Application is now open for the Kennedy Trust MB-PhD Programme at the University of Birmingham. Interested applicants are encouraged to send in their applications before the deadline date.
About the University of Birmingham and Scholarship
The University of Birmingham, commonly referred to as Birmingham University, is a public research university located in Birmingham, England. It was granted its royal charter in 1900, succeeding Queen’s College, Birmingham, founded in 1825 as the Birmingham School of Medicine and Surgery, and Mason Science College, established in 1875 by Sir Josiah Mason. This historical event made it the first English civic university, often referred to as a ‘red brick’ university, to be awarded a royal charter, marking a significant milestone in its history. The University of Birmingham is also a founding member of the Russell Group, an association of prestigious British research universities, and Universitas 21, a global network of research universities.
The student body at the university comprises 23,155 undergraduate students and 12,605 postgraduate students for the academic year 2019–20, making it the seventh-largest university in the UK out of 169 institutions. In the fiscal year 2021–22, the university reported an annual income of £869.8 million, including £215.0 million from research grants and contracts, with total expenditures of £1.02 billion. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), the University of Birmingham achieved a ranking of 13th out of 129 institutions based on the grade point average. This marked an improvement from its previous position of equal 31st in the 2014 REF.
The University of Birmingham has earned several accolades and distinctions. In 2013, it was named the ‘Sunday Times University of the Year 2014.’ The 2013 QS World University Rankings placed Birmingham University at 10th in the UK and 62nd globally. Although the university traditionally had a strong emphasis on science, engineering, commerce, and coal mining, it has expanded its academic offerings over time. Notable contributions include hosting the first Cancer Research UK Centre and its involvement in gravitational-wave astronomy, including hosting the Institute of Gravitational Wave Astronomy.
In 1965, the Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research was established to make a significant contribution to the advancement of treatments and cures for inflammatory and musculoskeletal disorders. The Trust introduced its MB-PhD program in 2020, keeping in mind the value of clinician-scientists and the critical role they play in converting research into therapeutic benefit.
The school’s goals, in partnership with the Kennedy Trust, are to teach the next wave of clinical academics and give MBChB students a fantastic chance to get early career research training in a supportive, caring, diverse, and dynamic setting.
Details about the Kennedy Trust MB-PhD Programme at the University of Birmingham:
Scholarship Sponsor: Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research/University of Birmingham, UK
Scholarship Value: Check Below
Number of awards: N/A
Study level: PhD
Host Institution(s): University of Birmingham, UK
Benefits:
- Living Stipend: You will receive a living stipend to support your expenses. In the first year, the stipend is £22,000, in the second year, it increases to £24,159, and in the third year, it further rises to £25,400.
- Ph.D. Tuition Fee Coverage: The scholarship covers your Ph.D. tuition fees, providing financial support for your academic expenses. The maximum amount covered is up to £14,249.
- Laboratory Consumables: You will receive an allowance of £5,000 per year to cover laboratory consumables, ensuring you have the necessary resources for your research.
- Training Allowance: You will be granted a training allowance of £10,000, which can be used for various academic and research-related activities to enhance your educational experience.
Eligibility Criteria for Kennedy Trust MB-PhD Programme
Only students who have completed four years of their MBChB or three years of the Graduate Entry Course (GEC) will be eligible for this scholarship program. Additionally, students must have completed or be in the process of completing an intercalating degree OR, for GEC students only, an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.
Required Documents
- a thorough resume from the candidate.
- a motivational essay explaining your reasons for pursuing an intercalating MB-PhD in Birmingham.
- Two referees’ names should be provided by the students
- The student’s experience and areas of research interest.
Application Process for Kennedy Trust MB-PhD Programme
Please fill out this application form and send it back to Rebecca Birch at r.birch@bham.ac.uk by Friday, January 19, 2024, if you would like to apply for the MB-PhD program. Additionally, you must fill out an anonymous equal opportunities form.
Zoom workshop for prospective students: Tuesday 28 November 2023, 7 pm-8 pm – please email r.birch@bham.ac.uk for the joining details.
Deadlines
Application deadline: Friday 19 January 2024.
Interviews: Thursday 29 February 2024.
Deadline for submitting detailed PhD project proposals: Monday 18 March 2024. Proposals will be examined by the interview panel on Thursday 21 March 2024.
Not interested in this particular scholarship? See other UK scholarships here.
