ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
The Precision Medicine Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) offers PhD with Integrated Study studentships funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), The University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow. Hosted by the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with the University of Glasgow and the Karolinska Institute, this prestigious programme provides PhD research training alongside taught courses over four years of study and welcomed its first cohort of students in September 2016.
This Doctoral Training Programme focuses on training PhD students in key MRC skills priorities in quantitative skills (mathematics, statistics, computation, and developing digital excellence) as applied to variety of data sources (from ‘omics’ to health records), and interdisciplinary training in the skills to deliver the vision of precision medicine.
Programme Vision
This programme supports research training at the interfaces between biological, clinical, societal and computational systems. Mandatory taught elements include statistics, research ethics, innovation and entrepreneurship, health economics, data management and bioinformatics. The traditional structure of a PhD is centred solely on a research project; however this programme incorporates bespoke 'integrated study' to enhance training skills.
Funded PhDs for Home/*International
Up to 26 studentships over three academic years will be awarded across the University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow. The programme started in 2016/17 and after a successful bid to the MRC to have funding renewed, we are pleased to offer studentships awarded across Edinburgh and Glasgow until session 2026/27. These studentship awards provide full tuition fee and stipend funding for high quality UK, EU and International applicants (please see eligibility section surrounding funded positions for International applicants). The Studentship you are awarded will be dependent on the project you undertake.
Our new cadre of Precision Medicine researchers will develop the adaptability needed to make them agile researchers in this fast moving area, and who are equipped to develop and utilise analytical methodologies to improve health and wellbeing.
How to Apply
This programme is delivered jointly by the University of Glasgow and University of Edinburgh. Please note that applications are taken through the University of Edinburgh.
Programme Team and Students
University of Glasgow
MVLS Dean of Postgraduate Research
Prof Stuart Nicklin
E: Stuart.Nicklin@glasgow.ac.uk
University of Glasgow
Administration
Ms Alexis Merry
E: Precisionmedicine-dtp@glasgow.ac.uk
University of Edinburgh
Dr Susan Farrington
Susan.Farrington@ed.ac.uk
University of Edinburgh
Administration
Ms Susan Mitchell
Mrs Kate Hardman (currently on maternity leave)
Ms Maree Hardie (maternity cover)
E: precision.medicine@ed.ac.uk
Precision Medicine DTP Student Profiles
Check out the diverse range of student projects and profiles here:
Students | The University of Edinburgh
Programme Structure
PhD with Integrated Study
This programme is jointly overseen by the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow and is supported by a funding award from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Doctoral Training Programme in Precision Medicine, a collaboration between the Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics (Deanery of Molecular, Genetic & Population Health Sciences), (CMVM), the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences at Glasgow University and the Karolinska Institute. The University of Edinburgh is the lead institution.
Programme Duration
The duration of your programme, also known as your 'prescribed period of study' will be confirmed at the start of your programme based on your completion of your Training Needs Analysis.
Their are two variants of this programme, depending on the student's prior experience.
- 3.5 year PhD for students who already have a Masters degree in a relevant subject. Students will be given Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits at time of entry and study duration shortened to 3.5yrs. Students will undertake research (600 credit project) and additional taught courses equivalent to 90 credits during their PhD.
- 4 year PhD for students entering the programme with a BSc (Hons), students entering with a Masters degree also have the option to select the 4-year PhD. Students will undertake research (600 credit project) and additional taught courses equivalent to 180 credits during their PhD.
As students on this programme, you will undertake some mandtory course along as selecting some elective course from up to three specialisms (with the course selection supported by your supervisors): Quantitative Skills, Data, and Life Sciences. The courses that comprise specialisms have a mix of on-campus and online delivery. You and your supervisors will have flexibility on taught module timing and content specialisms aligned with MRC skill priorities.
The outcome of the assessment of the taught component may be used to determine progression on the programme, or eligibility for an exit award at Masters/Diploma/Certificate level, providing that you have attained the requirements for the award as set out in the University regulations you are registered. For the award of PhD with Integrated Study, the research component must meet the assessment criteria for a PhD in the current University regulations.