PhD Programme - MRC Biostatistics Unit
Overview
The MRC Biostatistics Unit provides an exciting place to commence a career in biostatistics.
We believe that talented and inclusive teams deliver the highest quality research. The Unit is actively seeking to increase diversity among its students, creating opportunities for people traditionally under-represented in the biostatistics research community, including promoting an equitable representation of men and women. The Unit therefore especially encourages applications from women, from minority ethnic groups and from those with non-standard career paths. The Unit strives to maintain an environment where people can be their authentic selves. Appointment will be made on merit.
Our unique academic research environment offers the chance to do cutting edge research with direct relevance to real world health problems. Many of our staff have been central to the UK and University of Cambridge response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such our thriving PhD programme is hugely successful and competition for places is high.
The Unit's relaxed yet enthusiastic, dedicated and stimulating environment provides students with the essential tools, both in research and transferrable skills, to set them on their way to a successful career as an independent researcher.
Our PhD students are registered with the University of Cambridge under the subject heading ‘Biostatistics @MRC Biostatistics’ in the Faculty of Clinical Medicine. Students belong to one of the University’s colleges and are trained at our Unit at the University Forvie Site on the Addenbrooke’s Hospital Campus in Cambridge.
The general framework of our PhD training programme is locally co-ordinated by Brian Tom (Director of Studies), Robert Goudie, Angela Talbot (PhD Programme Manager) and Jenny Lynn (Postgraduate Coordinator).
Find out about our current PhD opportunities which are open to applications.
What it's like to be a BSU PhD Student
The PhD cohort here is especially friendly and inclusive with all the students made to feel welcome from day one! The BSU also provides an excellent place to develop as a researcher.
The BSU is a fantastic place to do your PhD, and will provide you with so much more than a qualification.
The MRC Biostatistics Unit provided me with an excellent education and a very friendly and supportive working environment.
Hear more from our PhD students
Meet our PhD students - YouTube
Meet our researchers: Interview with Juliette Limozin - YouTube
Meet our researchers: Interview with Lukas Pin - YouTube
PhD supervision
PhD studies within the multi-disciplinary MRC Biostatistics Unit include diverse training opportunities for all aspects of research and encourage the development of both academic and generic research skills.
Your primary supervisor will be responsible for your work, and for overseeing the general training elements of the PhD degree. In addition, you will have a second supervisor and/or a small advisory team. These individuals may be from a collaborating group or a group that does different research but is otherwise related to the group. They will advise you more generally about your PhD degree and be an independent point of contact in case of individual difficulties. You will be expected to meet with your supervisory team on at least every term.
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.
Contact BSU Graduate Studies Team
Postal Address
Graduate Studies
MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge,
East Forvie Building, Forvie Site,
Robinson Way,
Cambridge.
CB2 0SR
United Kingdom
Useful links
