The Unit
PhD Opportunities at the MRC Epidemiology Unit
We invite applications for MRC funded PhD studentships in:
- aetiology of diabetes
- genetic epidemiology of obesity and diabetes
- nutritional epidemiology
- genetic and environmental determinants of infancy and childhood growth
- physical activity epidemiology
- environmental determinants of and interventions to promote physical activity
- prevention, screening and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
For more details on the research programmes that offer PhD projects click here.
The general framework of our PhD training programme is outlined by the Graduate School of Life Sciences and coordinated locally in the MRC Epidemiology Unit by Dr Ulf Ekelund and Julie Hands.
The MRC PhD positions follow a 3-year PhD programme for those students who already have a Masters degree or equivalent training in an appropriate scientific discipline. Opportunities exist for four year positions for those wishing to undertake the MPhil in Epidemiology/Public Health course in the first year of their PhD. The academic requirement for entry is a first or upper second class degree or equivalent.
PhD studies within the multi-disciplinary MRC Epidemiology Unit include diverse training opportunities for all aspects of research and encourage the development of both academic and generic research skills.
The aim of the academic part of the programme is to:
- gain experience in written and oral presentation of your work
- monitor the quality of your research project
- ensure that your PhD project is on track.
The presentations of your work also provide an opportunity to receive helpful feedback from members of the Unit and from scientists who are less closely involved with your research.
In addition to your research project, great emphasis is now placed on teaching PhD students transferable skills.To find out more about the transferable skills training at the MRC and University of Cambridge click here.
