Become a biomedical researcher of tomorrow
Fully funded MRC studentships
The Medical Research Council (MRC) North West Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences (NW-DMS) provides fully funded doctoral training for researchers interested in tackling some of the biggest challenges in health.
The programme combines interdisciplinary research, specialist training and external partnerships to develop the next generation of research leaders in medical science.
Postgraduate researchers (PGRs) will undertake a research project addressing challenges in human health, while developing the skills needed to pursue careers across academia, healthcare, industry and innovation.
Applications for 2027/28 entry will open on Monday, 26 October 2026.
About the MRC NW-DMS
The MRC NW-DMS in Medical Sciences brings together The University of Manchester and the University of Liverpool, supported by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and partners across healthcare, industry and innovation.
The partnership gives PGRs access to a wider range of expertise, facilities, training opportunities and supervisory teams across both institutions. This also enables the creation of a shared doctoral cohort spanning both universities, creating opportunities to collaborate, build networks and develop interdisciplinary skills.
Strong industry partnerships with NHS Trusts, Bionow, UK Biobank, Northern Gritstone, Medicines Discovery Catapult, Evotec and ApconiX provide opportunities for placements, collaborative research and specialist training, helping researchers to gain experience and professional connections.
Why apply for the the MRC NW-DMS?
Fully funded studentship
Receive funding for tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate for four years, allowing you to focus on your research and development. You can also benefit from additional funding for training, workshops and research visits to enhance your skills.
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Real-world impact
Tackle some of the biggest challenges in human health and contribute to improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of conditions affecting millions of people locally, nationally and across the globe.
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Personalised training
Build a skills portfolio tailored to your individual needs through a flexible programme of core and elective training, allowing you to demonstrate expertise gained throughout the programme. Alongside specialist research methods, you'll develop expertise in areas such as data science, coding, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, science communication and leadership.
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Industry experience
Gain experience beyond academia through placements, collaborative projects and training delivered with NHS and healthcare organisations, industry partners and charities. There will be specific projects offering collaboration with external partners, helping you gain practical and relevant industry experience, broaden professional networks across sectors and explore different career pathways.
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Supportive research community
Join a doctoral cohort spanning Manchester and Liverpool and benefit from annual symposia, networking events, peer support, retreats and cross-institutional activities. You'll become part of a supportive community of researchers, clinicians, industry partners and fellow postgraduate researchers.
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Career development
Prepare for a career in academia, healthcare, industry, policy or innovation thanks to opportunities to take part in programmes such as PROSPER, BIOBRIDGE and the Young Entrepreneurs Scheme. Benefit from opportunities to develop the skills and confidence needed to translate research into real-world impact and strengthen your employability beyond your PhD.
PhD PROSPER is a successful postdoctoral researcher career development framework established and run by the University of Liverpool and The University of Manchester, which was co-developed with 100+ employer partners, and enabled through Research England funding. This scheme is being extended to BBSRC NWDP to empower and support PhD students with a proactive approach to realising their future career.
BIOBRIDGE stems from a successful trial at the University of Liverpool and provides a route for postgraduate researchers to pursue additional employability-related activities (e.g. work placements, consultancy, enterprise, project development) alongside their PhD research.
Programme Structure
What can you expect on the programme?
The programme combines research, structured training and professional development over the course of a PhD.
You'll undertake an original research project addressing important challenges in medicine and human health.
Working with expert supervisors from The University of Manchester and the University of Liverpool, you'll develop advanced research skills, apply innovative methodologies and contribute new knowledge to your field.
Many research projects involve interdisciplinary approaches and opportunities to collaborate with healthcare providers, industry partners and innovation organisations.
Alongside your research project, you'll undertake structured training that is flexible, personalised and designed to build both specialist knowledge and transferable skills. Fundamental training includes:
- Responsible Research
- Bench to Bedside
- Digital Competency
- Employability Skills
- Entrepreneurship and Leadership
You will also have opportunities to develop skills through elective training aligned to your research interests and career goals in areas such as:
- Health Data Science and Bioinformatics
- Statistics for Biomedical Science
- Big Data and Omics
- Science Communication and Public Involvement
- Sustainable Research
Development opportunities are supported through skills audits, cohort events, annual symposia, placements and professional development activities delivered across both Manchester and Liverpool.
Projects
Discover a MRC NWDP project you're passionate about
Projects for 2027/28 entry will be advertised from Monday, 26 October 2026.
Projects will be developed by leading researchers from The University of Manchester and the University of Liverpool and will be available across a broad range of biomedical and medical sciences disciplines.
Each project offers the opportunity to undertake world-leading research within a supportive doctoral training environment, combining excellent supervision, specialist training and professional development.
In the meantime, visit our projects page to browse all currently live projects from across the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.
Eligibility
Entry requirements
Competition for studentships is expected to be very high.
We expect applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second-class UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
Due to the competitive nature of the programme, many successful applicants may also have:
- A master's qualification.
- Relevant research experience.
- Experience demonstrating suitability for doctoral research.
Studentships are available to UK and international applicants.
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Widening participation
Widening participation in medical research
We seek to create equality of opportunity for all our applicants and postgraduate researchers. We actively encourage applications from applicants of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive research environment.
Through partnerships, outreach activities and inclusive recruitment practices, we work to broaden participation in doctoral research and support applicants from groups currently underrepresented in postgraduate research.
How to apply
Step-by-step guide to applying
Applications for 2027/28 entry will open on Monday, 26 October 2026.
Want to be considered for an MRC NW-DMS studentship?
Find out what you need to do before you apply and how to apply with our step-by-step guide.
Ensure you meet the entry requirements for this programme and check you have the skills and characteristics we’re looking for in our postgraduate researchers on our ‘Eligibility and entry requirements’ page.
Browse all of our MRC NW-DMS projects once they're live, and discover one at either The University of Manchester or the University of Liverpool which you're passionate about and matches your interests, ambitions and goals.
Interested in more than one project? You can include up to two projects in your application.
Found an MRC NW-DMS project you're interested in? Reaching out to your potential supervisor and speaking to them about their project is your next step and is one of the most important things you need to do before you apply.
Before you complete your application you'll need to prepare the following supporting documents:
- Supporting statement
- Reference details: Your referees will be sent an automatic reference request once you submit your application. Please ask them to respond as soon as possible, as you cannot be nominated without these references.
- Degree certificates and final/interim transcripts: If you are currently enrolled on a Master’s programme and do not yet have an interim transcript, please provide alternative proof of enrolment (for example, an offer letter).
- Official English language certificates (if applicable): Applicants are not required to meet the English language requirements at the point of application. However, if successful, any offer made will be conditional upon the completion of an approved English language test (such as IELTS) and achievement of the required standard.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A research statement is not required for this programme.
All supporting documents must be uploaded as part of your online application. Applications submitted without the required documentation will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.
Found a project and contacted the supervisor?
When completing your application ensure you use the following details:
- Level of study: Postgraduate Research
- Entry year: 2027/28
- Supervisor name: Specify the name of the main supervisor only, if the supervisor isn't listed you can enter it manually.
- Intake: September
For the funding sources section you should include:
- Funding: Select 'Yes' from the drop-down
- Type of Funding: 'Research Council'
- Awarding Body: 'MRC PhD Studentship'
- Status of Funding: Awarded
- Funding covers: – Fully Funded
- Leave the remaining boxes blank
Further information on completing an application can be found on our How to apply page.
If you are invited to one of our interview days following supervisor nominations, you will be notified directly by email. Interviews take place via Teams and the MRC NW-DMS Recruitment Committee will assess applicants based on CV, academic record and references.
Interview panels will consist of up to three academic staff from both universities. During the interview, you will be required to give a short presentation (not exceeding 10 minutes) outlining any research experience you may have (e.g. an undergraduate project) or about the MRC NW-DMS project you are interested in. Presentations can be made in PowerPoint format or verbally.
If you are not nominated by a supervisor for a panel interview, we will notify you directly that your application has been unsuccessful.
Key dates
Dates for 2027 entry
- Projects advertised: Monday, 26 October 2026
- Applications open: Monday, 26 October 2026
- Application deadline: Friday, 27 November 2026
- Interviews take place: Week commencing 8 February 2027
- Studentships awarded: Week commencing 22 February 2027
- Studentship begins: October 2027
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Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch.
If you have a question about our MRC NW-DMS, please email our Doctoral Academy Admissions team:
