Your pathway into research
Why undertake a BHF 4-year PhD?
Our British Heart Foundation (BHF) 4-year PhD programme provides tailored doctoral training for postgraduate students with an interest in cardiovascular sciences.
Four fully-funded studentships were available annually.
Features of the programme are:
- Successful completion of the Year 1 will give you an MRes in Cardiovascular Sciences and help you choose the area you want to specialise in for the next three years.
- Learn from principal investigators with world-leading expertise in the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms underpinning cardiovascular function in health and disease, and translation to the clinic.
- Discover how to take novel, interdisciplinary approaches to key research questions to better understand cardiovascular health and disease.
- Choose from lab projects in areas including functional physiology, cell signalling, human genetics, in vivo disease modelling, informatics, bioengineering, computer modelling, novel delivery mechanisms, omics approaches, structure-function mechanisms, regenerative medicine and imaging.
- Become an active member of the research group and develop your presentation skills, by participating in seminars, keynote lectures, external conferences and public engagement activities.
***This programme is now closed for recruitment and future applications***
Programme
A combined approach
Taught units are combined with mini research projects in Year 1 to help you develop your knowledge and practical skills in various research methodologies and subject areas. The ultimate goal is to help you choose your final PhD project.
You will receive an MRes in Cardiovascular Sciences at the end of your first year before going on to start your three-year PhD project under supervision.
PhD supervisors
Work with a principal investigator with expertise in the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms underpinning cardiovascular function in health and disease with translation to the clinic.
Structure and assessment
See the programme structure page for details of what you will cover and how you will be assessed.
Facilities
Our trainees are based in our core facilities, known as the Biomedical Corridor, which comprises the Core Technology Facility (CTF), AV Hill and Smith Buildings. This means you will be immersed in a thriving environment consisting of flexible lab space, state-of-the-art equipment, conferencing facilities and dedicated write-up areas.
Making an application
Applications
This programme is now closed for recruitment and future applications.
Application process
Applications for 2024 entry were accepted from 16 October 2023.
Applications were required to make one separate application for this programme and were required to select a supervisor when making an online application.
For the purpose of the application process, applicants were requested to indicate the Programme Director, Professor Elizabeth Cartwright, as the supervisor.
For the funding sources section on the online application form:
- Select 'Yes' from the drop-down
- Type of Funding: 'Uni of Manchester Scheme'
- Awarding Body: BHF PhD Programme
- Status of Funding – Awarded
- Funding Covers – Fully Funded
- Leave the remaining boxes blank
Application deadline: Applications are closed
Other application information
***This programme is closed for applications***
Key dates for 2024 applicants were:
- Application deadline: Monday 18 March 2024 (midnight)
- Interviews: w/c 15 April
Applications must be submitted by the deadline, as late applications will not be considered.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and seek to create equality of opportunity for all our applicants and postgraduate researchers. See our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement.
Applicants for the 4-year PhD programme should hold (or expect to obtain) a minimum Upper Second class degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an associated biomedical/biological sciences subject.
These studentships are available to UK nationals and provide funding for tuition fees and stipend at the BHF stipend rate for four years.
We will only accept applications from Home (UK) candidates for this programme.
Applications were reviewed by the BHF Recruitment Committee and shortlisted applicants were invited to interview.
Queries regarding the application process can be sent to the Doctoral Academy Admissions Office.
Email: fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
Enquiries about the programme should be emailed to the BHF PhD Programme Director, Professor Elizabeth Cartwright.
Email: bhfphd@manchester.ac.uk
Funding and stipend
Financial support from the BHF
Studentships cover the full MRes and PhD tuition fees at the UK rate, associated research expenses and an annual tax-free stipend (currently £19,919).
We will only accept applications from Home (UK) candidates for this programme.
Student support
Advice and guidance
You will be provided with mentoring support from the Programme Director and a personal academic advisor who acts as an independent tutor.
The advisor is invaluable in providing guidance in areas such as approaches to research, techniques, critical analysis and career development. Both the Programme Director and the advisor will be directly involved in supporting you when you are selecting both your mini projects and final PhD project.
Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch.
Queries regarding the application process can be sent to the Doctoral Academy Admissions Office.
Email: fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5608
Enquiries about the programme should be emailed to the BHF PhD Programme Director, Professor Elizabeth Cartwright.
Email: bhfphd@manchester.ac.uk