The PhD in Stem Cell Biology will be carried out under the supervision of a Principal Investigator from within the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, and based in their research group.
At the end, students write a thesis, which is examined via an oral examination (viva).
The PhD programme introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:
- to give students with relevant experience at a first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; and
- to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.
Our overarching goal is to produce well-trained and rounded Postgraduates who have generated significant and original research findings and are fully prepared for an ambitious and challenging career, whether continuing in stem cell science or moving to another profession.
Apply by 3rd December 2024 to be considered for Cambridge Funding. |
Self-funded applicants can apply up to 13th May 2025 (for Oct 2025 start). |
Annual Recruitment Timeline (for Michaelmas Term starters)
| September | Applications Open |
| Early December* | Funding application deadline |
| January | Interviews |
| April | Final application deadline |
| March - July | University Admission process (offer conditions to be met) |
| Following October | Term Starts |
* Students from the U.S. wanting to apply for Gates funding may have an earlier funding application deadline
Find further details on this course including eligibility requirements, funding possibilities and the application process on their dedicated page.
How To Apply |
All applications must be made via the Applicant Portal. Application for October 2025 entry are open as of September 2024.
- Applicants are required to identify a potential supervisor prior to submitting an application, to discuss the possibility of supervision, their proposed research project and funding options. A list of available projects will be advertised on this page over the summer, so please review these and get in touch with the relevant supervisors to discuss further. Contact details for our Principal Investigators can be found on the PI page.
- Once you have had these discussions with a supervisor and been advised by them to make a formal application, you can submit your application via the Applicant Portal
- Please submit only one application to each course. If applying to more than one lab for the same course, please list all proposed supervisor names on your application form (it is a free text box) and include separate paragraphs in the 'Research Summary' to explain the project you'd do in each lab. We recommend applying to no more than 2 supervisors.
- References: It is your responsibility to ensure that your references are provided by the application deadline. We suggest that you notify your referees of this requirement, as soon as possible, before you submit your application.
- Interviews: Note that the interviews for PhD candidates also wanting to be considered for Cambridge funding, will take place on 16th and 17th January 2025.
Funding |
The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute are offering the following funded PhD opportunities for 2025-26 entry: The Sybil Eastwood Memorial Trust Scholarship, The Isabelle Bouhon Cambridge International Scholarship, two Doctoral Training Programme in Medical Research (DTP-MR) Scholarships and a Churchill Chinese Medical Studentship in Stem Cell Research.
See funding details here.
Applicants must tick the box in the application form to be considered for University funding if you'd like to be considered for these Department funds, as well as various other University funding possibilities. Please note that these are competitive so it's also advised to seek out your own external scholarships.
PhD Projects for 2025-26 |
>> Click here for a list of PhD projects on offer for 2025-26 <<
Applicant Portal |