place at the end of year one subject to satisfactory completion of the probation review and the recommendation of the Head of Department and Supervisor.
MD candidates are required to re-register annually as postgraduate students.
