The University of Manchester

The Kennedy Trust IMPACT Inflammation MB-PhD is a fully funded funded three-year programme aimed at MBChB students who wish to intercalate to train as clinician scientists.

This training route will see you work towards both your MBChB and PhD awards over the course of the programme, combining your medical training with research training in the area of inflammation sciences.

Each year, we aim to recruit the best candidates who are seeking to drive new innovations in clinical care and research. Our first cohort of students began their studies in September 2021. Successful applicants will receive a PhD studentship for the three-year duration of the programme.

What is a PhD?

A PhD is one of the highest level academic degrees that can be awarded. Unlike most undergraduate and master’s courses, a PhD is a pure research degree.

However, this doesn’t mean you will spend three years in a library or lab. There are many opportunities for professional development including networking and communication, teaching, presenting at conferences, and opportunities to publish work.

Why should I do a PhD during the MBChB?

You will get a head start on your academic career before you get too embedded in clinical work. The skills you will acquire can be applied in many areas of medicine, and you will learn valuable critical appraisal skills early.

There is a much higher chance of being awarded an MB-PhD during medical school than if you wait to apply for a PhD later in your career.

On completion of your MB-PhD, you will graduate as a doctor at the forefront of your field.

Why Inflammation?

Inflammation is such a broad area that it can be applicable in all aspects of medicine/surgery/GP. You will develop invaluable transferable skills and be fully equipped to start a career in clinical research. Inflammation is linked to areas of medicine such as:

  • immunology
  • dermatology
  • gastroenterology
  • infection
  • cardiovascular disease
  • arthritis and rheumatic diseases
  • Orthopaedics
  • Respiratory disease

You will benefit from a bespoke training and mentorship programme alongside your research project.

As a postgraduate researcher in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, you will also have access to the Doctoral Academy Training programme to develop your transferable skills.

Structure

Year 1:
Programme induction
Upskilling in inflammation course
Computational biology course
Project specific training/development

Year 2:
Training activities to support career development
Mentorship programme

Year 3:
Training activities to support career development
Mentorship programme
Preparation for thesis submission/viva
Support for returning to the MBChB core programme

Entry Requirements

Priority will be given to MBChB students at The University of Manchester and BSc (Hons) Medicine students at the University of St Andrews, although applications from eligible students from other medical schools may be considered.

University of Manchester MBChB students must be either:

  • currently studying in Year 3; or
  • currently studying in Year 2 and already holding a BSc (Hons) degree classification of an Upper Second or above in a relevant subject; or
  • intercalating after either Year 2 or Year 3 of the MBChB.

University of St Andrews BSc (Hons) Medicine students must be:

  • currently studying on Year 3 of the Manchester MBChB, having already obtained a BSc classification of an Upper Second (2:1) or above from the University of St Andrews;
  • predicted to obtain a BSc classification of an Upper Second (2:1) or above from the University of St Andrews.

Exceptionally, we will accept applications from medical students on other UK courses.

External applicants must demonstrate equivalent academic eligibility and institutional support to the above, including evidence of opportunities for integration with their undergraduate course similar to those of internal applicants.

Fees

An annual stipend of £23,000 in year 1, £24,759 in year 2 and £26,000 in year 3

Closing Date

First application deadline: 11 December 2023Second deadline for internal candidates: 27 May 2024