PhD Programme for Healthcare Professionals in the East of England

Overview

This PhD programme offers healthcare professionals the opportunity to undertake doctoral research in internationally renowned centres of biomedical research.

Hosted by the University of Cambridge, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and the University of East Anglia, the programme is embedded within a regional ecosystem recognised globally for:

  • excellence in discovery science
  • leadership in translational medicine
  • advances in genomics, data science and AI
  • strong links between research, clinical practice and innovation

For decades, this environment has trained researchers who have reshaped our understanding of the mechanisms underlying human disease, delivering meaningful improvements in patient care.

Fellows are encouraged to:

  • pursue ambitious, clinically relevant research questions
  • work with supervisors drawn from internationally leading research groups
  • engage across departments, institutes and partner organisations

A distinctive feature of the programme is the opportunity to explore different research environments before committing to a final PhD project, ensuring that each Fellow builds a doctoral pathway that aligns with their interests, strengths and long term career aspirations.

Graduates have gone on to:

  • gain competitive postdoctoral and fellowship funding
  • senior academic and clinical posts
  • influential roles across healthcare, policy and industry

The programme seeks to train and develop the next generation of clinical research leaders, equipped to shape the future of healthcare through science, technology and translation.

Eligibility 

To apply you must be qualified in one of the following: 

You need to be registered with a national professional regulatory body in the UK such as the: 

  • General Medical Council
  • Health and Care Professions Council
  • General Dental Council
  • Nursing and Midwifery Council

Certificate of Completion of Training 

You generally cannot apply if you have already completed clinical training. 

However, you can apply if you are a: 

  • veterinary applicant who has board certification following completion of a clinical residency,
  • or a non-medical healthcare professional with research experience.

Before applying 

Statement of interest

Before you apply, you should think about what to include in your Statement of Interest.  

You should include: 

  • your research interests and experience
  • your career goals and how these fit with your preliminary project goals
  • whether you would consider a fellowship based at the Wellcome Sanger Institute or the University of East Anglia

Finding a PhD supervisor 

You can apply to the programme whether you have found a supervisor or not. You do not need to have identified a specific supervisor or project to apply.  

We will ask you to describe your research plan or goals if you are selected for an interview.  

Learn more about finding a supervisor.

Apply 

Applications for this course close on 4 November 2025. If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to interview on 5 or 6 January 2026.  

Apply to the PhD Programme for Health Professionals 

You cannot apply if you are already registered for a PhD with funding available to support the full duration of this higher degree. 

Learn more about: 

Funding 

This programme is fully funded. This means you do not need to apply for additional funding to be considered. 

Help for parents 

We offer parental leave if you are successful. Wellcome also provide grant costs for parental leave alongside a fellowship extension. 

Taking your PhD part-time 

Flexible working and part-time arrangements can be discussed with your supervisor.  

Part-time working is not permitted for the purposes of continuing clinical training or to maintain another salaried position. Your salary must be 100% attributed to the fellowship.  The total time spent in research before submission of a PhD thesis is a maximum of four years.  

Contact us 

Questions about the PhD programme

If you have any questions about the PhD programme you can contact Teresa Wallman: phdhealthprofessionals@medschl.cam.ac.uk

Non-medical healthcare professionals

If you are a non-medical healthcare professional and need help you can contact: 

  • Professor Jane Cross (NIHR Training Advocate, health services researcher and Physiotherapist focusing on older people experiencing the complexities of later life, University of East Anglia): J.Cross@uea.ac.uk
  • Professor Joanne McPeake (Professor of Nursing, University of Cambridge):  joanne.mcpeake@thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk 

Opportunities at the University of East Anglia

If you need information about opportunities at the University of East Anglia you can contact: 

Learn more about the PhD Programme for Health Professionals