British Heart Foundation

Entry requirements

We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in a related subject area for entry to this funded PhD programme. As competition is tough, many of our applicants also hold a Masters-level qualification.

Months of entry

September

Course content

A unique first year

The first year of the programme differs from a traditional PhD. As one of our trainees, you will experience several lab project rotations and taught units.

This diverse first year is designed to provide you with a broad and varied research experience to help you choose the area you want to specialise in for the next three years of your PhD programme.

When you successfully complete the first year, you will be awarded an MRes in Cardiovascular Sciences.

Broad, interdisciplinary approaches

The programme brings together principal investigators from across the University with world-leading expertise in the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms underpinning cardiovascular function in health and disease with translation to the clinic.

Our goal is to encourage you to take novel, interdisciplinary approaches to key research questions that enhances our understanding of cardiovascular health and disease.

We actively encourage students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds to apply for the programme. Projects are offered in a wide range of subject areas including functional physiology, cell signalling, human genetics, in vivo disease modelling, informatics, bioengineering, computer modelling, novel delivery mechanisms, omics approaches, structure-function mechanisms, regenerative medicine and imaging.

Our current BHF PhD students are active members of the research group, participating in seminars, keynote lectures, external conferences and public engagement activities.

See our website for more information.