Frequently Asked Questions
We hope the following questions and answers will help with any general questions you may have when applying for a PhD position at the MRC Biostatistics Unit. For questions and answers relating to registering with the University of Cambridge please see the University website.
Q: When is the deadline for applications for a PhD at the MRC Biostatistics Unit?
A: This year's deadline is Tuesday January 31st 2012.
Q: How do I apply for a PhD position at the MRC Biostatistics Unit?
A: Please visit the Application Procedure web pages and carefully follow the instructions for applicants.
Q: When should I complete and submit the University of Cambridge Graduate Application forms?
A: You should only complete the University of Cambridge Graduate application procedure once you have received confirmation of a successful outcome at interview.
Q: What are the University of Cambridge entrance requirements?
A: Visit the University of Cambridge website for full details.
Q: Does the MRC Biostatistics Unit have its own entry requirements?
A: Yes, please see our application page for details
Q: I am an overseas student, am I eligible for a full MRC Studentship?
A: No. The MRC will only fund UK residents and EU students (fees only).
Q: How much financial support would I need as an overseas student to study for a PhD at the MRC Biostatistics Unit?
A: Currently, the University requires proof that, to cover your expenses, you will have financial support amounting to at least £30,636 per year for the whole course, which includes all fees. Visit the University of Cambridge website for full details
Q: I am an EU student, am I eligible for a full MRC Studentship?
A: Yes if you are an EU national who has been resident in the UK for at least three years at the time of application, either undertaking full-time education at a UK University or employed in a relevant scientific role. If not, you will only be eligible for an MRC fees-only studentship, which covers University and College fees and does not provide living expenses although in certain circumstances full fees can be paid. Contact us for more details.
Q: How much financial support would I need as an EU student to study for a PhD at the MRC Biostatistics Unit?
A: Currently, the University requires proof that, to cover your fees and living expenses, you have financial support amounting to at least £17,415 per year for the whole course.
Q: How much is the MRC Studentship stipend?
A: The MRC Biostatistics Unit is currently paying for 2011/12 an annual tax-free stipend of £13,590 (and covers the University and College fees in full). The stipend for 2012/13 has yet to be confirmed.
Q: If I am an overseas/EU student and have been employed in the UK for more than 3 years, would I be eligible for an MRC Studentship?
A: The MRC rules state that EU citizens must have been resident in the UK for more than 3 years, either working or undertaking full time education, at the time of application. Overseas citizens must have been resident in the UK for 3 years at the time of application and have been granted UK citizenship, immigrant status, or granted humanitarian protection.
Q: If I am an overseas/EU student who is ineligible for an MRC Studentship will you support my application for other funding?
A: We can as a Unit only support a certain number of these per year and competition for our support is extremely high. Please send us a full application pack as detailed in our application procedure which we will then consider BEFORE submitting any applications for funding naming the MRC Biostatistics Unit or any of it's staff. Failure to do so may result in your application to us for our support to be rejected.
Q: If called for interview, will the MRC Biostatistics Unit pay my travel expenses?
A: Yes, the MRC Biostatistics Unit will pay reasonable UK travel expenses. All claims require receipts.
Q: If I can fund my own studies, can I come and do my PhD at MRC Biostatistics?
A: Yes, we welcome self-funded PhD students but all applications are subject to the same procedure to ensure that the high standard of our PhD programme is maintained. Funding your own studies will not automatically guarantee you a place at the MRC Biostatistics Unit.
Q: When and where will the interviews take place?
A: Interviews will be held on Monday 27th February 2012. The interviews will take place here at the Unit.
Q: If successful, when would I start my PhD?
A: Students are expected to start their PhD studies on the 1st October 2012.
If you have any further questions, please email:
