A world-class research experience
The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine is widely recognised as an international leader in basic-to-clinical translational research. Our research centres and institutes provide over 1000 PhD and MSc by research students with an exceptional range of facilities. Furthermore, the vast majority of our academic staff are world leaders in their field, meaning that you'll have the chance to learn from some of the best and brightest minds working in medicine, veterinary medicine and life sciences.
Each year we offer a large number of studentships to high calibre PhD students interested in scientific research at the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Browse the videos and links below for more information on how you can pursue funded PhD research at the University of Edinburgh.
What our students think...
Watch video here: https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/1_btldt1vv
Our PhD training programmes
2025 entry - please keep checking the links below for application deadline(s).
- PhDs in Cancer Research - Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre
- TRACC Programme CRTF-PhD for Clinicians - Cancer Research UK
- PhDs in Bioscience BBSRC EASTBIO doctoral training partnership
- PhDs in Genetics and Molecular Medicine - Human Genetics Unit
- PhDs in Integrative Biomedical Sciences
- PhDs with Integrated study in Precision Medicine - projects will be advertised on this link late October/early November. Application deadline Monday 13th January 2025.
- PhDs with integrated study in One Health Models of Disease - Wellcome Trust
- Epilepsy Research UK - Doctoral Training Centre
- PhD studentships at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
- BBSRC Eastbio R(D)SVS PhD projects
Students are only accepted for a place following a competitive interview.
What's on offer?
Our funded PhD programmes provide outstanding students with studentships, world-class teaching and research training at our cutting-edge Research Centres.
The studentships offer eligible candidates a stipend, tuition fees (at the UK/EU rate) and a contribution towards research costs.
Our ‘integrated programmes’ also offer students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge by taking taught courses.
Other funding options
In addition to our funded PhD programmes, we also offer funded PhD projects, which are usually advertised on FindAPhD. Information can also be found on each research centre's individual website. Furthermore, we host students on personal fellowships provided by external funders, University scholarships or their own private funding.
Visit our research degrees page to explore our other research and doctoral opportunities, including Masters by Research programmes and advanced training for clinicians for medics and vets.
Why choose us for your PhD?
A world-class research environment: Our interdisciplinary research centres give you the opportunity to cross boundaries and work on collaborative, cutting-edge research. You will work alongside some of the most influential academics in your chosen field and contribute to the very latest developments in your subject area.
Our world-leading medical and scientific research was reaffirmed as 'outstanding' by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results.
Personal and professional development: Doing a PhD with us will help you to develop a wide range of skills and attributes, enhancing your capacity to compete in the job market and to achieve your full potential as a scientist.
A supportive community: Here at Edinburgh you will receive dedicated help from your supervisor and will also be able to benefit from a wide range of support services and facilities. You can look forward to a warm welcome from all members of our dynamic scientific community.
A vibrant city: Edinburgh is an international city with a rich history and culture. The Scottish capital is regularly voted as one of the most desirable places to live in the world – so why not come and see it for yourself?
Application process and deadlines
Research centres may advertise funded PhDs at any time of year, depending on availability of funding. Please check individual projects for deadlines.
A number of funded schemes have deadlines in early December, so it is advisable to start your research as soon as possible.
QS World University Rankings 2025
The University of Edinburgh is ranked 27th in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025, which places the University in the top 2% of higher education institutions worldwide.
According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, we’re also ranked:
- 9th in the world for veterinary science
- Joint 19th in the world for anatomy and physiology
- 22nd in the world for medicine.
College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine rankings and key facts
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