FAQ

What are the entrance requirements?
See the University website
What financial aid is available?
  • 12 MRC Studentships (UK applicants)
  • fees-only MRC Studentships (EU)
  • up to 5 LMB Cambridge Scholarships (EU and Overseas)
Does the LMB offer a Master's course?
No
Does the LMB offer an MPhil?
Not normally; if a student supervisor is happy we can offer an MPhil, but these usually lead to students staying for a PhD.
How do I apply?
See the website
When is the application deadline?
  • mid-October for applicants from the USA
  • mid-December for non-UK applicants.
  • early January for UK applicants and those with their own scholarship
When are the admission dates?
PhD students usually start on 1st October. It is also possible to start in early January.
Am I eligible for a full MRC Studentship?
See guidelines on the web
Do I have to apply for both the LMB and University of Cambridge?
Yes
Is IELTS or equivalent required?
Yes - see the University entrance requirements
What are Easter, Lent and Michaelmas Terms?
  • Michaelmas: Oct - Dec
  • Lent: Jan - March
  • Easter: April - June
See: http://www.cam.ac.uk/univ/termdates.html
Are 2 different copies of references required (LMB/GRADSAF)?
University BGS needs to see the originals, but referees can send electronic versions to the LMB.
When is one considered a UK resident?
See MRC eligibility guidelines
Which online application do I complete?
You need to aple to the LMB (online) AND the University (online or hardcopy).
What is the LMB course title when applyling to Cambridge University?
PhD in Molecular Biology: Course code NUMBBL22
What Referees should I use?
See University application form for information
When will I know the outcome of my application?
You will be notified 2 weeks before the PhD Open Days (late January) if you ahve been invited to interview. If you don't hear from us, you must assume your application was unsuccessful. After interview we will contact you within 2 weeks (by mid-February).
Which college do I put in the application?
It's entirely up to you; each college has its strengths and weaknesses. See the Board of Graduate Studies advice and the Grad Union's alternative College prospectus
It's also worth mentioning that Trinity and St. John's are two of the most popular colleges; if you choose these as your first and second choices, there is a very good chance that you will be accepted at neither, and your college will be chosen for you at random.
How long is the PhD programme?
3 years; there is the possibility of up to 12 months extension time in exceptional circumstances, but it is more usual to have a 3 or 6 month entension, is this is justified.