Postgraduate research for clinicians

The PhD is the most internationally recognised research degree and is open to individuals from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including medicine.

A PhD typically takes three to four years of full-time study (or longer part-time) and is centred on the completion of an original, substantial body of research that contributes new knowledge to a chosen field. 

Clinicians undertaking a PhD often investigate complex problems related to clinical care, public health, medical education, or translational science. The focus may be laboratory-based, epidemiological, qualitative, or mixed-methods, depending on the research question.

 A PhD involves:

• Designing and conducting an original research project.
• Critical review of existing literature.
• Development and application of appropriate research methodologies.
• Submission of a thesis (usually 80,000 to 100,000 words).
• Oral examination (viva voce) to defend the thesis.

PhDs can be funded through fellowships (e.g. NIHR, Wellcome Trust, MRC), university scholarships, or institutional support. Increasingly, Clinical Academic Training pathways support integrated clinical and academic careers, allowing protected time for research alongside clinical responsibilities.

The MD is a research degree specifically for qualified medical doctors.

It is typically shorter than a PhD—usually two years full-time or part-time equivalent—and is focused on original research rooted in clinical practice.  

It is well suited to clinicians who wish to develop research expertise within their speciality and often builds on clinical work they are already engaged in. 

The MD involves: 

• Conducting a defined clinical research project.
• Demonstrating a critical understanding of research methods and ethics.
• Writing a thesis (typically 50,000 to 70,000 words).
• Undergoing a viva examination.

This type of research degree is particularly suitable for early-career clinicians looking to establish a research track record without the longer commitment of a PhD.

The choice between a PhD and an MD depends on your career aspirations, research interests, and available time.

A PhD may be more appropriate for those considering a long-term academic career with future research leadership roles.

An MD can be a more practical option for clinicians wanting to gain research experience and recognition while maintaining a predominantly clinical focus. 

Both degrees enhance critical thinking, methodological rigour, and contribute to improved patient care. They also open doors to academic collaborations, funding opportunities, and career advancement in both clinical and academic domains.

All major research charities and national funding bodies offer research training fellowships. These typically fund your salary (excluding the on-call supplement) and research costs, and will usually last between three and four years. 

To apply, you must complete an application form in collaboration with your supervisor. This will include your research proposal, full costings, and a career plans statement. Some funding bodies may also require an interview. After submission, it may take 6–8 months to receive a decision. 

This option requires considerable planning, so you should begin preparing your application at least 12 months before your intended PhD start date. Most funders will only support research that leads to the award of a PhD. 

• Main advantage: You can choose your supervisor and contribute to project design in an area of particular interest.
• Main disadvantage: The high level of planning and preparation required.

Institutional awards, such as those from the Manchester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre or the Manchester BHF Centre of Research Excellence, offer locally advertised research training fellowships. These will generally be advertised as pre-defined projects which lead to a PhD. 

These opportunities cover your salary (excluding on-call supplement) and research costs. They typically take around three years. You can apply for these opportunities directly through each institution, an interview is usually required. 

• Main advantage: Requires less planning, with a shorter lead time of four to six months before starting your research.
• Main disadvantage: Fewer opportunities to design your project or choose a supervisor.

Many pre-defined, advertised research projects require input from a clinician and will have funding available to cover both salary and research costs. The duration of these projects varies, but it will take between two and four years, and funding may support either a PhD or an MD candidate. 

Like the local fellowships, this option requires less planning and typically involves a four to six month timeline to begin your research. 

• Main advantage: Quicker route to starting research with funding already in place.
• Main disadvantage: Limited flexibility in research topic and supervisor choice.

Self-funding your clinical PhD will be require you to personally secure resources to cover your tuition fees, salary and research costs.

• Tuition fees: Not all funding options cover tuition fees, so it's crucial to confirm this before you commit. You can find out more about our tuition fees on our ‘fees and funding’ page.
• On-call supplement: Funded salaries typically do not include the on-call supplement, which will result in a drop in income. You’ll need to ensure you factor this into your financial planning.