The British Heart Foundation (BHF) funded 4-year Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) offers PhD studentships at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow.
This prestigious programme provides PhD research training alongside professional career development over four years of study, and we will welcome the first cohort of students in September 2026.
Programme vision
The aim of our DTP is to develop the next generation of world-leading cardiovascular scientists: scientifically agile, forward-looking and critically thinking researchers who are fully equipped to work across domains and tackle complex health challenges.
The theme of our programme is “The vascular niche in health and disease”.
The Programme rests on 4 pillars:
- Thematic Courses in Vascular Biology
- Transferable Skills/Career Development
- Research Culture and Community
- Project Design and Execution
In the first 9 months of the programme you will have research-led teaching tailored around “The vascular niche in health and disease” and experiential workshop training which synergise with 3 individual research projects. Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged and researchers from engineering and the physical sciences are directly involved in the programme. During this phase you will select from mini-projects that best suit your desired research track. The third project will seamlessly lead to your main PhD project.
Interaction between students from different years will be facilitated through shared teaching sessions and an annual Scientific Symposium to showcase experience and expertise and establish long lasting scientific contacts.
How to apply
Email your completed recruitment form, CV and two referee contact details to bhf.phd@ed.ac.uk
Submit only one application and indicate if you wish to apply at the University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow or if you have no preference. You are not required to submit a research proposal.
Application process
The deadline for submitting your application is Friday 27th March 2026.
Those shortlisted for interview will be invited to attend on one of the following dates: 6th, 7th, 11th, 12th May 2026.
