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Postgraduate Study

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is one of the world's premier genomics research institutes and is at the forefront of this fast-developing field. We use large-scale DNA sequencing, informatics and analysis of genetic variation to further our understanding of gene function in health and disease, and the genomic diversity of complex organisms. The Institute’s PhD programme is open to UK and overseas applicants, and we aim to attract the brightest and best young scientists from all around the world.

The PhD programme aims to provide training and research opportunities in the field of genomic science that reflect the unique nature of Sanger Institute science, with an emphasis on large-scale, high-throughput approaches and the development of a blend of wet-lab and computational skills. The Institute also aims to provide students with general research and transferable skills training in addition to training in their specific research area. Applicants will generally have a bioscience background, but applicants with a computational or mathematical background can also apply.

During the first eight months, full-time students on our PhD programme undertake rotations in three different research groups. This ensures exposure to different disciplines in genomics and allows the students to gain a better overall picture of the scientific nature of the Institute and the different technologies that are available. In particular, all students are required to carry out at least one informatics rotation and one experimental laboratory rotation. This helps students to develop wide-ranging skills both at the bench and in data analysis. The final PhD project is chosen towards the end of the third rotation period, and students start their PhD project on 1 June. Students are expected to submit their PhD thesis within four years of starting on the programme.

Students are also expected to attend a number of training courses in transferable and general research skills, the postgraduate student lecture series and the students' journal club. There is an active seminar programme on site and at the University of Cambridge, and students are encouraged to present their work at both national and international scientific meetings, as well as to the Institute. Since our students are registered with the University of Cambridge and are members of a Cambridge college, they are able to take an active part in the University's academic and social life. They have access to events and courses run by the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences, and University facilities such as the library and the careers service. For further details, visit the PhD Programme page on our website.

To apply for a place funded by the Sanger Institute, please apply directly to the Institute - follow this link for further information.

Please note that applications submitted directly to the Sanger Institute are not applications to the course through the University of Cambridge. Students who are successful in gaining a funded place through the Sanger Institute will also subsequently be required to submit an application through the University’s Applicant Portal.

If you are applying for funding from the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme, you will need to submit an application directly through the University’s Applicant Portal and you will need to name a Sanger Institute Faculty member in your application who has agreed to supervise your proposed project.


Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Candidates shortlisted for the Wellcome Sanger Institute PhD programme will be invited to attend a PhD Interview Day, which is being held on the 22nd January 2024 (whether this will be in person or virtual will be decided nearer the time). Candidates will have three interviews with individual Sanger Institute Faculty members and one panel interview with three Sanger Institute Faculty members. Any shortlisted applicants unavailable for the PhD Interview Day can be interviewed via videoconference during the two weeks prior to the Interview Day.

 

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Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Wellcome Sanger Institute

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
May 16, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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