phd cardiology uk

King's College London

Cardiovascular medicine and sciences mphil/phd, mdres, mres.

Key information

The School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences offers a wide range of clinical and non-clinical postgraduate training opportunities. Please visit the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences research webpage for details. 

The School pursues internationally leading research programmes that address the fundamental mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal cardiovascular function, and drives translation of strong basic science into advances in clinical practice.

Partner Organisations 

• King's BHF Centre of Research Excellence supports research projects, studentships and infrastructure.
• Clinical research is supported by NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre.
• King's Health Partners is a partnership between KCL, KCH and GST.

Head of group/division

Professor Mauro Giacca

Studentships

Our studentships are regularly advertised on Find A PhD and Funding Opportunities webpages.

• How to apply
• Fees or Funding

UK Tuition Fees 2023/24

Full time tuition fees:

£6,540 per year (MPhil/PhD)

£6,540 per year (MPhil/PhD Clinical)

£6,540 per year (MDRes Clinical)

Part time tuition fees:

£3,300 per year (MPhil/PhD)

£3,300 per year (MPhil/PhD Clinical)

£3,300 per year (MDRes Clinical)

International Tuition Fees 2023/24

£28,740 per year (MPhil/PhD)

£54,660 per year (MPhil/PhD Clinical)

£54,660 per year (MDRes Clinical)

£14,310 per year (MPhil/PhD)

£27,360 per year (MPhil/PhD Clinical)

£27,360 per year (MDRes Clinical)

UK Tuition Fees 2024/25

£6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD)

£6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD Clinical)

£6,936 per year (MDRes Clinical)

£3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD)

£3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD Clinical)

£3,468 per year (MDRes Clinical)

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

£30,240 per year (MPhil/PhD)

£58,470 per year (MPhil/PhD Clinical)

£58,470 per year (MDRes Clinical)

£15,120 per year (MPhil/PhD)

£29,235 per year (MPhil/PhD Clinical)

£29,235 per year (MDRes Clinical)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

• Study environment

Base campuses

Denmark Hill Campus

Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience

Guy’s Campus

The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.

St Thomas’ Campus

Located near Waterloo Campus and home of continuing medical and dental teaching, as well as a museum dedicated to Florence Nightingale.

Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Students work alongside staff researchers and are supervised by two members of academic staff. Each student has a dedicated Thesis Progression Committee that monitors students' progress and gives advice and support.

Postgraduate training

KCL offers a large number of training and skills development opportunities. Participation in the annual Postgraduate Research Symposium is compulsory for all students and provides an opportunity to improve science communication and presentation skills. Opportunities are available for postgraduate students to present their work at national and international scientific meetings. Our postgraduate students also have the opportunity to assist with teaching of undergraduates as demonstrators in practical classes or by leading tutorials.

In addition, the School also runs a series of workshops to teach specific practical cardiovascular research skills to students.

• Entry requirements

Find a supervisor

Search through a list of available supervisors.

For further enquires please contact the email addresses below

School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences

Research and Impact at the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic...

Studentship Funding Opportunities

View funded studentships currently available

Connect with a King’s Advisor

Want to know more about studying at King's? We're here to help.

Learning in London

King's is right in the heart of the capital.

DPhil in Cardiovascular Science

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

This DPhil programme, which includes funding support from the British Heart Foundation (BHF), is for basic science graduates who want to undertake advanced research into cardiovascular disease in Oxford.

The programme provides you with a solid grounding in the study of cardiac and vascular biology through access to taught courses and advanced level seminars, and a choice of projects which includes approximately 70 principal investigators directly engaged in cardiovascular research. These cover all aspects of cardiovascular science, including cardiac imaging, cell signalling, clinical trials and human genetics, developmental biology and regenerative medicine, myocardial biology, integrated physiology, and vascular biology. There are multiple collaborations within and between different departments and research themes, and research interactions have been greatly enhanced and facilitated by a British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) award, one of only six in the UK.

You are provided with a co-ordinated programme of post-graduate teaching in your first year and the possibility of experiencing research in more than one laboratory.

In your first term you will attend a series of six micro-rotations where you will meet graduate students and principal investigators working in six broad areas of cardiovascular science :

• Atherosclerosis, Diabetes and Inflammation (academic lead Charis Antoniades )
• Cardiac Biology and Imaging (academic lead Craig Lygate )
• Cardiac Signalling and Metabolism (academic lead Manuela Zaccolo )
• Contemporary Technologies and Target Discovery (academic lead Blanca Rodriguez  and Angela Russell )
• Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine (academic lead Nicola Smart )
• Endothelial Cell and Vascular Biology (academic lead Kim Dora )

Micro-rotations include attendance at lab meetings, journal clubs and hands-on experience of key experimental techniques. They are designed to give you exposure to the many possibilities for cutting-edge research projects, as well as generate interest in areas of research that you may not have had access to previously.

An important part of the student experience is graduate tutorials every Monday morning and Friday afternoon. Topics include how to choose a good scientific problem, how to choose a good supervisor, and classic experiments in cardiovascular medicine. Students give short presentations and write News and Views style articles on recent papers. In Friday tutorials students are asked to reflect on that week’s micro-rotation and start discussing which principal investigator’s project they found most interesting and why.

Mid-way through your first term in Oxford you will choose supervisors for typically two 10 to 12-week laboratory mini-rotations, which will expose you to techniques and research modalities. You will be expected to design and execute experimental protocols, critically appraise research methods and experimental results, and communicate research results and their implications to a wide audience.

Students decide their main research project from one of the mini-rotations, allowing time to develop and write a full project proposal before the second year commences. By doing this you will gain a greater understanding of the cardiovascular research field and can bring a broader perspective to your research project than is possible under the standard three-year DPhil.

The first year of your graduate studies will be overseen by an academic mentor who will monitor your academic progress and be available to offer advice and support throughout the course of your graduate studies. The department aims for you to be associated with one host laboratory for the first nine months of your graduate studies under the supervision of a laboratory mentor who will ensure you receive appropriate training in laboratory methods and in planning, executing and analysing experiments.

Once you have commenced your research projects, you will attend graduate tutorials, to present your latest results and discuss a range of research methods as well as journal clubs where you can discuss papers directly relevant to current lab projects. Your first year is monitored by presentations on your laboratory rotations, typically in the ninth week of each term, ie three times in the first year.

These regular small group meetings and social interactions help foster a distinct cadre of graduate students who share a common interest in, and enthusiasm for, cardiovascular science.

From the second year onwards, you will spend the remainder of the programme carrying out a specific research project, under the supervision of two named supervisors.

You will have access to a wide range of training in generic research skills provided through seminars and short courses. Examples of the courses that may be available to you include:

• proteomic methodologies
• genomics and bioinformatics
• confocal microscopy and image analysis
• statistics and experimental design
• information technology/computing skills
• written and oral presentation skills
• laboratory experience.

You are encouraged to develop DPhil projects that bridge the work of two separate laboratories or that involve two complementary experimental approaches. You are expected to attend regular lab meetings and take part in all departmental graduate student training and assessment sessions.

Regular mini-symposia will be held, in which first and second year students will give 15-minute presentations on their current research followed by student networking events and informal meetings with committee members.

The taught component during your programme also includes the possibility to attend final-year undergraduate lecture options, including Pharmacology and signalling, Endocrinology and metabolism, Cardiovascular science, Molecular pathology, Development and disease, Infection, Immunity and Neuroscience.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Medical Sciences Doctoral Training Centre, and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Medical Sciences Doctoral Training Centre. It is anticipated that students will meet with their supervisors at least once a fortnight, on average, across a year.

Applicants are advised to visit the course page on the centre's website for further information about supervisors associated with this course (see Further Information and Enquires ).

All students will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). Within a maximum of six terms as a PRS student you will be expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status.

A successful transfer of status from PRS to DPhil status will require the submission of a report on progress to date on research and future plans. Students who are successful at transfer will also be expected to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status within ten terms of admission, to show that your work continues to be on track.

Both milestones normally involve an interview with two assessors (other than your supervisor) and therefore provide important experience for the final oral examination.

You will be expected to submit an original thesis of up to 50,000 words within a maximum of four years from the date of admission. To be successfully awarded a DPhil in Cardiovascular Science you will need to defend your thesis orally (viva voce) in front of two appointed examiners.

Graduate destinations

The majority of the students that graduate from this scheme go on to undertake postdoctoral research in prestigious laboratories in the UK or overseas. Other graduates have entered the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant biological science subject.

For clinically qualified applicants, please apply to other Oxford DPhil courses.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• Research or working experience in a relevant field may be an advantage.
• Whilst not required, publications demonstrating previous research success in a relevant field is likely to advantage your application. 

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  standard level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's standard level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process and are expected to be held in January 2024.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of academics associated with the programme. A short-list of applicants is confirmed, based on assessment of achieved or predicted undergraduate degree grade, academic references, personal statement and CV. It is expected that the ratio of interviewed candidates to places will be approximately 3:1.

The interview panel will include at least three academics. The interview will last approximately 30 minutes and will include a five minute presentation of work the candidate has performed for a project or dissertation, which may be accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation or two-side handout. This will be followed by questions related to your project or the general field of Cardiovascular Sciences

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Initiatives to improve access to graduate study

This course is taking part in a continuing pilot programme to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications, in order to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly.

For this course, socio-economic data (where it has been provided in the application form) will be used to contextualise applications at the different stages of the selection process.  Further information about how we use your socio-economic data  can be found in our page about initiatives to improve access to graduate study.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Some postgraduate research students in science, engineering and technology subjects will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate prior to applying for a  Student visa (under the Student Route) . For some courses, the requirement to apply for an ATAS certificate may depend on your research area.

You will have access to:

• Experimental facilities, as appropriate to your research
• IT support from both the host department for your research and University IT Services
• Library services such as the  Radcliffe Science Library and the  Cairns Library

The provision of project-specific resources will be agreed with the relevant supervisor during the planning stages for the research project.

Medical Sciences Doctoral Training Centre

The Medical Sciences Doctoral Training Centre (MSDTC) accommodates the interdisciplinary, cross-departmental DPhil programmes in medical sciences.

Most are structured DPhil programmes, which provide students with the opportunity to undertake two or three 'rotation' projects and relevant course work in their first year of each four-year structured programme. The main doctoral project starts in the second year of each programme. Most of our programmes receive external core-funding, and currently from the Wellcome Trust (WT), British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and EPSRC.

The MSDTC also accommodates the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars’ Programme, the DPhil in Cancer Science programme funded by CRUK which welcomes applications from clinicians, basic scientists, and medical undergraduates, and the new DPhil in Inflammatory and Musculoskeletal Disease which is funded by the Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research and is open to Oxford University medical students wishing to undertake DPhils in the fields of musculoskeletal disease, inflammation and immunology.

The department also offers an exciting new programme (the DPhil in Advanced Bioscience of Viral Products) run in collaboration with Oxford Biomedica, which aims to deliver the next generation of bioscience leaders to advance research on the underpinning bioscience of viral products for future gene therapies and vaccines.

Each programme has a distinctive intellectual flavour, designed to nurture independent and creative scientists. Students are supported in their development through:

• supervision and mentoring by world-class academics training in a wide range of research techniques
• development of student resilience and maintenance of mental health and wellbeing from the start and throughout each programme.

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All applicants who are offered a place on this course will be offered a fully-funded scholarship, covering all course fees for the duration of their course and a living stipend.

Please see the Graduate School website for further details about funding for this course.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

The following colleges accept students on the DPhil in Cardiovascular Science:

• Balliol College
• Brasenose College
• Christ Church
• Corpus Christi College
• Exeter College
• Green Templeton College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Merton College
• New College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

Before you apply

We strongly recommend you consult the Medical Sciences Graduate School's research themes to identify the most suitable course and supervisor .

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application.  You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Application fee waivers for eligible associated courses

If you apply to this course and up to two eligible associated courses from our predefined list during the same cycle, you can request an application fee waiver so that you only need to pay one application fee.

The list of eligible associated courses may be updated as new courses are opened. Please check the list regularly, especially if you are applying to a course that has recently opened to accept applications.

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You do not need to make contact with the department before you apply but you are encouraged to visit the relevant departmental webpages to read any further information about your chosen course.

If you have any general enquiries about the course, these should be directed to the course administrator via the contact details provided on this page. 

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

Under 'Field and title of research project' you should enter one or more areas of cardiovascular research from the list below which you would like to study:

• Atherosclerosis, Diabetes and Inflammation (academic lead Charis Antoniades)
• Cardiac Biology and Imaging (academic lead Craig Lygate)
• Cardiac Signalling and Metabolism (academic lead Manuela Zaccolo)
• Contemporary Techniques and Technologies (academic lead Blanca Rodriguez)
• Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine (academic lead Nicola Smart)
• Endothelial Cell and Vascular Biology (academic lead Kim Dora)
• Target Discovery and Chemical Biology (academic lead Angela Russell)

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

It is not necessary for you to identify a potential supervisor in your application.

Referees: Three overall, academic preferred

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Your references should generally be academic, though professional references are acceptable if they are relevant to the course.

Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, ability to work in a group.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Statement of purpose/personal statement: A maximum of 500 words

You should provide a statement of your research interests, in English, describing how your background and research interests relate to the programme. If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

The statement should focus on academic or research-related achievements and interests rather than personal achievements and interests.

This will be assessed for:

• your reasons for applying;
• evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study;
• the ability to present a reasoned case in English;
• capacity for sustained and focused work; and
• understanding of problems in the area and ability to construct and defend an argument.

It will be normal for students’ ideas and goals to change in some ways as they undertake their studies, but your personal statement will enable you to demonstrate your current interests and aspirations.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

Application Guide Apply

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Friday 1 December 2023 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships

A later deadline shown under 'Admission status' If places are still available,  applications may be accepted after 1 December . The 'Admissions status' (above) will provide notice of any later deadline.

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Medical Sciences Doctoral Training Centre

• Course page on the department's website
• Funding information from the department
• Academic and research staff
• Departmental research
• Medical Sciences Graduate School
• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 289548

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

Other courses to consider

You may also wish to consider applying to other courses that are similar or related to this course:

View related courses

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Cambridge BHF 4-Year PhD Studentship Programme in Cardiovascular Research

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Introduction

The goal of the Cambridge PhD programme in Cardiovascular Research is to train scientists in cross-disciplinary research related to cardiovascular disease, particularly those who can work effectively across traditional disciplines and lead collaborative research projects. The programme combines formal training in molecular and cellular biology, physiology of model organisms, human physiology, and human genetics and genomics.

The programme brings together world-leading expertise, drawing on faculty at the University of Cambridge’s  School of Clinical Medicine and School of Biological Sciences and several interdisciplinary institutes: the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute , the Babraham Institute , the  Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute , the MRC Biostatistics Unit , the  MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit the MRC Epidemiology Unit  and the Institute of Metabolic Science .

The programme’s principal investigators are at the international forefront of their scientific disciplines, and provide breadth of expertise from molecules and cells through animals to human studies. The training provides an excellent environment for cross-disciplinary research with a sharp focus on translational implications for human health.

Organisation and Research Area

Cardiovascular Research in Cambridge is centred on the Clinical Schools  Departments of Medicine (Divisions of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Medicine  CaRM), and the  Department of Haematology . In the Biological Schools it is centred in the  Departments of Biochemistry , Pharmacology and Physiology . In addition, cardiovascular research comprises defined work streams in the  Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute , , MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit , and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute ).

The programme comprises three interlinked research areas:

1. Cardiovascular Biology 2. Stem Cell and Developmental Biology 3. Genetics and Genomics

Whilst each of these areas has its own particular expertise, there is extensive collaboration both within and across research areas, providing a multidisciplinary approach to cardiovascular research. Details of principle investigators by theme .

Please read the  FAQ  carefully and apply through the  application portal .

We connect cardiovascular researchers in Cambridge and beyond.

For inquiries about our research, please contact Dr Jane Sugars

For enquiries about our website or joining Cambridge Cardiovascular, please contact Denise Hatherly

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Cardiovascular Sciences - PhD/ MSc by Research

Annual tuition fee for 2024/25: UK: £4,778 International: £27,360 More details

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Our Cardiovascular Sciences PhD/MSc by Research in the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences  will provide you with the skills needed to contribute to research within the broad spectrum of cardiovascular medicine. We have groups working on world-leading discovery science, translational and clinical research.

We have access to cutting-edge technology which supports ground-breaking discoveries in our 4 main themes:

• Cardiac Diseases - Our research aims to understand how our genes, environment, lifestyle, and activity of the heart interact to shape the function of our hearts.
• Thrombosis and Haemostasis - Our expertise means we are ideally placed to develop new strategies for therapeutic intervention in thrombosis and haemostasis driven pathology.
• Vascular Biology, Inflammation and Angiogenesis - Our established multi-disciplinary research theme is focused on the multifaceted biology of endothelial cells.
• Imaging and Technology - Our technology experts are developing and applying innovative ways to image cardiovascular systems in vitro and in vivo.

You will join a diverse and multidisciplinary team of world-leading researchers, who will support you to produce original and impactful research addressing the causes, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, the world’s biggest killer.

Our PhD/MSc by Research program is intended for students who wish to obtain high quality research training that will enable them to conduct independent investigative research.

By studying in the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences you will be joining over 60 postgraduate research students covering a wide range of topics including:

• Chronic cardiovascular disease, such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, structural heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, sudden cardiac death and cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. As well as precision medicine approaches to treat these diseases.
• Platelet-related disorders from the basic cell biology of platelets and megakaryocytes, through to the genetics of rare bleeding disorders and development of novel anti-thrombotic strategies for patients.
• Thrombo-inflammation, interaction of immune and endothelial cells, the development of atherosclerosis, development of immune therapies to resolve inflammation and thrombo-inflammation.
• Application and development of advanced microscopy methods from the single molecule level e.g. the study of receptor signalling, through to in vivo imaging of the beating heart microvasculature and development of clinical and preclinical thermoacoustic/ photoacoustic imaging of diseases such as atherosclerosis.

You will work closely with your supervisory team who will help you clarify your project and support your development. You will attend a weekly institute-wide seminar series to develop your general cardiovascular knowledge, and take part in annual away days, giving you the chance to present your work and network with colleagues. Your thesis will represent an original contribution to knowledge and demonstrate independent judgement. 

To help you identify a supervisor related to your research area of interest you may like to explore the research of our academic staff or search the  Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences website for all you need to know about our staff, news, research areas and impact.

There are also existing research opportunities within the Institute offering specific topics and projects on which you can complete your PhD. Search our Doctoral Researcher Database to find out about our latest vacancies and scholarship opportunities.

Why study this course?

When you join your programme you will become part of the ICVS postgraduate research (PGR) community, as well as the wider   Graduate School within the College of Medical and Dental Sciences  giving you access to:

• Supervision from leading academics to support you through your research programme including research techniques and training.
• Training and development courses to enable you to gain research and generic (transferable) training skills.
• Weekly institute seminars covering a breadth of cardiovascular-related topics.
• Monthly PGR and post-doctoral research presentations, and an annual away day, giving you the opportunity to present your work.
• Opportunities to attend and take part in University-wide Research Festivals and other postgraduate activities to boost your academic and networking skills.
• An allocated academic mentor so you can access pastoral support.
• State-of-the art facilities to support a range of teaching, learning and research activity with access to dedicated write up rooms, libraries, and computer facilities.
• Social and networking activities organised by the local PGR Reps and academic PGR Team.

You will also become part of the wider University of Birmingham postgraduate research community located at Westmere House where you have access to training and skills development, careers and employability advice, wellbeing and counselling services as well as welcome activities and events.

Ask a student mentor

The best people to ask about postgraduate study are the students that have done it. Our mentor scheme enables you to directly contact student mentors with any questions that you have about studying here and will offer help and advice from a student perspective. Please feel free to contact the mentors directly using the question box on their profile page.

UK: £4,778 full-time, £2,389 part-time International £27,360 full-time, £13,680 part-time

The above fees are for one year only. If you are studying over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years.

Find out about our latest vacancies and scholarship opportunities by searching our  Doctoral Researcher Database .

We welcome enquiries from students who have obtained funding and self-funded students looking to conduct research in other areas and encourage prospective doctoral students to  contact our staff  to discuss their intended area of study. 

To search for postgraduate research funding opportunities to support your studies at the University of Birmingham use our funding database .

How To Apply

Before you make your application.

When submitting an application for any postgraduate programme, you are also required to submit supporting documentation to accompany your application form. To give your application the best chance of success follow our  step-by-step guide .

Making your application

If you have got everything ready to apply then please go to the Apply Now button at the top of this page. We look forward to receiving your application.

International applicants

We encourage you to apply early, so that you have plenty of time to prepare the necessary travel, study and immigration documents. In some cases, it may be a time-consuming process. You will find further information and guidance for prospective students regarding visas and immigration on our Student Help pages.

After you have submitted your application

Once you've completed your online application and submitted it electronically, it will be checked by staff in the Postgraduate Admissions team before being sent to the College of Medical and Dental Sciences for consideration. Selection processes differ depending on the type of application you have made.

If you need any help with you application or have any further queries please contact us:

Email: [email protected] Telephone: +44 (0)121 414 5005

You may wish to register your interest with us to receive regular news and updates on postgraduate life within this Department and the wider University.

• How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page . Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Our Standard Requirements

2:1 honours degree in a subject relevant to the research area you applying to.

International Requirements

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 14/20 from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Argentinian university, with a promedio of at least 7.5, may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent

Applicants who hold a Masters degree will be considered for admission to PhD study.

Holders of a good four-year Diplomstudium/Magister or a Masters degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a good 5-year Specialist Diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan, with a minimum GPA of 4/5 or 80% will be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham.

For postgraduate research programmes applicants should have a good 5-year Specialist Diploma (completed after 1991), with a minimum grade point average of 4/5 or 80%, from a recognised higher education institution or a Masters or “Magistr Diplomu” or “Kandidat Nauk” from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0-3.3/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold a Masters degree from the University of Botswana with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (70%/B/'very good') will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Please note 4-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education. 5-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.

Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

A Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree from a recognised Brazilian university:

• A grade of 7.5/10 for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement
• A grade of 6.5/10for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement

Holders of a good Bachelors degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good post-2001 Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a minimum average of 14 out of 20 (or 70%) on a 4-year Licence, Bachelor degree or Diplôme d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce (DESC) or Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Canadian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A GPA of 3.0/4, 7.0/9 or 75% is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1.

Holders of the Licenciado or equivalent Professional Title from a recognised Chilean university will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD study will preferably hold a Magister degree or equivalent.

Students with a bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. However please note that we will only consider students who meet the entry guidance below.  Please note: for the subject areas below we use the Shanghai Ranking 2022 (full table)  ,  Shanghai Ranking 2023 (full table) , and Shanghai Ranking of Chinese Art Universities 2023 .

需要具备学士学位（4年制）的申请人可申请研究生课程。请根据所申请的课程查看相应的入学要求。 请注意，中国院校名单参考 软科中国大学排名2022（总榜） ，  软科中国大学排名2023（总榜） ，以及 软科中国艺术类高校名单2023 。  

Business School    - MSc programmes (excluding MBA)  

商学院硕士课程（MBA除外）入学要求

School of Computer Science – all MSc programmes 计算机学院硕士课程入学要求

College of Social Sciences – courses listed below 社会科学 学院部分硕士课程入学要求 MA Education  (including all pathways) MSc TESOL Education MSc Public Management MA Global Public Policy MA Social Policy MA Sociology Department of Political Science and International Studies  全部硕士课程 International Development Department  全部硕士课程

  All other programmes (including MBA)   所有其他 硕士课程（包括 MBA）入学要求

Please note:

• Borderline cases: We may consider students with lower average score (within 5%) on a case-by-case basis if you have a relevant degree and very excellent grades in relevant subjects and/or relevant work experience. 如申请人均分低于相应录取要求（5%以内），但具有出色学术背景，优异的专业成绩，以及（或）相关的工作经验，部分课程将有可能单独酌情考虑。
• Please contact the China Recruitment Team for any questions on the above entry requirements. 如果您对录取要求有疑问，请联系伯明翰大学中国办公室   [email protected]

Holders of the Licenciado/Professional Title from a recognised Colombian university will be considered for our Postgraduate Diploma and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent.

Holders of a good bachelor degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree(from the University of the West Indies or the University of Technology) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A Class II Upper Division degree is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1. For further details on particular institutions please refer to the list below.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Masters degree or Mphil from the University of the West Indies.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, or a GPA of 3 out of 4, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalár from a recognised Czech Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, velmi dobre ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2, velmi dobre ‘good’ (pre-2004), or a good post-2002 Magistr (Masters), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 7-10 out of 12 (or 8 out of 13) or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters/ Magisterkonfereus/Magister Artium degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Ecuadorian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 70% or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Magister/Masterado or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Licenciado with excellent grades can be considered.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 4/5 or B, or a good one- or two-year Magistrikraad from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with very good grades (grade B, 3.5/4 GPA or 85%) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Holders of a good Kandidaatti / Kandidat (old system), a professional title such as Ekonomi, Diplomi-insinööri, Arkkitehti, Lisensiaatti (in Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine), or a Maisteri / Magister (new system), Lisensiaatti / Licenciat, Oikeustieteen Kandidaatti / Juris Kandidat (new system) or Proviisori / Provisor from a recognised Finnish Higher Education institution, with a minimum overall grade of 2/3 or 4/5, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters/Maîtrise with a minimum overall grade of 13 out of 20, or a Magistère / Diplôme d'Etudes Approfondies / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures Specialisées / Mastère Specialis, from a recognised French university or Grande École to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Magister Artium, a Diplom or an Erstes Staatsexamen from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5, or a good two-year Lizentiat / Aufbaustudium / Zweites Staatsexamen or a Masters degree from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good four-year Ptychio (Bachelor degree) with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, from a recognised Greek university (AEI), and will usually be required to have completed a good Metaptychiako Diploma Eidikefsis (Masters degree) from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

4-year Licenciado is deemed equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. A score of 75 or higher from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) can be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 60 is comparable to a UK 2.2.  Private universities have a higher pass mark, so 80 or higher should be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 70 is comparable to a UK 2.2

The Hong Kong Bachelor degree is considered comparable to British Bachelor degree standard. Students with bachelor degrees awarded by universities in Hong Kong may be considered for entry to one of our postgraduate degree programmes.

Students with Masters degrees may be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Alapfokozat / Alapképzés or Egyetemi Oklevel from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 3.5, or a good Mesterfokozat (Masters degree) or Egyetemi Doktor (university doctorate), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the 4 year Sarjana (S1) from a recognised Indonesian institution will be considered for postgraduate study. Entry requirements vary with a minimum requirement of a GPA of 2.8.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution, with 100 out of 110 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold the Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Students with a Bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for entry to a postgraduate Masters degree provided they achieve a sufficiently high overall score in their first (Bachelor) degree. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 or a B average from a good Japanese university is usually considered equivalent to a UK 2:1.

Students with a Masters degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for PhD study. A high overall grade will be necessary to be considered.

Students who have completed their Specialist Diploma Мамаң дипломы/Диплом специалиста) or "Magistr" (Магистр дипломы/Диплом магистра) degree (completed after 1991) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate Masters degrees and, occasionally, directly for PhD degrees.  Holders of a Bachelor "Bakalavr" degree (Бакалавр дипломы/Диплом бакалавра) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of  2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, may also be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/50

Holders of a good Postgraduate Diploma (professional programme) from a recognised university or institution of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10, or a post-2000 Magistrs, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 16/20 or 80% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Libya will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency. Alternatively students will require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or BB to be considered.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magistras from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, or a good post-2001 Magistras, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, or a Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Spécialisées (comparable to a UK PGDip) or Masters degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (70-74% or A or Marginal Distinction from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 60-69% or B or Bare Distinction/Credit is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Malaysian institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from the University of Malta with a minimum grade of 2:1 (Hons), and/or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (Honours) from a recognised institution (including the University of Mauritius) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2:1).

Students who hold the Licenciado/Professional Titulo from a recognised Mexican university with a promedio of at least 8 will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Students who have completed a Maestria from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree, licence or Maîtrise and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students with a good four year honours degree from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. PhD applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Doctoraal from a recognised Dutch university with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10, and/or a good Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (minimum 4 years and/or level 400) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of B/Very Good or 1.6-2.5 for a 2.1 equivalency, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters, Mastergrad, Magister. Artium, Sivilingeniør, Candidatus realium or Candidatus philologiae degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0/4 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in the Palestinian Territories will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3/4 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency or a GPA of 2.5/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.    

Holders of the Título de Licenciado /Título de (4-6 years) or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Paraguayan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 4/5 or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  The Título Intermedio is a 2-3 year degree and is equivalent to a HNC, it is not suitable for postgraduate entry but holders of this award could be considered for second year undergraduate entry or pre-Masters.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría / Magister or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Título/Grado de Licenciado/a with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of the Licenciado, with at least 13/20 may be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent. The Grado de Bachiller is equivalent to an ordinary degree, so grades of 15+/20 are required.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría or equivalent qualification.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4 out of 5, dobry ‘good’, and/or a good Swiadectwo Ukonczenia Studiów Podyplomowych (Certificate of Postgraduate Study) or post-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4.5/4+ out of 5, dobry plus 'better than good', will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Licenciado from a recognised university, or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised Polytechnic Institution, with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, and/or a good Mestrado / Mestre (Masters) from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Romanian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree/Diploma de Master/Diploma de Studii Academice Postuniversitare (Postgraduate Diploma - Academic Studies) or Diploma de Studii Postuniversitare de Specializare (Postgraduate Diploma - Specialised Studies) to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) or Диплом Магистра (Magistr) degree from recognised universities in Russia (minimum GPA of 4.0) will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes/PhD study.

Students who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree with at least 16/20 or 70% will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. A score of 14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2

Students who hold a Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (or a score of 60-69% or B+) from a well ranked institution will be considered for most our Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees with a 2:1 requirement.

Students holding a good Bachelors Honours degree will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good three-year Bakalár or pre-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, Vel’mi dobrý ‘very good’, and/or a good Inžinier or a post-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (Bachelors degree), Diplomant (Professionally oriented first degree), Univerzitetni diplomant (Academically oriented first degree) or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) from a recognised Slovenian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8.0 out of 10, and/or a good Diploma specializacija (Postgraduate Diploma) or Magister (Masters) will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor degree from a recognised South Korean institution (usually with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.5) will be considered for Masters programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 7 out of 10 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or a CGPA 3.30/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd), and/or a good Magisterexamen (Masters degree), International Masters degree or Licentiatexamen (comparable to a UK Mphil), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good "PostGraduate Certificate" or "PostGraduate Diploma" or a Masters degree from a recognised Swiss higher education institution (with a minimum GPA of 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (gut-bien-bene/good) for a 2.1 equivalence) may be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0, 3.5/5 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bachelor degree (from 75% to 85% depending upon the university in Taiwan) from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate Masters study. Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for entry to our postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree or Mphil from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a Bachelors degree from the following universities may be considered for entry to postgraduate programmes:

• Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City
• De La Salle University - Manila
• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines - Diliman

Students from all other institutions with a Bachelors and a Masters degree or relevant work experience may be considered for postgraduate programmes.

Grading Schemes

1-5 where 1 is the highest 2.1 = 1.75 2.2 = 2.25 

Out of 4.0 where 4 is the highest 2.1 = 3.0 2.2 = 2.5

Letter grades and percentages 2.1 = B / 3.00 / 83% 2.2 = C+ / 2.5 / 77%

Holders of a postdoctoral qualification from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.  Students may be considered for PhD study if they have a Masters from one of the above listed universities.

Holders of a Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a Yuksek Diplomasi from a recognised university will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (2.1) or GPA of 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree / Диплом бакалавра (Dyplom Bakalavra), Диплом спеціаліста (Specialist Diploma) or a Dyplom Magistra from a recognised Ukrainian higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.5/4, 8/12 or 80% or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

The University will consider students who hold an Honours degree from a recognised institution in the USA with a GPA of:

• 2.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement 
• 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement 

Please note that some subjects which are studied at postgraduate level in the USA, eg. Medicine and Law, are traditionally studied at undergraduate level in the UK.

Holders of the Magistr Diplomi (Master's degree) or Diplomi (Specialist Diploma), awarded by prestigious universities, who have attained high grades in their studies will be considered for postgraduate study.  Holders of the Fanlari Nomzodi (Candidate of Science), where appropriate, will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of the Licenciatura/Título or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Venezuelan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Scales of 1-5, 1-10 and 1-20 are used, an overall score of 70% or equivalent can be considered equivalent to a UK 2.1.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Maestria or equivalent qualification

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Vietnamese institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum GPA of 7.0 and above) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.  Holders of a Masters degree (thac si) will be considered for entry to PhD programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 or a mark of 2.0/2.5 (A) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a good Bachelor Honours degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

International Students

Learn more about  international entry requirements  

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries; our  country pages  show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

English Language Requirements

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

• by holding an  English language qualification  to the right level
• by taking and successfully completing one of our  English courses for international students

Please note IELTS requirements for Postgraduate Research programmes in the College of Medical and Dental Sciences are 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.

If you need help with your English language skills then support is available.

The English for Academic Purposes Presessional course is for international students who have a conditional offer to study at the University, but who do not currently meet the English language requirements. The course is tailored to your level of English and allows you to meet the English language requirements for your programme without retaking IELTS. The EAP programme runs throughout the year and offers different programme lengths ranging from 42 weeks to 6 weeks. The length of course you need depends on your future course, your existing IELTS score and the English level you need for your university degree.

Find out more about the  English for Academic Purposes Presessional  course.

There is a diverse range of research areas within Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences. To help you identify a supervisor related to your research area you may like to explore the research interests of our academic staff or search the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences staff list :

• Cardiac Diseases - Our research aims to understand how our genes, environment, lifestyle, and activity of the heart interact to shape the function of our hearts.
• Thrombosis and Haemostasis  - Our expertise means we are ideally placed to develop new strategies for therapeutic intervention in thrombosis and haemostasis driven pathology.
• Vascular Biology, Inflammation and Angiogenesis  - Our established multi-disciplinary research theme is focused on the multifaceted biology of endothelial cells.
• Imaging and Technology  - Our technology experts are developing and applying innovative ways to image cardiovascular systems in vitro and in vivo.

There are also existing research opportunities within the Institute offering specific topics and projects on which you can complete your PhD. Search our  Doctoral Researcher Database  to find out about our latest vacancies and scholarship opportunities or if you are looking to conduct research in other areas  contact our staff  to discuss your intended area of study.

Related research

• Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences

We have a global reputation for our world leading research and teaching as follows:

• Times 2024: Ranked 19th for Medicine.
• Complete University Guide 2024: Ranked 19th for Medicine.
• QS World rankings 2024: 69th for Medicine. The Life Sciences and Medicine overarching faculty area is ranked 68th in the world.
• Times Higher Education rankings 2024: 74th for Clinical & Health.

Our employability rates within the College are excellent, with 95% of all surveyed students achieving employment within a year of study.

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Tackle the biggest challenges in biology, medicine and health in a world leading research environment, and prepare for your future career.

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PhD/MPhil Cardiovascular Sciences / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Before applying you must:

• Choose a programme or find a project you want to apply for and check you’re eligible.
• Speak to the listed supervisor about your suitability for their project or programme.
• Understand how your project is funded and, if it is self-funded, consider how you plan on funding it.
• Read our ‘How to apply’ page to find out more and ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission.

Visit our Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Postgraduate Research page to find out more.

Programme options

Programme overview

• Undertake research in a field you’re passionate about and join a project addressing leading challenges in the area while working with some of Europe's leading researchers and academics.
• Choose to research at a university ranked and 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2025) and 2nd in the world for social and environmental impact (THE Impact Rankings, 2024), where 93% of research activity is ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Research Impact Framework, 2021)
• Access some of the best research facilities in the world at the University, through our industry partners, and at hospitals around Greater Manchester.
• Benefit from dedicated support throughout your PhD journey, from pre-application to graduation and everything in between, through our Doctoral Academy
• Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme and progress into a career in research, academia or industry.

Visit our Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Postgraduate Research page to find out about upcoming open days and events.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

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• Postgraduate study

Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z

• Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences
• Staff research interests search

Postgraduate research  

Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences PhD/iPhD/MD/MSc (Research)

Cardiovascular disease is projected to remain the single leading cause of death over the next two decades. Accountable for considerable disability and reduction in the quality of life. Therefore, research is vital to advance diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Our strength is in identifying and designing novel therapeutic strategies that will lead to clinical trials.

Research projects

• BHF 4 year PhD Studentship programme

Deciphering disease mechanisms underlying hypertensive pregnancy

Supervisors :  Delyth Graham ,  Martin McBride

Project outline:  The incidence of cardiovascular disease amongst women of child-bearing age is increasing. Consequently there is a greater prevalence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, in particular pre-eclampsia (PE), which is a leading cause of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Despite its increased prevalence, the mechanisms underlying key pathological features of the disease remain unclear, and there are currently no effective clinical interventions.

The stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) is an established model of human cardiovascular disease, which exhibits chronic hypertension during pregnancy1. This model can be progressed to the more severe pregnancy complication, superimposed PE, through angiotensin II administration mid-gestation2. Our recent studies in this model have identified pregnancy- and disease- dependent alterations in the uterine artery transcriptome relative to the normotensive control strain3. 

In this project, the specific molecules and pathways identified in our previous SHRSP studies will be explored mechanistically to determine their role in the pathogenesis of hypertensive pregnancy in order to identify new targets of therapeutic or diagnostic interest.

Techniques used:  The student will receive training in a wide range of techniques, including animal models of hypertension and PE, cell culture, imaging, molecular biology approaches as well as RNASeq and other ‘Omics’ datsets and bioinformatic and pathway analysis. This PhD project will provide opportunities to develop an almost unique combination of in vivo , in vitro and molecular skills set.

• Small HY, Morgan H, Beattie E, Griffin S, Indahl M, Delles C, Graham D. Abnormal uterine artery remodelling in the stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rat. Placenta. 2016 Jan;37:34-44.
• Morgan HL, Butler E, Ritchie S, Herse F, Dechend R, Beattie E, McBride MW, Graham D. Modeling Superimposed Preeclampsia Using Ang II (Angiotensin II) Infusion in Pregnant Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Hypertension. 2018 Jul;72(1):208-218.
• Scott K, Morgan HL, Delles C, Fisher S, Graham D, McBride MW. Distinct uterine artery gene expression profiles during early gestation in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat. Physiological Genomics, 15 Mar 2021, 53(4):160-17

IPhD self-funded projects (November-April)

Our  Integrated PhD combines an MSc and PhD project in a 1+3+1 format. You can select from the below projects and indentify your chosen MSc from the options listed on the project. 

Please note that you can apply for the below PhD projects outwith the IPhD route. 

Advancing precision nutrition in multimorbidity: strategies for reducing excess risk mortality.

Supervisor :  Dr Carlos Celis

MSc choices :  Cardiovascular Sciences [MSc(MedSci)] ,  Precision Medicine (with specialisms) [MSc] ,  Public Health [MPH/PgDip/PgCert] ,  Sport & Exercise Science & Medicine [MSc]

Project background : The global rise in people living with multiple chronic diseases, known as multimorbidity, presents a growing challenge. Currently, dietary guidelines adopt a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, offering the same nutritional advice to everyone, irrespective of their unique health conditions.

Our research team has recently made a promising discovery: shifting to a more sustainable diet could potentially extend life expectancy by up to 10 years. This finding is significant for both clinical practice and public health. However, the impact of adopting a more sustainable diet on the mortality risk and life expectancy of individuals with multimorbidity remains unclear. For the first time, we are poised to explore how different dietary patterns affect those with multiple chronic illnesses and their associated mortality risks. This research is pivotal as it aims to identify the most beneficial dietary changes for people with multimorbidity, maximizing their health benefits.

The implications of our research are far-reaching. It has the potential to transform public health guidelines and clinical dietary recommendations, moving towards precision nutrition and medicine. This shift would be particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions such as cancer, heart diseases, arthritis, and diabetes. Ultimately, our goal is to provide tailored, effective dietary advice that caters to the specific needs of those with multiple health challenges.

We are currently seeking enthusiastic students who are either planning to apply for scholarships or have already secured funding from their home countries or other research organisations. If this project intrigues you and aligns with your academic interests, we encourage you to get in touch to discuss potential PhD or postdoctoral opportunities.

Life expectancy can increase by up to 10 years following sustained shifts towards healthier diets in the United Kingdom.  Fadnes LT, Celis-Morales C, Økland JM, Parra-Soto S, Livingstone KM, Ho FK, Pell JP, Balakrishna R, Javadi Arjmand E, Johansson KA, Haala

Developing Therapeutic approaches for haemorrhagic stroke

Supervisor :  Prof. Tom Van Agtmael

MSc choices :  Biomedical Sciences [MSc] ,  Cardiovascular Sciences [MSc(MedSci)] ,  Clinical Pharmacology [MSc(MedSci)] ,  Medical Genetics & Genomics [MSc(MedSci)] ,  Precision Medicine (with specialisms) [MSc]

Research area: Mouse genetics, haemorrhagic stroke, molecular cell biology, extracellular matrix, vascular disease, collagen, endoplasmic reticulum stress

Project outline : Stroke costs UK Society ~£8 billion annually with haemorrhagic stroke accounting for 15% of adult and 50% of paediatric stroke. There are no treatment available for haemorrhagic stroke, in part due to a poor understanding of the underlying molecular cause.

Collagen IV is the major component of a type of extracellular matrix called the basement membrane that provides essential structural support to blood vessels. We and others have shown that mutations in COL4A1 or COL4A2 (encoding collagen IV proteins) cause familial and sporadic haemorrhagic, indicating these mutations may be more common than previously expected and a potential contribution to stroke in the general population (1). Our results also reveal that endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress due to intracellular accumulation of mutant collagen IV is associated with disease development, and that treatment of collagen IV mutant cells can reduce ER-stress (2). This provides a golden opportunity to identify the disease causing mechanisms and explore therapeutic approaches for collagen IV diseases including haemorrhagic stroke.

We have brought together a unique cohort of cell lines from patients and animal models with Col4a1 mutations to investigate the disease mechanisms of these mutations and determine how cells respond to these mutations. The identified pathways will then be modified in cell line and animal models to investigate their role in disease development and identify their potential as a therapeutic target. As FDA approved compounds are available, this will directly inform on and may identify therapeutic approaches for haemorrhagic stroke.

Project aims:

• Exploring genetic and high throughput approaches to identify pathways that influence disease development
• Identify the ability of small compounds to prevent the pathological effects of collagen IV mutation in cells.
• Modification of disease development in animal models

Techniques used:  State of the art imaging techniques including 3-dimensional electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Molecular cell biology, animal models, MRI imaging, transcriptomics.

• Plaisier E, et al. Role of COL4A1 Mutations in the Hereditary Angiopathy with Nephropathy, Aneurysm and Cramps (HANAC) Syndrome. New Eng J Med 2007, 357, 2687-2695
• Murray LS et al. Chemical chaperone treatment reduces intracellular accumulation of mutant collagen IV and ameliorates the cellular phenotype of a COL4A2 mutation that causes haemorrhagic stroke. Hum Mol Genet 2014, 23:283-92

Contact address and email:

[email protected] Prof. Tom Van Agtmael School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Davidson Building University of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow, G12 8QQ United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)141 330 6200

Exploring the health benefits of e-bike use compared to traditional non-electric bike commuting

Project Background:  Our previous research has demonstrated that active commuting, particularly cycling, is associated with significant health advantages, such as a reduced risk of mortality and a lower likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases. However, the specific health benefits associated with the use of electric bikes (e-bikes) remain largely unexplored. Our current research proposal aims to delve into the metabolic and health-related benefits of e-bike usage in comparison to traditional, non-electric bicycles.

This study will employ a hybrid approach, combining big data analysis with targeted interventions, to address the existing knowledge gaps in this area.

We are currently seeking enthusiastic students who are either planning to apply for scholarships or have already secured funding from their home countries or other research organisations. If this project intrigues you and aligns with your academic interests, we encourage you to get in touch to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.

• Association between active commuting and incident cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality: prospective cohort study.Celis-Morales CA, Lyall DM, Welsh P, Anderson J, Steell L, Guo Y, Maldonado R, Mackay DF, Pell JP, Sattar N, Gill JMR.BMJ. 2017 Apr 19;357:j1456. doi: 10.1136/bmj.j1456.

Investigating disease mechanisms of collagen IV disease including intracerebral haemorrhage

Supervisors :  Prof. Tom Van Agtmael ,  Dr. Alyson Miller

MSc choices :  Biomedical Sciences [MSc] ,  Cardiovascular Sciences [MSc(MedSci)] ,  Medical Genetics & Genomics [MSc(MedSci)] ,  Precision Medicine (with specialisms) [MSc]

15% of strokes are due to intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), for which there is no treatment. and absence of specific effective treatments indicates increased knowledge of its pathomolecular basis is required. Recent genetic data has identified an important role for the protein collagen IV in stroke due to haemorrhage. Mutations in collagen IV also cause eye, kidney and muscle disease for there are also no treatments. We and others have showed the mutations and variants in collagen can cause defects to the extracellular matrix as well as a cell stress response called ER stress.

This project will use a powerful set of bespoke mouse models to determine in vivo the relative contribution of BM defects and ER stress to ICH as well as eye and kidney defects due to collagen IV. This will be combined with vascular physiology and molecular approaches, including transcriptomics and/or proteomics, to identify novel mechanisms.

Importantly, you will validate these mechanisms in patients. This project can be tailored to the interests of the candidate but will transform our knowledge of molecular mechanisms of stroke and disease due to collagen. This will aid development of precision medicine treatments.

Techniques used : you will be trained in a large variety of techniques crossing animal models of stroke, analysis of vascular function, molecular and biochemical approaches, imaging etc.

Investigating the extracellular matrix in vascular disease to develop treatments

Supervisors :  Prof. Tom Van Agtmael ,  Prof. Delyth Graham

MSc choices :  Biomedical Sciences [MSc] ,  Cardiovascular Sciences [MSc(MedSci)] ,  Medical Genetics & Genomics [MSc(MedSci)]

Vascular diseases including haemorrhagic stroke and vascular dementia formation are a major health problem for which there is an urgent need for treatments. Increasing our understanding of the underlying molecular disease mechanisms will aid in the development treatment strategies. We have previously identified that mutations in the genes Col4a1 and Col4a2 cause stroke and vascular disease. These mutations cause defects to the extracellular matrix and a cell stress response called endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, caused by misfolding of the mutant collagen protein. Deciphering the actions of these mutations has identified a number of new potential treatment targets that may be applicable for both genetic and common forms of stroke and vascular disease.

To address this gap in our knowledge, in this project you will employ a combination of mouse and rat models (e.g. SHRSP rat) that model vascular diseases including small vessel disease, the leading cause of vascular dementia. This analysis will be combined with additional novel animal models that we have already generated or that can be generated. Furthermore, this in vivo analysis will be coupled with investigating cell culture models, imaging and proteomics/next generation sequencing to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying vascular disease that leads to stroke and myocardial infarct. Finally, this will be coupled with either pharmacological or genetic manipulation of these mechanisms to identify new treatments that rescue the intracellular effects such as ER stress or that rescue the extracellular matrix by increasing its stability.

Techniques used : you will be trained in a large variety of techniques using animal models, cell culture, molecular and biochemical approaches, imaging, as well as RNASeq and proteomics etc.

Investigating mechanisms of stroke and small vessel disease

Supervisors :  Prof. Tom Van Agtmael ,  Prof. Jesse Dawson ,  Dr. Lorraine Work

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability and there is a real need for the development of new treatments. However, our incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms of stroke is severely hindering the ability to devise treatments that target the disease process that leads to stroke.

Over the past decade remarkable progress has been made in identifying genes that are associated with both stroke due to a brain clot or stroke due to brain bleeding. However the mechanisms by which these genetic variants act remain poorly understood. The overarching aim of this project is to help address this major gap in our knowledge using a combination of data science approaches (e.g. UK Biobank) coupled with analysis of mechanisms using advanced cell culture and animal models of stroke. Projects Aims: Broad aims include determining the presence of genetic variants in the human genome that are associated with stroke in the general population. These variants will then be introduced via genome editing into cell culture models to drive forward the analysis of their mechanisms. A particular example here will be the manipulation of genes and proteins that are involved in maintaining the integrity and structure of the vasculature. Genetic data from ourselves and others have highlighted a key role for the extracellular matrix and enzymes that cleave secreted and transmembrane proteins in this process.

Techniques used : The student will be trained in the analysis of large datasets (UK Biobank etc) coupled with a wide array of genetic, molecular and cell biology approaches including but not limited to genome editing and genetic manipulation, vascular cell biology and use of animal models.

Investigating the mechanism of CD93 in cardiovascular and metabolic disease 

Supervisors :  Prof. Tom Van Agtmael ,  Dr. Rona Strawbridge  

Vascular diseases including haemorrhagic stroke and vascular dementia formation are a major health problem for which there is an urgent need for treatments. Increasing our understanding of the underlying molecular disease mechanisms will aid in the development treatment strategies.

CD93 is a transmembrane protein produced by endothelial cells. We have demonstrated that a reduction in CD93 levels in endothelial cells impairs endothelial cell function and endothelial layer integrity {Strawbridge, 2016 #49}. We have further demonstrated that the cleavage of CD93 to release sCD93 is increased in response to infectious stimuli, but this response is reduced by hyperglycaemia {Strawbridge, 2016 #49}. Reduced levels of sCD93 also precede and are associated with type 2 diabetes {Strawbridge, 2016 #49}. We have demonstrated that CD93 and sCD93 levels do not impact atherosclerosis {Strawbridge, 2016 #49}, but other mechanisms leading to vascular disease, particularly those in the brain, have not been investigated. Indeed, there is limited knowledge as to the purpose of CD93 cleavage and the role of sCD93.

To address this gap in our knowledge, in this project you will employ a combination of data science with molecular and cell biology approaches to investigate the genetic and molecular mechanisms of CD93. This project will combine analyses of large population cohorts to uncover the genetic architecture and regulation of CD93 alongside manipulation of CD93 levels and functional analyses of cell models. Genome editing of the cellular models can also be employed, depending upon genetic results.

Techniques used : you will be trained in a large variety of techniques including epidemiology, statistical genetics, in silico data mining, cell culture including CRISPR-based genome editing, molecular and biochemical approaches, imaging, as well as potentially RNASeq and proteomics etc.

Personalised management of blood testing for renal function in patients with and without diabetes

Supervisors :  Paul Welsh ,  Patrick Mark

MSc choices :  Cardiovascular Sciences [MSc(MedSci)] ,  Precision Medicine (with specialisms) [MSc] ,  Bioinformatics [MSc/PgDip/PgCert] ,  Public Health [MPH/PgDip/PgCert]

The management of chronic diseases, including diabetes, accounts for 50% of clinical biochemistry testing. The number of clinical biochemistry tests requested is estimated to have increased by 10% annually for the last two decades. This has been due to a combination of complex clinical and management factors. However, there is a paucity of evidence that frequent testing actually improves patient care or alters clinical outcomes.

Scottish clinical guidelines for screening for kidney disease in diabetes patients states that estimated glomerular filtration rate and albumin-creatinine ratio should be assessed on an annual basis in people with diabetes, and that more frequent assessment may be necessary in adults with established chronic kidney disease (CKD). The guidance is similar in England and Wales. It is not clear how well these guidelines are adhered to in clinical practice. Beyond this, the evidence supporting this approach is derived from a health economics focused meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, but does not take account previous measurements. For instance, those with good renal function may not require frequent re-testing.

Outside of the diabetes field, population based screening for renal function is not currently recommended. NICE guidelines suggest testing kidney function in people with risk factors for CKD such as hypertension, systemic disease (e.g. systemic lupus) or a family history of kidney failure. Anecdotal evidence from several sources suggests large numbers of creatinine tests are conducted in routine clinical practice. A data science approach might improve the evidence base for renal function testing for both targeting those at highest risk and optimizing follow-up. Furthermore, although blood testing for kidney function is widespread, measurement of urinary albumin to creatinine ratio is performed infrequently despite being a stronger predictor of cardiometabolic risk. Risk assessment tools exist but these were validated in populations with known CKD (not the general population) and do not account changes in risk factors over time. They are not in widespread use in the UK.

This project will explore the patterns of renal function testing in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area (>1million patients) and investigate evidence that might support an optimised approach to renal function testing in the general population and people with diabetes.

Training outcomes :

• Experience in the use of medical statistics as applied to electronic health records, with further training if required.
• Proficiency in the use of statistical software for medical statistics.
• Conduct of systematic reviews of clinical guidelines.
• Knowledge and experience of the structure of data in, and governance framework for, electronic health records as they relate to research.
• Knowledge of the clinical guidelines for blood monitoring in chronic disease in the UK.
• The student will also attend chronic disease review clinics; an established pathway under our flagship Clinical Observership Programme for basic scientists in our School.
• Smellie WSA. Demand management and test request rationalization. Ann Clin Biochem 2012; 49: 323–323
• https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg182/resources/chronic-kidney-disease-in-adults-assessment-and-management-pdf-35109809343205
• National Institute for Health Care and Clinical Excellence. Chronic kidney disease in adults: assessment and management. Clinical guideline [CG182].
• Tangri N, Stephens LA, Griffith J et al A Predictive Model for Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease to Kidney Failure. JAMA. 2011;305(15):1553-1559.

Runx1 and Heart Failure

Supervisors : Dr C Loughrey , Dr S Nicklin ,  Ewan Cameron

MSc choices :  Cardiovascular Sciences [MSc(MedSci)] ,  Clinical Pharmacology [MSc(MedSci)]

Research area: Heart research

Project outline:  Coronary heart disease (CHD) leading to myocardial ischaemia is the predominant cause of heart failure (HF) and premature mortality in the UK. CHD occurs when the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries) become narrowed by fatty material (atheroma) and reduce blood flow to heart muscle (myocardial ischaemia). If the coronary artery is occluded then an area of lethal tissue injury in heart muscle called a myocardial infarction (MI) can be produced. The subsequent structural and functional changes in the surviving heart muscle can lead to poor cardiac pump function and HF. Novel therapeutic strategies to preserve cardiac pump function are urgently needed to treat patients with myocardial infarction and thereby improve patient survival rates and quality of life.

The Runx family of genes (Runx1,2&3) encode for DNA binding transcription factors (Runx1,2&3) which regulate gene expression. Recently, increased Runx1 expression has been demonstrated in the hearts of patients with MI. In line with these data, our recent work demonstrates increased Runx1 expression in a mouse model of MI.

However, despite these observations, the role Runx1 plays in heart function remains unknown. We have made a novel and exciting discovery that higher Runx1 expression levels correlate with poor cardiac pump function. In order to corroborate this finding, we have produced a heart-specific knockout of Runx1. When MI is induced in this transgenic model, cardiac pump function is markedly improved suggesting that reducing Runx1 expression in the heart is a novel therapeutic approach to limit the progression of cardiac dysfunction in patients with MI.

Project aims:  This studentship will investigate the relationship between Runx1 expression in the heart and the development of heart failure. In addition, the project will develop therapeutic strategies to reduce Runx1 expression in cardiac disease in order to prevent progression to heart failure.

Techniques used:  The project will enable the student to be trained in in vivo rodent models of heart disease, integrative physiology, molecular biology and gene therapy approaches.

Cardiovascular Research , Volume 116, Issue 8, 1 July 2020, Pages 1410–1423,  https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvaa034

Contact email:   [email protected]

Tailoring physical activity recommendations for individuals with multimorbidity: moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach

Project background : The global rise in people living with multiple chronic diseases, known as multimorbidity, presents a growing challenge. Currently, dietary guidelines adopt a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, offering the same nutritional advice to everyone, irrespective of their unique health conditions.

• Life expectancy can increase by up to 10 years following sustained shifts towards healthier diets in the United Kingdom . Fadnes LT, Celis-Morales C, Økland JM, Parra-Soto S, Livingstone KM, Ho FK, Pell JP, Balakrishna R, Javadi Arjmand E, Johansson KA, Haala

Understanding the causes and consequences of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in UK Biobank

Supervisors :  Paul Welsh ,  Naveed Sattar

UK Biobank is a uniquely large and well characterised prospective cohort study of ~500,000 adults in middle-age living in the UK. The study now has around 15 years of follow-up available and there is forthcoming linkage of all participants in the cohort to primary care data. This presents a unique opportunity to investigate the causes and consequences of many less common diseases (such as aortic aneurysms), and common diseases diagnosed in primary care (such as type 2 diabetes and dementia).

This flexible project presents an opportunity to the interested student to help design their own portfolio of data-driven work, and to be more widely involved in our highly successful UK Biobank working group which has led several seminal publications on the cohort 1-5. With experienced supervisors, the student can develop the area of interest and identify aims of interested based on literature review, and using this world-class data set and existing resources we have developed.

• Experience in the use of medical statistics, including further training in medical statistics if required.
• Conduct of systematic reviews of the literature.
• Knowledge and experience of the structure of electronic health care records in the UK.
• Welsh C, Celis-Morales CA, Ho F, Lyall DM, Mackay D, Ferguson L, Sattar N, Gray SR, Gill JMR, Pell JP, Welsh P. Association of injury related hospital admissions with commuting by bicycle in the UK: prospective population based study. BMJ. 2020 Mar 11;368:m336.
• Welsh C, Celis-Morales CA, Brown R, Mackay DF, Lewsey J, Mark PB, Gray SR, Ferguson LD, Anderson JJ, Lyall DM, Cleland JG, Jhund PS, Gill JMR, Pell JP, Sattar N, Welsh P. Comparison of Conventional Lipoprotein Tests and Apolipoproteins in the Prediction of Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation. 2019 Aug 13;140(7):542-552.
• Lees JS, Welsh CE, Celis-Morales CA, Mackay D, Lewsey J, Gray SR, Lyall DM, Cleland JG, Gill JMR, Jhund PS, Pell J, Sattar N, Welsh P*, Mark PB*. Glomerular filtration rate by differing measures, albuminuria and prediction of cardiovascular disease, mortality and end-stage kidney disease. Nat Med. 2019 Nov;25(11):1753-1760
• Welsh C, Welsh P, Celis-Morales CA, Mark PB, Mackay D, Ghouri N, Ho FK, Ferguson LD, Brown R, Lewsey J, Cleland JG, Gray SR, Lyall DM, Anderson JJ, Jhund PS, Pell JP, McGuire DK, Gill JMR, Sattar N. Glycated Hemoglobin Prediabetes, and the Links to Cardiovascular Disease: Data From UK Biobank. Diabetes Care. 2020 Feb;43(2):440-445.
• Celis-Morales CA, Welsh P, Lyall DM, et al. Associations of grip strength with cardiovascular, respiratory, and cancer outcomes and all cause mortality: prospective cohort study of half a million UK Biobank participants. BM 2018 May 8;361:k1651.

Uromodulin a Precision Medicine Target for Novel Drug Discovery in Cardiovascular Disease

MSc choices :  Cardiovascular Sciences [MSc(MedSci)] ,  Clinical Pharmacology [MSc(MedSci)] ,  Precision Medicine (with specialisms) [MSc]

Background:  Despite major advances in cardiovascular health, hypertension remains the risk factor contributing most to the overall burden of disease globally. When the total global impact of known risk factors on the overall burden of disease is calculated, 54% of stroke and 47% of ischaemic heart disease are attributable to hypertension.

In our recent genome-wide association study using an extreme case-control design, we discovered a SNP (rs13333226 at position 16:20365654) in the 5’ region of the Uromodulin gene (UMOD), also known as Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THP) to be associated with hypertension. The minor G allele of rs13333226 was associated with lower risk of hypertension, decreased urinary uromodulin excretion, and higher glomerular filtration rate. Furthermore, the association with hypertension was shown to be independent of renal function indicating a possible pleiotropic effect, as SNPs highly correlated with rs13333226 were shown to be associated with kidney function in independent GWAS studies. The genotype association of rs13333226 and urinary UMOD excretion was more pronounced with low salt intake, and blunted with high salt intake, indicating a possible gene-environment interaction.

We have extended these findings with work in UMOD KO mice which show a lower baseline blood pressure and are not sensitive to salt induced changes in blood pressure. Our data indicate that UMOD has a role in BP regulation and may protect from salt induced increase in BP. UMOD is selectively produced in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidney. and exists predominantly as a polymer in luminal fluid.

Proposal Plan: Molecular characterisation of human and mouse uromodulin transcripts and binding partners.

In this project, we will utilise RNA from a large panel of human kidneys (~100) grouped according to hypertension status, as well as the UMOD knock out mouse. We have access to human and rodent RNAseq data that we will analyse using different strategies including biological pathways using gene set enrichment and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. We are also interested in identifying binding partners of UMOD under different environmental stressors and assessing potential transcription factor binding in the promoter region using Electrophoretic Mobility shift Assays (EMSA).

Project aims

• Assess humanUMOD transcripts using RNAseq  Explore biological pathways using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. 
• ValidateRNAseq gene expression changes using our panel of human kidneys prioritised by pathway analysis. 
• Use immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry to identify binding partners of UMOD in human renal tissueto characterise potential mechanisms of action in disease.
• Assess the genetic contribution of UMOD in large scale data including UK Biobank

Techniques used:  

• Isolation ofDNA and RNA 
• qRT-PCR and Sanger sequencing
• PCRand cloning 
• Western analysis
• AnalysingRNAseq transcript data and other ‘Omic’ platforms
• Biological pathway and data integration analysis
• Electrophoretic Mobility ShiftAssays to identify potential binding partners of uromodulin and assess potential binding of predicted transcription factors using mass spectrometry. 

The  School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health  is a successful and vibrant research School with outstanding training and learning opportunities. Our purpose-built British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cardiovascular Research Centre houses state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities and we are one of only six BHF Centres of Excellence in the UK.

Our research strengths have been integrated into substantial, well-resourced thematic programmes that build on the strengths of individual, clinical and non-clinical principal investigators. Working in basic, translational and clinical research, our strength is in elucidating mechanisms of cardiovascular disease, identifying biomarkers of disease, identifying therapeutic targets and developing and designing novel therapeutic strategies that will lead to clinical trials.

Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators within the institute. Basic and clinical projects are available for study. A variety of approaches are used, including molecular biology, biochemistry, epidemiology, mathematical modelling, bioinformatics, genetics, cell biology (including advanced in vitro and in vivo imaging), immunology and polyomics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics etc).

Specific areas of interest include:

• vascular science and medicine
• cardiovascular biology and cell signalling
• cardiovascular gene therapy for the treatment of vascular disease
• basic and clinical cerebrovascular disease e.g. stroke 
• stem cell therapies for cerebrovascular disease
• genetics, genomics and systems medicine 
• adrenal corticosteroids in cardiovascular disease
• diabetes, obesity, metabolic and renal disease
• cardiovascular imaging
• cardiovascular clinical trials
• sport & exercise science & medicine

Study options

• Duration:  3/4 years full-time; 5 years part-time

Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators.

Integrated PhD programmes (5 years)

Our  Integrated PhD  allows you to combine masters level teaching with your chosen research direction in a 1+3+1 format. 

International students with MSc and PhD scholarships/funding do not have to apply for 2 visas or exit and re-enter the country between programmes. International and UK/EU students may apply.

Taught masters level modules are taken alongside students on our masters programmes. Our research-led teaching supports you to fine tune your research ideas and discuss these with potential PhD supervisors. You will gain a valuable introduction to academic topics, research methods, laboratory skills and the critical evaluation of research data. Your grades must meet our requirements in order to gain entry on to your pre-selected PhD research project. If not, you will have the options to pay outstanding MSc fees and complete with masters degree only.

Years 2, 3 and 4

PhD programme with research/lab work, completing an examinable piece of independent research in year 4.

Thesis write up.

MSc (Research)

• Duration : 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

MD (Doctor of Medicine)

• Duration : 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time (for medically-qualified graduates only)

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

• 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
• IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.

Common equivalent English language qualifications accepted for entry to this programme:

Toefl (ibt, my best or athome).

• 79; with Reading 13; Listening 12; Speaking 18;Writing 21
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

• 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

• 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

Oxford English Test

• Oxford ELLT 7
• R&L: OIDI level no less than 6 with Reading: 21-24 Listening: 15-17
• W&S: OIDI level no less than 6

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country  and  within the last 6 years
• students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country  and  within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses

Fees and funding

• UK: £4,786
• International & EU: £30,240

Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.

Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.

• Fee status and policies

Alumni discount

We offer a 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed Junior Year Abroad, Exchange programme or International Summer School with us. The discount is applied at registration for students who are not in receipt of another discount or scholarship funded by the University. No additional application is required.

Possible additional fees

• Re-submission by a research student £540
• Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
• Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790

Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.

The iPhD  is not supported by University of Glasgow Scholarship/Funding

• BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnerships
• External funding information

Our laboratories are well resourced and we offer a wide range of cutting-edge research facilities, including core facilities in:

• optical imaging
• electrophysiology
• magnetic resonance imaging
• spectroscopy
• cell biology
• high throughput genotyping
• phenotyping
• clinical trials
• a wide range of cellular, molecular and biochemical analysis tools

Our excellent facilities underpin a bench to bedside approach that will equip you with research specific and generic training and skills complementary to a wide range of career options. We can tailor your study pathway to the precise aspects of cardiovascular research that suit your objectives.

You will emerge equipped with the skills necessary for a career in the highly competitive field of cardiovascular science and medicine. Future career opportunities include basic and clinical cardiovascular research in academia or industry, education, NHS, clinical biochemistry, public health bodies, media and publishing, funding agencies and scientific charities.

Graduate School

The College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences Graduate School provides a vibrant, supportive and stimulating environment for all our postgraduate students. We aim to provide excellent support for our postgraduates through dedicated postgraduate convenors, highly trained supervisors and pastoral support for each student.   Our overarching aim is to provide a research training environment that includes:

• provision of excellent facilities and cutting edge techniques
• training in essential research and generic skills
• excellence in supervision and mentoring
• interactive discussion groups and seminars
• an atmosphere that fosters critical cultural policy and research analysis
• synergy between research groups and areas
• extensive multidisciplinary and collaborative research
• extensive external collaborations both within and beyond the UK 
• a robust generic skills programme including opportunities in social and commercial training

How to apply

Identify potential supervisors.

All Postgraduate Research Students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring. You may want to identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Please note, even if you have spoken to an academic staff member about your proposal you still need to submit an online application form.

You can find relevant academic staff members with our staff research interests search .

IPhD applicants do not need to contact a supervisor, as you will choose from a list of IPhD projects. Each project has named supervisors.

Gather your documents

Before applying please make sure you gather the following supporting documentation:

• Final or current degree transcripts including grades (and an official translation, if needed) – scanned copy in colour of the original document.
• Degree certificates (and an official translation, if needed): scanned copy in colour of the original document
• Two references on headed paper and signed by the referee. One must be academic, the other can be academic or professional [except iPhD applicants, where only one academic or professional reference is required]. References may be uploaded   as part of the application form or you may enter your referees contact details on the application form. We will then email your referee and notify you when we receive the reference.  We can also accept confidential references direct to  [email protected] , from the referee’s university or business email account.
• Research proposal, CV, samples of written work as per requirements for each subject area. iPhD applicants do not need to submit any of these as you will start your programme by choosing a masters.
• Completed  College of MVLS Postgraduate Research Cover Letter

Notes for iPhD applicants

• add 'I wish to study the MSc in (select MSc from IPhD project choices) as the masters taught component of the IPhD' in the research proposal box
• For supervisor name, please ensure you write the named supervisors from your chosen IPhD project.

Before you apply

PhD/MSc/MD: email  [email protected]

iPhD: email  [email protected]

After you have submitted your application

PhD/MSc/MD/iPhD:  contact our Admissions team

Any  references  may be submitted by email to:  [email protected]

Our research environment

• Discover how we support and develop postgraduate researchers

• Find out how postgraduate researchers are welcomed into the UofG community

Postgraduate researcher blogs

• A community blog, written by and for postgraduate researchers at the University of Glasgow

• Faculty of Medicine and Health
• School of Medicine
• Groups and institutes
• Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine

British Heart Foundation 4 Year PhD Programme in Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes

Why focus on Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes?

Structure of our programme .

Year 1 also includes a carefully designed programme of lectures, generic laboratory training and clinical experiences. Within years 2 to 4, you may also plan a visit to an outstanding overseas or UK research group, or gain experience in a non-academic environment, to develop further skills and experience relevant to your research interests and help you plan a future career within or outside of academia. You will also receive support from our careers centre and learn from our alumni about their career journeys.

Highlights of the Programme

Support from a dedicated programme co-ordinator (Dawn Best)

A buddy scheme that links you with an established programme PhD fellow during your first year

A mentorship scheme where we help you to find an experienced mentor outside of your supervision team

Access to world class research facilities  

Maximized time for the main PhD project 

Overseas visits to other world-leading laboratories 

Support for career development 

Annual off-campus research symposia

Opportunities to publish your research and a review article

Extensive relevant taught and real-life training experiences 

Wide multidisciplinary supervisor pool (including clinician-scientists) 

Up to £3,000 financial support to attend relevant scientific meetings

Located in a state-of-the-art scientific building on one of the  largest university-hospital complexes in the UK  

Applications for 2025 entry are currently suspended.  Please refer back to this page in February 2025.  Until then, you can access a full list of current research opportunities on the University of Leeds’ Research Opportunities webpage .  

The PhD projects we host align with one of three themes, all of which focus on research challenges we have identified that can lead to improved understanding, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes. We are keen to recruit talented researchers from all scientific disciplines and projects are offered across the range of discovery, translational, applied research, computational and data analytic research. Successful applicants will be matched with projects after interview, a fter having the opportunity to meet prospective supervisors and discuss available projects.  Please indicate on the application form which of the following themes you are most interested in :  

• Diabetic vascular disease:  Diabetes injures blood vessels throughout the body. These are the interface between the bloodstream and the cells forming every organ; they actively influence organ function and even communication between organs. This theme focusses on understanding how diabetes alters blood vessel function and leads to disease.
• Diabetes, thrombosis and inflammation:  Diabetes and other metabolic disorders are characterised by increased risk of blood clotting (thrombosis) linked to inflammation. This theme focusses on understanding the molecular and metabolic factors that drive inflammation and associated thrombosis within blood vessels.
• Diabetes, heart failure and multimorbidity:  Multimorbidity is the co-occurrence of two or more chronic health conditions. Diabetes is a systemic disease which impacts across different organs. This theme focusses on understanding the relationship between diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be eligible under the UK Home Fee status criteria. Academic fees are included in the scholarship awarded to successful candidates.

Applicants will have, or expect to obtain, a degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area including; medical sciences, biomedical sciences, structural biology, biochemistry, imaging, physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics and computing  

Applicants applying should not already have been awarded a doctoral degree  

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of candidate potential.  

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the Faculty’s English Language requirements , where applicable.  

F inancial Information

This studentship will cover the cost of academic fees (at the UK Home Fee rate for postgraduate researchers) and a standard BHF PhD stipend (£19,919 - £23, 298 per year), based on 2023/24 rates.  The studentship also includes a budget for research consumables and funding of up to £3, 000 to attend relevant scientific meetings. 

How to apply

All applicants are required to completed an   online application form , in which you will need to upload the following supporting documents. As part of the online application, you will need to upload the following mandatory supporting documents:

Three supporting statements about your previous achievements, why you wish to study for a PhD, and your experience of using evidence to inform conclusions. These will be used by our shortlisting panel (without any other information you submit) to select candidates for interview. Detailed instructions and a template outlining the format of your supporting statements is provided  here . You will need to copy, complete and submit this as part of your required application documents.

Full Academic CV.

Degree certificates and transcripts both for undergraduate and postgraduate studies as appropriate (or marks so far if still studying)

2 references from academic referees.  Offers are subject to satisfactory references . Please ensure you have named your referees on your application form. We will contact all referees directly as part of the application process.

Evidence of English language ability, if applicable  

An Equality, Diversity and Inclusion questionnaire. We encourage candidates to complete this form so that we can understand our progress in recruiting under-represented groups. It is important to note that all responses are anonymous and data would only ever be used in aggregate to avoid identification of individuals. The questionnaire includes a ‘prefer not to say’ option against each question if required. The information you provide on this questionnaire will not be used in the shortlisting process. 

To help us identify that you are applying for this opportunity please ensure you provide the following information on your application form:

When asked for your programme of study please select  Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes (PHP-CADD-4FT) 

In source of funding make it clear that you are applying for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scholarship  

Give your chosen research theme as the project title  

Enquiries regarding the application process should be directed to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Graduate School    [email protected]  

For further information about the programme, please email  the BHF 4Y PhD Team directly on  [email protected]   

Selection process

Closing date for applications is  midnight on 3 January 2024 .  Interviews are expected to be held on the 22  January 2024. Candidates will choose an in-person or remote interview. Travel expenses for interview attendance can be paid for by the programme.

Interviews will last 30 minutes. We do not require interviewees to give presentations.   We will provide details of the interview process, including questions that we will ask, one week in advance of interviews.

In addition to the interview, there will be an opportunity to learn more about the Programme from:  

A short talk by the Programme Director s: Associate Professor  Richard Cubbon  and Associate Professor Marlous Hall   who will discuss and answer questions about our programme ethos, the structure of our training, and the research in our Institute.  

A presentation by current Programme PhD fellows and the opportunity to discuss their experiences  

Successful candidates will be contacted  by the Programme Directors after interview to discuss their project selection, a process which will include the opportunity to meet prospective supervisors and learn about the projects they are offering.

Where can I get support?

International Office  - Provides welcome and orientation support and immigration advice and the opportunity to be part of a Global Community.

Doctoral College  - Provides support and enhances opportunities available to you as a PhD student.

Feeling at Home in Leeds   - The University offers face to face support and online tools to help students feel at home and make the most of University life. 

Faculty of Medicine and Health Graduate School  - As a researcher at Leeds, you will be part of a vibrant and welcoming research community both within the Faculty and the wider University.

Disability - Describes the support available during the application process and during postgraduate research degrees. 

For any queries about the 4 Year BHF Programme, please contact our Programme Coordinator, Dawn Best.

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Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Economics, including entry requirements, supervisiors and research groups.

EdD Education: Learning, Leadership and Policy

Find out about the University of Bristol's EdD in Education: Learning, Leadership and Policy, including entry requirements, career prospects and research groups.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Education, including entry requirements, career prospects and research groups.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, including entry requirements and research groups.

EngD Composites Manufacture

Engd future innovation in non-destructive evaluation, engineering biology, engineering mathematics.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Engineering Mathematics, including entry requirements, career prospects and research groups.

English Literature

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in English Literature, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Exercise, Nutrition and Health

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Exercise, Nutrition and Health, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Film and Television

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Film and Television, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in French, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Geographical Sciences (Human Geography)

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Geographical Sciences (Human Geography), including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Geographical Sciences (Physical Geography)

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Geographical Sciences (Physical Geography), including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in German, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Global Challenges and Transformations

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Global Challenges and Transformations, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Graduate Diploma Economics

Great western four+ doctoral training partnership (nerc).

Find out about the Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership, a multidisciplinary training environment for postgraduate students in NERC sciences.

Health and Wellbeing

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Health and Wellbeing, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Hispanic, Portuguese and Latin American Studies

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Hispanic, Portuguese and Latin American Studies, including supervisors and research groups.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in History, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

History of Art

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in History of Art, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Integrative Cardiovascular Science (BHF)

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Integrative Cardiovascular Science (BHF), including entry requirements, funding and structure.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Italian, including entry requirements, structure and research groups.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Law, including entry requirements, structure and research groups.

Linguistics

Llm law - banking and finance law.

Find out about the University of Bristol's LLM in Banking and Finance Law, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

LLM Law - Commercial Law

Find out about the University of Bristol's LLM in Commercial Law, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

LLM Law - Company Law and Corporate Governance

Find out about the University of Bristol's LLM in Company Law and Corporate Governance, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

LLM Law - Employment, Work and Equality

Find out about the University of Bristol's LLM in Employment, Work and Equality Law, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

LLM Law - General Legal Studies

Find out about the University of Bristol's LLM in General Legal Studies, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

LLM Law - Health, Law and Society

Find out about the University of Bristol's LLM in Health, Law and Society, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

LLM Law - Human Rights Law

Find out about the University of Bristol's LLM in Human Rights Law, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

LLM Law - International Commercial Law

Find out about the University of Bristol's LLM in International Commercial Law, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

LLM Law - International Law

Find out about the University of Bristol's LLM in International Law, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

LLM Law - International Law and International Relations

Find out about the University of Bristol's LLM in International Law and International Relations, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

LLM Law - Labour Law and Corporate Governance

Llm law - law and globalisation, llm law - public law, llm law, environment, sustainability & business.

Find out about the University of Bristol's LLM in Law, Environment, Sustainability and Business, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

LLM Law, Environment, Sustainability and Business

Llm law, innovation & technology.

Find out about the University of Bristol's LLM in Law, Innovation and Technology, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

LLM Law, Innovation and Technology

Ma anthropology.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in Anthropology, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA Black Humanities

Ma chinese-english audiovisual translation.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in Chinese-English Audiovisual Translation, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA Chinese-English Translation

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in Chinese-English Translation, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA Comparative Literatures and Cultures

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in Comparative Literatures and Cultures, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA Composition of Music for Film and Television

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in Composition of Music for Film and Television, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA Creative Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in Creative Innovation and Entrepreneurship, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA Creative Writing

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in Creative Writing, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA English Literature

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in English Literature, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA Environmental Humanities

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in Environmental Humanities, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA Film and Television

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in Film and Television, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in History, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA History of Art

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in History of Art, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA Immersive Arts (Virtual and Augmented Reality)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc, PGCert and PGDip in Immersive Arts (Virtual and Augmented Reality) including structure and career prospects.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in Law, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA Logic and Philosophy of Mathematics

Ma medieval studies.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in Medieval Studies, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MA in Music, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MA Philosophy

Ma philosophy and history of science, ma philosophy of biological and cognitive sciences, ma philosophy of physics, ma religion, ma translation, ma translation (online).

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Management, including entry requirements, structure and research groups.

Mathematics

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Mathematics, including entry requirements, structure and research groups.

Mechanical Engineering

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Mechanical Engineering, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Medieval Studies

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Medieval Studies, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Molecular, Genetic and Lifecourse Epidemiology (Wellcome)

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Molecular, Genetic and Lifecourse Epidemiology, fully funded by the Wellcome Trust for UK students.

MRes Advanced Quantitative Methods

Find out about the University of Bristol's MRes in Advanced Quantitative Methods, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MRes Economics

Find out about the University of Bristol's MRes in Economics, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MRes Education

Find out about the University of Bristol's MRes in Education, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MRes Global Political Economy

Mres health sciences research.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MRes in Health Sciences Research, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MRes Security, Conflict and Human Rights

Mres sustainable futures.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MRes in Sustainable Futures, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Accounting and Finance

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Accounting and Finance, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Accounting, Finance and Management

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Accounting, Finance and Management, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Advanced Composites

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Advanced Composites, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Advanced Microelectronic Systems Engineering

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Advanced Microelectronic Systems Engineering, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Aerial Robotics

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Aerial Robotics, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Applied Neuropsychology

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Applied Neuropsychology, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Applied Neuropsychology (Distance Learning)

Msc applied neuropsychology (online), msc banking, regulation and financial stability.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Banking, Regulation and Financial Stability, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Bioinformatics

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Bioinformatics, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Biomedical Engineering

Msc biomedical sciences research.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Biomedical Sciences Research, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Biorobotics

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Biorobotics, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Business Analytics

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Business Analytics, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc by research Global Environmental Challenges

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc by research Global Environmental Challenges, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Cardiovascular Perfusion (distance learning)

Msc cardiovascular perfusion (online), msc climate change science and policy.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Climate Change Science and Policy, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Clinical Neuropsychology

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Clinical Neuropsychology, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Clinical Perfusion Science

Msc clinical research methods and evidence-based medicine, msc communication networks and signal processing.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Communication Networks and Signal Processing, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Computer Science (Conversion)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc conversion programme in Computer Science, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Contemporary Identities

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Contemporary Identities, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Cyber Security (Infrastructures Security)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Cyber Security (Infrastructures Security), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Data Science

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Data Science, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Data Science (Distance Learning)

Msc data science (online), msc dental implantology.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Dental Implantology, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Development and Security

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Development and Security, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Digital Health

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Digital Health, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Earthquake Engineering and Infrastructure Resilience

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Earthquake Engineering and Infrastructure Resilience, including structure and career prospects.

MSc East Asian Development and the Global Economy

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in East Asian Development and the Global Economy, including structure and career prospects.

MSc Economics

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Economics, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Economics and Finance

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Economics and Finance, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Economics with Data Science

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Economics with Data Science, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Economics, Finance and Management

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Economics, Finance and Management including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Education (Education and Climate Change)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Education (Education and Climate Change), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Education (Inclusive Education)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Education (Inclusive Education), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Education (Leadership and Policy)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Education (Leadership and Policy), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Education (Learning, Technology and Society)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Education (Learning, Technology and Society), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Education (Mathematics Education)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Education (Mathematics Education), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Education (Neuroscience and Education)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Education (Neuroscience and Education), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Education (Open Pathway)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Education (Open Pathway), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Education (Policy and International Development)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Education (Policy and International Development) including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Education (Teaching and Learning)

Msc engineering mathematics.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Engineering Mathematics, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Engineering with Management

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Engineering with Management, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Environmental Analytical Chemistry

Msc environmental modelling and data analysis.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Environmental Modelling and Data Analysis, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Environmental Policy and Management

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Environmental Policy and Management, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Epidemiology

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Epidemiology, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Finance and Investment

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Finance and Investment, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Financial Technology

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Financial Technology, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Financial Technology with Data Science

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Financial Technology with Data Science, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Gender and International Relations

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Gender and International Relations, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Geographic Data Science and Spatial Analytics

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Geographic Data Science and Spatial Analytics, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Global Development and Environment

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Global Development and Environment, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Global Management

Msc global operations and supply chain management.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Global Operations and Supply Chain Management, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Global Wildlife Health and Conservation

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Health Economics and Health Policy Analysis

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Health Economics and Health Policy Analysis, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Health Professions Education

Msc health professions education (online), msc healthcare management, msc healthcare management (online), msc human geography: society and space.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Human Geography: Society and Space, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Human Resource Management and the Future of Work

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Human Resource Management and the Future of Work, including structure and career prospects.

MSc Human-Computer Interaction (Online)

Msc image and video communications and signal processing.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Image and Video Communications and Signal Processing, including structure and career prospects.

MSc Immersive Technologies (Virtual and Augmented Reality)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Immersive Technologies (Virtual and Augmented Reality), including structure and career prospects.

MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Msc international business and strategy: global challenges.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in International Business and Strategy: Global Challenges), including structure and career prospects.

MSc International Development

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in International Development, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc International Relations

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in International Relations, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc International Security

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in International Security, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Management

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Management, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Management (CSR and Sustainability)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Management (CSR and Sustainability), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Management (Digitalisation and Big Data)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Management (Digitalisation and Big Data), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Management (Entrepreneurship and Innovation)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Management (Entrepreneurship and Innovation), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Management (International Business)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Management (International Business), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Management (International Human Resource Management)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Management (International Human Resource Management), including structure and career prospects.

MSc Management (Marketing)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Management (Marketing), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Management (Project Management)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Management (Project Management), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Marketing

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Marketing, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Mathematical Sciences

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Mathematical Sciences, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Medical Statistics and Health Data Science

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Medical Statistics and Health Data Science, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Molecular Neuroscience

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Molecular Neuroscience, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Nanoscience and Functional Nanomaterials

Msc nuclear science and engineering.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Nuclear Science and Engineering, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Optical Communications and Signal Processing

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Optical Communications and Signal Processing, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Optoelectronic and Quantum Technologies

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Optoelectronic and Quantum Technologies, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Oral Medicine

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Oral Medicine, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Orthopaedic Research Methods and Evidence-Based Medicine

Msc palaeobiology.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Palaeobiology, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Perfusion Science

Msc periodontology.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc and Postgraduate Certificate in Perfusion Science, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Policy Research

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Policy Research, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Psychology (Conversion)

Msc psychology of education bps.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc conversion programme in Psychology of Education, accreddiated by the British Psychological Society,

MSc Public Health

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Public Health, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Public Policy

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Public Policy, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Public Policy Analysis (Distance Learning)

Msc reproduction and development.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc, PGCert and PGDip in Reproduction and Development, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Robotics

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Robotics, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Science Communication for a Better Planet

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Science Communication for a Better Planet, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Scientific Computing with Data Science

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Scientific Computing with Data Science, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Social and Cultural Theory

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Social and Cultural Theory, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Social Science Research Methods (Management)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Management), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Social Science Research Methods (Politics)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Politics), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Social Science Research Methods (Sociology)

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Sociology), including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Social Work

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Social Work, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Social Work Research

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Social Work Research, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Society, Politics and Climate Change

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Society, Politics and Climate Change, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Socio-Legal Studies

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Socio-Legal Studies, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Sociology

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Sociology, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Stem Cells and Regeneration

Msc stem cells and regeneration (online), msc strategy, change and leadership.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc and PGCert in Strategy, Change and Leadership, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Sustainable Engineering

Msc teaching and learning for health professionals, msc teaching english to speakers of other languages (tesol).

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Translational Cardiovascular Medicine

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc, PGCert and PGDip in Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, including structure and entry requirements.

MSc Translational Cardiovascular Medicine (Online)

Msc volcanology, msc water and environmental management.

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Water and Environmental Management, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

MSc Wireless Communications and Signal Processing

Find out about the University of Bristol's MSc in Wireless Communications and Signal Processing, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Music, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Oral and Dental Sciences

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Oral and Dental Sciences, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

PG Certificate (Postgraduate Certificate) Clinical Neuropsychology Practice

Find out about the University of Bristol's Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Neuropsychology Practice, including structure and career prospects.

PG Certificate (Postgraduate Certificate) Clinical Oral Surgery

Find out about the University of Bristol's Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Oral Surgery, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

PG Certificate (Postgraduate Certificate) Clinical Perfusion Science

Pg certificate (postgraduate certificate) healthcare improvement, pg certificate (postgraduate certificate) healthcare improvement (online), pg certificate (postgraduate certificate) perfusion science, pg diploma (postgraduate diploma) applied neuropsychology, pg diploma (postgraduate diploma) applied neuropsychology (bristol-based), pg diploma (postgraduate diploma) applied neuropsychology (distance learning), pg diploma (postgraduate diploma) applied neuropsychology (online), pg diploma (postgraduate diploma) clinical neuropsychology.

Find out about the University of Bristol's Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology, including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

PG Diploma (Postgraduate Diploma) Orthodontic Therapy

Pg diploma (postgraduate diploma) philosophy, pg diploma (postgraduate diploma) theoretical and practical clinical neuropsycho, pg diploma (postgraduate diploma) theoretical and practical clinical neuropsychology.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PG Diploma in Theoretical and Practical Clinical Neuropsychology, including structure and entry requirements.

PGCE Education (Secondary)

Find out about the University of Bristol's PGCE in Education (Secondary) including structure, entry requirements and career prospects.

PhD Accounting and Finance

Phd advanced composites, phd advanced quantitative methods, phd aerosol science, phd aerospace engineering, phd anthropology and archaeology, phd biochemistry, phd biological sciences, phd cellular and molecular medicine, phd chemistry, phd civil engineering, phd classics and ancient history, phd comparative literatures and cultures, phd computational statistics and data science: compass, phd computer science, phd creative writing, phd cyber security (tips at scale), phd digital health and care, phd disability studies, phd dynamic molecular cell biology (wellcome trust), phd earth sciences, phd east asian studies, phd economics, phd education, phd electrical and electronic engineering, phd engineering mathematics, phd english literature, phd exercise, nutrition and health, phd film and television, phd geographical sciences (human geography), phd geographical sciences (physical geography), phd global political economy, phd great western four+ doctoral training partnership (nerc), phd health and wellbeing, phd hispanic, portuguese and latin american studies, phd history, phd history of art, phd innovation and entrepreneurship, phd integrative cardiovascular science (bhf), phd interactive artificial intelligence, phd italian, phd management, phd mathematics, phd mechanical engineering, phd medieval studies, phd molecular, genetic and lifecourse epidemiology (wellcome), phd oral and dental sciences, phd philosophy, phd physics, phd physiology, pharmacology and neuroscience, phd politics, phd population health sciences, phd psychology, phd quantum engineering, phd religion and theology, phd robotics and autonomous systems, phd russian, phd security, conflict and human rights, phd social policy, phd social work, phd sociology, phd south west biosciences doctoral training partnership (bbsrc), phd south west doctoral training partnership (esrc), phd sustainable futures, phd technology enhanced chemical synthesis, phd theatre and performance, phd translation, phd translational health sciences, phd veterinary sciences.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Philosophy, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Physics, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Politics, including key themes and entry requirements.

Population Health Sciences

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Population Health Sciences, including entry requirements, career prospects and research groups.

Practice-Oriented Artificial Intelligence

Quantum information science and technologies, religion and theology.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Religion and Theology, including structure, entry requirements and supervisors.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Russian, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Social Policy

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Social Policy, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Social Work

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Social Work, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Sociology, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Sociotechnical Futures and Digital Methods

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Sociotechnical Futures and Digital Methods, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (BBSRC)

Find out about the University of Bristol's South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership, including structure and entry requirements.

Sustainable Futures

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Sustainable Futures, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Technology Enhanced Chemical Synthesis

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Technology Enhanced Chemical Synthesis, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Theatre and Performance

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Theatre and Performance, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Translation

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Translation, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Translational Health Sciences

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Translational Health Sciences, including entry requirements, supervisors and research groups.

Veterinary Sciences

Find out about the University of Bristol's PhD in Veterinary Sciences, including entry requirements, research groups and career prospects.

Research opportunities

Cardiovascular research.

Expertise of research area aging; Cardiac arrhythmia; Cardiac remodelling and repair; skeletal muscle; Sport and Exercise Science; cardiovascular

As part of the Cardiovascular and Sport and Exercise Sciences group, we were ranked 1st in the UK for world leading 4* research in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

<p>Our research, delivered under six&nbsp;themes, focuses on the function of the heart in health and disease, with additional activity in the area of skeletal muscle. From the level of the single molecule through to the function of the intact heart&nbsp;<em>in vivo</em>, complemented by multi-scale<em>&nbsp;in silico</em>&nbsp;modelling, we deliver world-class research with translational relevance.</p> <h3><a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/cardiovascular/doc/cardiovascular-research-themes/page/1">Molecular machinery of muscle contraction</a></h3> <p>Contraction of cardiac and skeletal muscle depends on the precise arrangement and interaction of elements of the excitation-contraction machinery and of the signalling pathways that regulate these.</p> <h3><a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/cardiovascular/doc/cardiovascular-research-themes/page/2">Cardiac arrhythmia</a></h3> <p>Cardiac arrhythmias occur when the heart&rsquo;s electrical activity becomes chaotic and it can no longer pump blood efficiently. Ageing, certain conditions such as heart failure, and even intense exercise training can increase the risk of arrhythmias.</p> <h3><a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/cardiovascular/doc/cardiovascular-research-themes/page/3">Cardiac remodelling and repair</a></h3> <p>Cardiac adaptions through remodelling and repair occur at multiple levels and throughout life. One highly-contested area of research is the extent of myocardial regeneration that takes place following myocardial damage, and the role of stem or progenitor cells in this.</p> <h3><a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/cardiovascular/doc/cardiovascular-research-themes/page/4">Skeletal muscle in health and disease</a></h3> <p>Skeletal muscle is vital for life, underpinning locomotion, respiration, and metabolism, yet we still poorly understand its response to exercise and disease.</p> <h3><a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/cardiovascular/doc/cardiovascular-research-themes/page/5">Ageing and the cardiopulmonary system</a></h3> <p>Age is a major risk factor for the majority of cardiopulmonary complications. In part this is because many cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are progressive. However, even healthy ageing is associated with a reduction in blood vessel and lung function, with a sharp decline in maximal cardiac output and aerobic capacity as people advance into their 60s and beyond.</p> <h3><a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/cardiovascular/doc/cardiovascular-research-themes/page/6">Exercise and the failing heart</a></h3> <p>Heart failure is a complex syndrome with impairment of cardiac, respiratory, musculoskeletal and vascular function, all of which contribute to reduced quality of life and mortality. Exercise has established benefits in patients with heart failure but debate continues as to the most appropriate exercise modality.</p>

<p>If you are interested in a&nbsp;product in this research area please search for our <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees/doc/how-to-apply">research opportunities</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e: <a href="mailto:https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees">fbsgrads</a><a href="mailto:[email protected]">@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 8186</p>

UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science

Fully funded PhD Studentship at the Institute of Cardiovascular Science

HiP-CT x SVD: Deep-Phenotyping of Single Ventricle Disease (SVD) by Synchrotron-based Hierarchical Phase Contrast Tomography (HiP-CT)

Applications are now open - closing date 29/02/2024

Key information.

Lead supervisors: Prof. Andrew Cook and Prof. Peter Lee Collaborators: SVD - EuReCCA collaborative  - Mr Adrian Crucean (Birmingham, UK); Prof Lucile Houyel (Paris); Prof Monique Jongbloed (Leiden, Netherlands)

Application deadline: 29 Feb 2024 Project start date: April/May 2024 Project duration: 3 years

Eligibility:  Open to UK students and international students Studentship funding: Home tuition fees* (currently £5,860/year) + AFE + maintenance stipend (currently £20,622/year). Note international students will have to pay addtional fees* Project location: UCL Zayed Centre for Research + UCL Bloomsbury campus

About ‘Single Ventricle Disease’

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects nearly 1% of babies at birth and 11-13 million of the global population. It leads to over one quarter of a million premature deaths, each year. The severest form of CHD is Single Ventricle Disease (SVD), a heterogeneous group of heart abnormalities where macroscopic anatomy is well-described, but little is known about 3D deep-phenotype. 

About the research project

This project will utilise Synchrotron-based, Hierarchical Phase-Contrast Tomography (HiP-CT), a novel technology that is already proving to be transformative for interpreting human disease, to provide a 3D map of explanted SVD organs across ages and scales. The student will examine the anatomy of hearts with SVD using HiP-CT across the life-course of disease from fetal life through to adulthood. Using HiP-CT data, they will then explore 3D myocardial structure in depth, the coronary vasculature and conduction system. The overall aim is to improve understanding of the deep-phenotype of SVD and improve patient’s journeys with the disease. Because some forms of SVD are rare, the nature of the work is multi-centre and collaborative across the UK and Europe, and you will have access to some of the largest anatomic biobanks in the world (EuReCCA collaborative) and work with a multi-disciplinary group of engineers, and image analysts.

Person Specification

Applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree, MSc (or equivalent) in cardiovascular science, anatomy, biomedical science, or biomedical engineering. The candidate must have a strong interest in cardiac anatomy and/or image analysis and be willing to learn about single ventricle disease. Handling and care of valuable anatomic specimens is a vital part of this research and the candidate must be willing to work in cardiac morphology labs in the UK and abroad. You must be enthusiastic to learn and work closely with our SVD team, as well as the wider multi-disciplinary group on HiPCT imaging and analysis, based at UCL Mech Eng (Prof Peter Lee)

Interested candidates should initially contact the supervisor, Prof. Andrew Cook ( [email protected] ) with subject 'SVD - PhD' including a motivation letter expressing interest in this project and a CV. Informal inquiries are encouraged. 

*Eligibility

This studentship is available to candidates who qualify for UK Home tuition fees: candidates from the UK or from the EU with settled or pre-settled status in the UK. EU and International students are also welcome to enquire and exceptional students may be considered, especially if they have partial funding through other scholarships. The updated rules for eligibility for home fees for next year are available on the UCL website.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to meet our Institute's English language entry requirements.   

Application

To apply, please send a current CV including the contact details of two potential academic referees as well as a cover letter to [email protected] . Enquiries regarding the post can be made to Professor Andrew Cook  ( [email protected] ). 

Deadl ine for receipt of applications: 29 February 2024

Interview date: TBC

Why study this degree at UCL?

Outstanding research opportunities.

University College London (UCL) offers unrivalled opportunities for PhD research in all aspects of Cardiovascular Biomedicine. The Institute of Cardiovascular Science was set up in 2011 and is a centre of excellence in preventative and therapeutic cardiovascular medicine. Our academic staff have international reputations and ICS provides a stimulating academic setting. Research labs are well-funded and equipped, so that PhD students have the best chance of getting off to a productive start straightaway. 

Pastoral care

Throughout the 3 years, all student's progress will be monitored and assessed by a committee responsible for the training provided. Students will be integrated into the community of cardiovascular researchers at UCL by participation in journal clubs, seminars and social events. Career advice will be given in the last year.

Cultural and social opportunities provided by London

UCL is located in Bloomsbury, close to the entertainment areas of the West End and South Bank which offer an enormous range of music, art, theatre and film, and a vast number of restaurants and bars. London is extremely socially diverse: most PhD students rapidly establish a thriving social life.

The UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science is a world-leading research institute into the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. 

We have been awarded an Athena SWAN silver award recognising our commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEM in higher education and research.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, postgraduate cardiology.

9 degrees at 9 universities in the UK.

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Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

About Postgraduate Cardiology

Cardiology is a specialist medical field that focuses exclusively on the heart and blood vessels. Researchers and practitioners work to detect, diagnose and treat abnormalities, conditions and diseases of the heart. As heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the UK, cardiology is an increasingly important field that requires comprehensive training.

Postgraduates in cardiology will build on their existing medical training, and may specialise in areas like surgery, stroke treatment or cardiorespiratory practice. Working in hospitals and medical research settings is common.

There are over 12 degrees to choose from at more than eight universities in the UK from postgraduate certificates to MSc and MRes degree pathways.

What to expect

Postgraduate courses in this area are usually designed for medical professionals wanting to specialise, so you will often need a health care degree and be working in a medical setting already. You will usually need to undertake a practical placement at your existing place of work with their support.

While the exact content will vary from uni to uni and course level, typical areas covered include acute cardiology principles and practice, fundamentals of cardiac diagnosis, invasive and interventional cardiology, research methods, leadership in clinical services and quality and safety in clinical services.

By completing a postgraduate qualification, you’ll advance your career in this field by extending your knowledge and skills. It will also give you the opportunity to work with experienced cardiologists whilst studying which could help build your professional networks.

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Cardiology MSc/PGDip

Middlesex university.

Cardiac physiologists record and analyse physiological data to diagnose and treat cardiac disease. They play an essential role in Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £10,500 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time degree: £5,250 per year (UK)

Cardiac and Vascular Medicine MRes

Queen mary university of london.

For the British Heart Foundation 4 year MRes/PhD (comprised of this 1 year full-time MRes in Cardiac & Vascular Medicine, leading to a 3 Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £18,850 per year (UK)

MSc Cardiology and Stroke

University of hertfordshire.

The MSc Cardiology and stroke programme is designed for junior doctors with career intentions in stroke or cardiology, general Read more...

• 1 year Online/Distance degree

MSc Surgical Care Practitioner (Cardiothoracic Surgery)

University of plymouth.

Advance your professional expertise and specialist knowledge with MSc Surgical Care Practitioner (Cardiothoracic Surgery). Consider Read more...

• 1 year Part time degree

Cardiorespiratory Practice PGCert

Oxford brookes university.

This Post Graduate Certificate in Cardiorespiratory Practice will enable you to achieve professional development and experience in the Read more...

• 9 months Part time degree
• 12 months Part time degree

PGCert Advanced Cardiothoracic Care

Edge hill university.

This Postgraduate Certificate prepares practitioners for the innovative, specialist and advanced roles in cardiothoracic practice which are Read more...

• 1 year Part time degree: £3,000 per year (UK)

Practitioners with a Special Interest - Cardiology MSc / PGDip

University of bradford.

This programme enables practitioners to gain a formally recognised standard of competence in cardiology. It is taught and run by advanced Read more...

• 18 months Part time degree

Cardiac Device and Rhythm Management PGCert

University of leeds.

Cardiac disease is a major problem of the Western world. In the UK the demand for cardiac specialists is greater than the number Read more...

• 9 months Part time degree: £4,500 per year (UK)

Sports Cardiology MSc/PgDip/PgCert

St george's, university of london.

The only programme of its kind in the UK and Europe, our MSc is taught by world-leading experts from the Centre for Inherited Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £15,250 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time degree: £8,150 per year (UK)

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Cardiovascular Significance and Genetics of Epicardial and Pericardial Adiposity

• 1 Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 2 Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
• 3 Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
• 4 Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
• 5 University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis
• 6 Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 7 Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
• 8 Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
• 9 Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
• 10 Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 11 Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
• 12 Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
• 13 Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
• 14 Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
• 15 Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
• 16 Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco
• 17 Division of Cardiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco
• 18 Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco
• Editor's Note What’s VAT All About—The Clue is in the Genetics Sharlene M. Day, MD JAMA Cardiology

Question   What are the cardiovascular disease associations and genetic determinants of epicardial and pericardial adiposity?

Findings   In a cohort study of 44 725 participants, the quantity of epicardial and pericardial adipose tissue was associated with type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and coronary artery disease, but these associations were no longer significant after adjusting for abdominal visceral adipose tissue. Seven genetic loci for epicardial and pericardial adipose tissue implicated genes influencing adipocyte morphology, brownlike adipose tissue differentiation, and abdominal adiposity.

Meaning   Although local or paracrine effects have been suggested, epicardial and pericardial adiposity may signify a metabolically unhealthy adiposity phenotype comparable with abdominal visceral adiposity.

Importance   Epicardial and pericardial adipose tissue (EPAT) has been associated with cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) and coronary artery disease (CAD), but studies have been limited in sample size or drawn from selected populations. It has been suggested that the association between EPAT and cardiovascular disease could be mediated by local or paracrine effects.

Objective   To evaluate the association of EPAT with prevalent and incident cardiovascular disease and to elucidate the genetic basis of EPAT in a large population cohort.

Design, Setting, and Participants   A deep learning model was trained to quantify EPAT area from 4-chamber magnetic resonance images using semantic segmentation. Cross-sectional and prospective cardiovascular disease associations were evaluated, controlling for sex and age. Prospective associations were additionally controlled for abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volumes. A genome-wide association study was performed, and a polygenic score (PGS) for EPAT was examined in independent FinnGen cohort study participants. Data analyses were conducted from March 2022 to December 2023.

Exposures   The primary exposures were magnetic resonance imaging–derived continuous measurements of epicardial and pericardial adipose tissue area and visceral adipose tissue volume.

Main Outcomes and Measures   Prevalent and incident CAD, AF, heart failure (HF), stroke, and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Results   After exclusions, this study included 44 475 participants (mean [SD] age, 64.1 [7.7] years; 22 972 female [51.7%]) from the UK Biobank. Cross-sectional and prospective cardiovascular disease associations were evaluated for a mean (SD) of 3.2 (1.5) years of follow-up. Prospective associations were additionally controlled for abdominal VAT volumes for 38 527 participants. A PGS for EPAT was examined in 453 733 independent FinnGen cohort study participants. EPAT was positively associated with male sex (β = +0.78 SD in EPAT; P < 3 × 10 −324 ), age (Pearson r  = 0.15; P = 9.3 × 10 −229 ), body mass index (Pearson r  = 0.47; P < 3 × 10 −324 ), and VAT (Pearson r  = 0.72; P  < 3 × 10 −324 ). EPAT was more elevated in prevalent HF (β = +0.46 SD units) and T2D (β = +0.56) than in CAD (β = +0.23) or AF (β = +0.18). EPAT was associated with incident HF (hazard ratio [HR], 1.29 per +1 SD in EPAT; 95% CI, 1.17-1.43), T2D (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.51-1.76), and CAD (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.11-1.28). However, the associations were no longer significant when controlling for VAT. Seven genetic loci were identified for EPAT, implicating transcriptional regulators of adipocyte morphology and brown adipogenesis ( EBF1 , EBF2 , and CEBPA ) and regulators of visceral adiposity ( WARS2 and TRIB2 ). The EPAT PGS was associated with T2D (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.05-1.07; P =3.6 × 10 −44 ), HF (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04-1.06; P =4.8 × 10 −15 ), CAD (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03-1.05; P =1.4 × 10 −17 ), AF (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03-1.06; P =7.6 × 10 −12 ), and stroke in FinnGen (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03; P =3.5 × 10 −3 ) per 1 SD in PGS.

Conclusions and Relevance   Results of this cohort study suggest that epicardial and pericardial adiposity was associated with incident cardiovascular diseases, but this may largely reflect a metabolically unhealthy adiposity phenotype similar to abdominal visceral adiposity.

• Editor's Note What’s VAT All About—The Clue is in the Genetics JAMA Cardiology

Read More About

Rämö JT , Kany S , Hou CR, et al. Cardiovascular Significance and Genetics of Epicardial and Pericardial Adiposity. JAMA Cardiol. 2024;9(5):418–427. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2024.0080

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We have 44 cardiovascular PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for UK Students

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cardiovascular PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for UK Students

Novel diagnostics to assess the impact of turbulent flow in cardiovascular disease, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Cardiovascular growth, function and disease modelling in childhood

Funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Understanding structure, function, localisation and molecular interactions of cardiovascular ion channels

Unravelling atrial fibrillation complexity: advanced statistics and machine learning integration of electrophysiology clinical data and big data sources, [artificial intelligence, biostatistics, machine learning, digital healthcare, natriuretic peptides analogues as potential therapeutic and diagnostic tools for cardiovascular disease, the role of extracellular vesicles in signalling between cardiovascular cell types in metabolic diseases and in cardioprotective therapies, funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Application and development of bioinformatics and network theory methods in cardiovascular disease research and pharmacovigilance

2025 rtp round - testing the synergistic effect of inorganic nitrate and exercise on cardiovascular and brain health in older subjects, phd positions in the field of molecular medicine, age-related diseases, immunology, molecular and lipid metabolism, cardiovascular research and biostatistics, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Austria PhD Programme

An Austrian PhD usually takes 3-4 years. Most students complete their projects within broader PhD programmes incorporating a curriculum of courses and training worth a certain number of ECTS credits as well as research towards an original thesis. This will be presented for a public examination by two academic experts. Most programmes are delivered in German, but some universities offer English-language teaching.

Development of miRNAs as a new therapeutic tool in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Design and 3d-printing of biomaterials for cardiovascular applications, competition funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project is one of a number of projects at this institution. It is in competition for funding with one or more of these projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding. The funding is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Modelling the Impact of Diagnostic Pathways in Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease - University of Swansea (part of Health Data Research UK’s Big Data for Complex Disease Driver Programme)

Repurposing and enriching cardiovascular risk prediction model to identify people at risk of cancer – ucl (part of health data research uk’s big data for complex disease driver programme), investigating the self-organizing properties of cardiac cells in vivo, competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Bioelectric signalling in cardiac valve development

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Cardiovascular Science PhD, MScR

Awards: PhD, MScR

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Cardiovascular Science

Discovery Day

Join us online on 21st August to learn more about postgraduate study at Edinburgh.

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Research profile

The Centre for Cardiovascular Science aims to foster and deliver research into the causes, consequences and therapy of the cardiovascular diseases.

We offer postgraduates the opportunity to work within internationally leading research programmes addressing fundamental development and control of the cardiovascular system and the origins and consequences of cardiovascular disease. The work extends from basic laboratory research through to clinical studies.

Four PhD studentships are available in September 2023, funded by the British Heart Foundation*. The studentships have a 1+3 format, the first year being a Masters in Cardiovascular Science that includes a taught element and 3 laboratory/project rotations followed by a 3 year PhD. These studentships are aimed at highly motivated candidates with research experience and a strong interest in the cardiovascular research performed within our Centre.

The Centre will also consider self-funded candidates for the PhD in Cardiovascular Science. Such candidates will be expected to have an agreement with one of our Centre’s Principal Investigators to supervise a PhD project before application and will be interviewed by the Postgraduate Director and members of the Postgraduate Committee.

In 2019, the Centre was designated as one of four British Heart Foundation Research Excellence Award (REA) and was awarded £3M over a four-year period, building upon 3 successive major REA investments since 2008.

Major research efforts are directed at:

• the metabolic syndrome and risk factors for cardiovascular disease
• mechanisms of atheromatous plaque formation and systemic and brain vascular dysfunction
• renal dysfunction and hypertension
• development and application of imaging in heart, systemic - and neurovascular diseases
• exploitation of "Big Data" and e-health science in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

Training and support

The Centre has an excellent track record for training provision to basic scientists and clinicians. Trainees on our programmes receive direct support from at least two academic advisors during their studies and a dedicated thesis committee provides guidance throughout the programme of research. In addition to research training, the Centre hosts an active seminar series for distinguished external speakers and a them-based forum for presentation of internal research at all levels (PhD, post-doctoral, principal investigators).

The Centre offers training to clinicians and basic scientists from biomedical and non-biomedical backgrounds. Several training schemes are offered, covering full- and part-time study.

In addition, there are three distinct 4-year PhD programmes, applications for which should be made directly to the Centre.

The CVS is situated in the £50 million, purpose-built Queen's Medical Research Institute adjacent to the new Medical School and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France. Trainees can access the BHF Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facilities. In addition, the Centre supports a high quality suite for in vivo physiological studies.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Additional costs.

The Centre will consider self-funded candidates for the PhD in Cardiovascular Science.

As a self-funding student you will be responsible for securing funding to cover your tuition fees and living costs for the duration of your studies. You would also be expected to cover the project research costs. These are defined by the project supervisor and are typically in excess of £10,000 per year.

Tuition fees

Scholarships and funding

Featured funding.

• Centre for Cardiovascular Science funding
• College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine funding opportunities
• Research scholarships for international students
• Principal's Career Development PhD Scholarships

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• CVS Postgraduate Administrator, Lynn Meikle
• Phone: +44 (0)131 242 6724
• Contact: [email protected]
• CVS Postgraduate Director, Dr Sari Pennings
• Phone: +44 (0)131 242 6195
• Contact: [email protected]
• Centre for Cardiovascular Science
• Queen's Medical Research Institute
• 47 Little France Crescent
• Little France
• Programme: Cardiovascular Science
• School: Edinburgh Medical School: Clinical Sciences
• College: Medicine & Veterinary Medicine

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Cardiovascular Science - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd cardiovascular science - 6 years (part-time), msc by research cardiovascular science - 1 year (full-time), msc by research cardiovascular science - 2 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

Before making your application, you must make contact with a potential supervisor to discuss your research proposal. Further information on making a research degree application can be found on the College website:

• How to apply for a research degree

You will be formally interviewed (in person, by video-conferencing or Skype).

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Medical students to compete in 2024 Paris Olympics

July 19, 2024.

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris kickoff this Friday, with its Opening Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. ET. The games will run until Sunday, Aug. 11.  Join us in cheering on two of our medical students, Lexington-native Lee Kiefer and Gerek Meinhardt! The husband-wife fencing duo are Olympic veterans, making a collective ninth Olympic appearance (fourth for Kiefer, fifth for Meinhardt) in Paris this summer. 

Kiefer joined the UK College of Medicine in 2017 and Meinhardt in 2020. Both completed their first two years of medical school at UK before taking a leave of absence to compete as Olympians. They plan to return next fall to continue their clinical training. 

For past coverage of their Olympic wins, check out these stories from UKNow from 2021: 

UK Med Student Gerek Meinhardt, Team USA Take Bronze in Foil UK Medical Student Lee Kiefer Takes the Gold in Women's Foil

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New Study Identifies Two Proteins That May Contribute to Stroke Recurrence

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New study identifies two proteins that may contribute to stroke recurrence ..

The study discovered genetic markers in inflammation that may be related to a second stroke or other major cardiovascular event following a stroke. These findings could help identify drug targets to mitigate stroke-related disability and mortality.

Jillian mckoy.

People who experience an arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic stroke (TIA) are at an increased risk of suffering a second stroke or other major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), making it critically important to identify risk factors and treatments to prevent these subsequent occurrences. 

A new study led by the School of Public Health, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (Bristol BRC), and Veteran’s Affairs Boston Healthcare System (VA Boston), has identified new genetic and molecular risk factors that may reveal new pathways for treating patients after they experience their first stroke.

Published in Stroke , a journal of the American Heart Association, the study identified CCL27 and TNFRSF14, two proteins that are associated with subsequent MACE, but not initial strokes. These proteins are known to activate inflammation, which plays a key role in the development of strokes and many chronic conditions and diseases. The findings suggest that inflammation is a contributing factor to MACE outcomes among people after they have their first stroke.

“While previous studies have found associations between inflammation and incident AIS/MACE, our study found that these causal proteins may also have a role in subsequent MACE, which could lead to potential novel drug targets,” says study co-lead author Nimish Adhikari, a PhD student in biostatistics at SPH and VA Boston. The study was also co-led by Andrew Elmore , senior research associate in health data science at NIHR Bristol BRC. 

Utilizing genetic information and medical history data from two large biobanks, the VA’s Million Veteran Program and UK Biobank, the research team conducted ancestry-specific genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to find associations between DNA and incident and subsequent AIS and MACE.  

GWAS are typically performed to determine whether individuals have had a medical event for the first time, but applying this method to subsequent MACE events could shed novel insights about stroke progression, information that would be valuable for therapeutic drug identification, the researchers say. 

In total, the researchers examined 93,422 individuals who had an incident stroke, among which 51,929 had subsequent MACE and 45,120 had subsequent AIS. 

In population specific analyses, they observed two significant genetic variants: rs76472767, near gene RNF220 on chromosome 1 in the African ancestry GWAS for subsequent MACE, and rs13294166, near gene LINC01492 on chromosome 9 in the same ancestry GWAS for subsequent AIS.

“We used that data to find if there were certain molecules that were associated with either incident or subsequent states,” says Elmore. “From that, we were able to identify a link between certain molecules that play a part in inflammation and these stroke and MACE outcomes.” 

While the prevalence of stroke has declined worldwide over the last three decades, it is still the second-leading cause of death and third-leading cause of disability across the globe, and it remains a significant public health issue. Stroke also continues to disproportionately affect populations among racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographical lines, furthering health inequities in both high- and low-income countries. Identifying novel drug targets for new therapeutic interventions that thwart stroke progression could save millions of people from experiencing stroke-related disability and mortality.

It’s unknown if targeting other modifiable risk factors for stroke could also offer pathways for effective treatment after someone experiences their first stroke.

“We are looking forward to extending this research to other cardiometabolic outcomes beyond stroke,” says co-senior and corresponding author Gina Peloso , associate professor of biostatistics at SPH.

Lavinia Paternoster , associate professor in genetic epidemiology at NIHR Bristol BRC and Bristol Medical School, and Kelly Cho , director of data science and analytics at the division of population health and data science, VA Boston Healthcare System and associate professor of medicine at Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, are also co-senior authors.

Explore Related Topics:

• biostatistics
• cardiovascular
• cardiovascular disease
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Senior Writer and Editor

Jillian McKoy is the senior writer and editor at the School of Public Health. Profile

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