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Fully Funded Doctoral Program
University of Cambridge – Cambridge, United Kingdom
Program Overview: Doctoral Training in Cognitive Neuroscience and Brain Research
The PhD in Medical Science at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (CBU) is a research-intensive doctoral program designed to train experts in cognitive neuroscience, brain sciences, experimental psychology, and clinical neuroscience.
The primary objective is to enable postgraduate researchers to produce an outstanding PhD thesis within three to four years (five to seven years part-time, depending on funding). Students develop advanced skills in:
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Designing and conducting high-quality experimental research
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Analysing complex datasets, including large-scale cohort and big data studies
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Applying open science principles and reproducible research methods
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Communicating findings to academic, clinical, policy, and public audiences
This program emphasizes scientific rigor, methodological innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in brain and behavioral sciences.
Core Research Areas
Doctoral research at the CBU spans multiple domains within medical science and neuroscience, including:
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Cognitive neuroscience (memory, emotion, attention, perception)
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Clinical neuroscience and mental health research
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Brain imaging and neuroimaging analysis
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Computational modelling and artificial intelligence in cognitive science
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Signal processing and advanced statistics
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Big data analytics in longitudinal cohort studies
Students may conduct original experimental research or apply advanced analytical techniques to existing large datasets.
Learning Outcomes and Doctoral Competencies
Graduates of the program develop:
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Expertise in experimental design and hypothesis testing
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Advanced quantitative and statistical analysis skills
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Neuroimaging and signal analysis proficiency
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Strong academic writing and scientific presentation skills
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Fluency in contemporary open science methodologies
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Transferable professional skills for careers in academia, healthcare, policy, and industry
Research Supervision and Academic Support
Postgraduate study is conducted through supervised research under the School of Clinical Medicine. Each student benefits from:
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A primary academic supervisor
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An additional advisor for complementary guidance
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Optional secondary supervisors when beneficial to the project
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Termly written progress reports and structured academic reviews
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First-year formal assessment (written report and viva)
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Final-year progress evaluation to ensure timely thesis completion
Pastoral care tutors and mentoring opportunities are also available to support student wellbeing and career development.
Training and Skills Development
Doctoral candidates complete structured training tailored to their research needs. During the first year, students typically complete at least 30 hours of training (often more for technically demanding projects).
Skills-Oriented Training
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Scientific computing
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Neuroimaging methods
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Signal analysis
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Advanced statistics
Clinical Sciences Training (where relevant)
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Diagnostic interviewing
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Mental health assessment
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Clinical trial design
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Clinical governance and safeguarding
Students also participate in weekly research seminars, advanced cognitive neuroscience lectures, and interdisciplinary discussions.
Assessment and Thesis Requirements
The PhD is awarded based on:
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A doctoral thesis (maximum 60,000 words)
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An oral examination (viva) conducted by internal and external examiners
Students must successfully pass a first-year review to continue in the doctoral program.
Academic Requirements and Entry Criteria
Applicants must meet the following academic standards:
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A UK 2:1 Honours Degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject
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Strong academic background in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical science, medicine, or related fields
English Language Requirements
Accepted qualifications include:
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IELTS Academic (overall 7.0, with minimum component scores specified)
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TOEFL iBT (minimum total score 100)
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Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (specified grade thresholds)
International applicants requiring a visa will need ATAS clearance after receiving an offer.
Funding and Scholarships
Candidates offered admission may be nominated for competitive Cambridge-based scholarships, including:
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Cambridge Trust
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Gates Cambridge
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Harding Scholarship
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ESRC funding
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College-based awards
Funding decisions are typically communicated in the spring following interviews.
Application and Selection Process
Applications are assessed collectively after the December funding deadline. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews in December or January. Final admission decisions follow shortly thereafter.
A complete application includes:
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Research proposal
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Academic transcripts
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CV
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Two references
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Evidence of English proficiency (if required)
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to identify and contact potential supervisors in advance.
This doctoral program is ideal for candidates seeking advanced training in brain research, cognitive science, and medical neuroscience, with strong emphasis on experimental design, data science, and translational impact.
