Applying for a PhD or MD

For most clinical academics, completing a research doctorate, usually a PhD or an MD(Res), is a key step towards developing independent research skills and becoming competitive for senior academic posts.

A higher research degree gives you:

• the opportunity to develop and test your own research ideas
• experience in research design, data analysis, publication and dissemination
• the ability to lead or collaborate on future projects
• enhanced career flexibility, with skills valued in academia, the NHS, public health and industry

Undertaking a doctorate is not only about qualifying for academic promotion. It also helps you build the confidence and credibility to contribute to research-informed healthcare, shape clinical policy or improve patient outcomes.

When to apply

There is no single “right time” to start a PhD or MD. Clinicians enter research training at different stages depending on their interests, personal commitments and opportunities available.

You might choose to apply for a doctorate:

• after foundation training, particularly if you have completed a  Specialised Foundation Programme
• during early specialty training, often after an Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) or local research post
• after gaining your CCT, if you wish to return to research later in your career
• as part of a portfolio career, combining clinical work with part-time or flexible research

Many clinical academics complete their doctorate after several years of clinical experience. Your prior skills and insights can strengthen your research focus. It is never too late to begin a research degree and training pathways are designed to be adaptable.

PhD or MD – what is the difference?

Both routes provide excellent research training and can support further academic progression. The choice often depends on the nature of your project and available funding.

How to pursue a research degree

1. Begin by identifying a topic that interests you and aligns with your clinical specialty. Talk to potential supervisors at your university or research institution and explore how your project fits within existing research groups or NIHR themes.
2. You will need at least two supervisors, one with subject expertise and another experienced in postgraduate research supervision. Choose a team that offers strong mentorship, a supportive environment and access to relevant networks.
3. A PhD or MD application usually includes:
   • a short research proposal
   • evidence of academic achievement (such as an MSc or publications)
   • confirmation of supervisor support
   • a plan for funding and how it aligns with your career development

Most universities have annual application rounds, though some schemes accept rolling applications.

Funding your PhD or MD

A range of national, charitable and local funding options are available to support you on this journey.

Major funders and opportunities

Funders across the UK have mapped out where clinical researchers can access funding at different stages of their careers. Examples of funding are listed below.

• Medical Research Council (MRC) provides Clinical Research Training Fellowships aimed at medically-qualified researchers wishing to undertake a PhD or equivalent research training.
• Wellcome Trust funds Clinical PhD Programmes and early-career investigator awards, supporting outstanding clinicians with potential to become future leaders in research.
• Many speciality-specific organisations (for example, the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Arthritis UK) offer project grants and clinical research fellowships tailored to particular fields of medicine.

Local and university sources

Universities often provide studentships, internal fellowships or part-time funding opportunities available for NHS clinicians. Speak to your local research office or postgraduate administrator for current options.

Some trainees also secure employer support, such as salary continuation during research leave, especially when the proposed project aligns with NHS priorities or contributes to service development.

Funding across the four nations 

Clinical academic training opportunities and funding for PhD or MD study vary across the UK. Each nation has its own pathways, fellowships and support structures for aspiring clinician scientists. 

Regional opportunity: GW4-CAT HP

A notable cross-regional scheme is the GW4-CAT HP programme: the GW4 Clinical Academic Training PhD Programme for Health Professionals. This is funded by the Wellcome Trust and open to registered health professionals and veterinarians, offering a fully-funded PhD within the alliance of the four universities: University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cardiff University and University of Exeter.

GW4-CAT HP programme

Balancing research with clinical work

Many clinical academics complete their doctorate part-time while maintaining clinical commitments. This may mean extending the overall duration of your research, but it allows you to retain clinical registration, income and experience.

If you are in training, you can usually request an Out of Programme for Research (OOPR) period to undertake your doctorate, with approval from your deanery or local training board. Those in consultant or GP roles often choose fellowship-funded or university-affiliated research posts that include protected research sessions.

Research project and supervisor – Univeristy of Oxford  Finding a supervisor – Imperial College London 

The review of this page has been supported by Dr Robbie Bain.