Application Procedure
Your first step to apply for a PhD at the MRC Biostatistics Unit is to ensure that you meet all of the University of Cambridge and MRC Biostatistics Unit entry requirements.
Entrance Requirements
All students applying to the MRC BSU PhD programme must have or expect to get a first or high 2.1 honours degree in mathematics, statistics or a related discipline. Those students who have gained their degree outside the UK will be subject to University of Cambridge criteria for overseas qualifications to ensure that this high level is maintained. A masters degree is also considered essential.
Students whose first language is not English are required to pass an English test at a high level prior to their admission being confirmed (the requirements of the University of Cambridge are among the highest in the UK). The University believes that it is in the student's interest that his or her language skills are at a very high level before he or she embarks on a course and adherence to this requirement is strict.
How to Apply
Once you have confirmed your academic eligibility please send a full CV, covering letter, detailed list of all statistical courses undertaken and the contact details of two referees to:
Graduate Studies
MRC Biostatistics Unit
Institute of Public Health
University Forvie Site
Robinson Way
Cambridge
CB2 0SR
United Kingdom
Alternatively you may e-mail your details to:
University of Cambridge GRADSAF application
Only after you have been interviewed and offered a PhD at the Unit must you then make a GRADSAF application to the University of Cambridge.
Please follow the University of Cambridge instructions on how to complete the University of Cambridge GRADSAF:
You will need to know the following information when completing the GRADSAF:
- Course description: Biostatistics
- Course Code: NUBI22
- Programme of Study: PhD (Probationary) at MRC Biostatistics Unit
- Duration: 3 years
- Study mode: Full-time
GRADSAF supporting documents
In order to be eligible for the different funding schemes you must ensure your University application (GRADSAF) is submitted and supporting documents are received by the required deadlines.
Please follow the instructions on the Board of Graduate Studies website on how to send supporting documents for your University application:
Please note:
The GRADSAF supporting documents are in addition to the electronic documents we ask you to send when completing the MRC Biostatistics Unit application process.
Application deadlines
MRC Biostatistics Unit Deadline
The deadline for the MRC Biostatistics Unit to receive your application is the Tuesday 31st January 2012.
University of Cambridge Deadline
The deadline for University of Cambridge to receive your GRADSAF application is the 30th June 2012.
PhD Interview Day
It is expected that shortlisted candidates will be informed by mid-February.
Interviews are currently scheduled for Monday 27th February 2012-please ensure you will be available on this date.
The BSU seeks to recruit outstanding students with strong research potential, as based on their academic records, previous research experience, references and interview assessment.
On average we receive about 40 applications per year, approximately 12 students are invited for interviews.
The same entrance criteria are applied to all students, whether they are applying for MRC Studentships or have their own external funding, thus ensuring that the excellent standard of PhD students is maintained.