PhD Programme: How To Apply

To apply to the LMB PhD Programme you need to select which LMB PhD projects you are interested in (maximum of 3), complete the University of Cambridge online GRADSAF (Graduate Admission and Scholarship Application Form), prepare the required electronic supporting documents (see below) and then follow the instructions in your University self-service account, which will tell you how to submit your electronic supporting documents.

You should apply for admission to the University using the University’s online GRADSAF if you:

• wish to be considered for LMB-funded studentship (MRC Studentship, LMB Cambridge Scholarship or Cesar Milstein Studentship)
• wish to apply for University-wide funding competitions (eg Gates, Cambridge Overseas & Commonwealth Trusts, Cambridge Home and EU Scholarships etc)
• wish to apply for a College studentship
• have an external scholarship
• have your own funding

Please read the instructions below carefully before completing the University online GRADSAF:

NB each application made using a GRADSAF will cost you £50 (if you cannot apply online, you may apply on paper, but the fee is £100)

Application deadlines:

Early application is recommended

• Applications for the US Gates Scholarship: submit online University GRADSAF application form and upload supporting documents by 15 October 2011
• Applications for LMB Scholarships and MRC Studentships, and applicants with their own competitive funding: submit online University GRADSAF application form and upload supporting documents by 2 December 2011
• Applicants from Argentina: The application deadline for the PNAC Division César Milstein Studentship is 31 March 2012. However, if you also wish to be eligible for an LMB Cambridge Scholarship, please submit online University GRADSAF application form and upload supporting documents by 2 December 2011.

Entrance requirements:

Are you eligible to apply for admission to LMB?
We welcome applications from highly qualified students of all nationalities. Competition for admission to the University of Cambridge graduate programme is intense. Like all departments in the Graduate School, we require all our graduate entrants to have:

• at least a 2.1 in an Honours degree or equivalent (eg CGPA 3.5/4.0) in a relevant subject
• two outstanding academic references, preferably one from senior University staff at your most recent University and one from a senior scientist who has supervised your practical research
• fluency in the English language – if English is not your first language: recent IELTS test with an overall band score of at least 7.0 with not less than 7.0 in speaking, listening and writing, and 6.5 in reading.

Please see the University of Cambridge Entrance Requirements and Language Requirement wepages for further details.

LMB PhD project selection:

Choose up to 3 LMB PhD projects
We ask all students to review the list of available PhD projects before they complete the University GRADSAF. You can select up to three possible PhD projects and supervisors from the list of available projects. You need to prepare a statement of interest for each project you select, using the ‘LMB PhD Statement of Interest Form’ available to download from this webpage (see below). Once we have received your statements, which must clearly state which project(s) you are applying for, your application will be sent to the supervisors concerned for their consideration.

• Milstein applicants only: This scholarship is tenable in PNAC Division only, therefore choose up to 3 projects from supervisors in the PNAC Division

Please note: not every group leader listed will take a PhD student in 2012. The list provides the names of those group leaders who have expressed their interest at this stage.

NB Many research topics are also available in other departments of the Graduate School of Life Sciences – browse the Graduate School’s searchable database

Prepare supporting documents:

Your application will only be complete once we have received your supporting documents, statement of interest for each selected PhD project and references. Please do not email supporting documents or project choices – follow the online instructions that will be available once you have submitted your online GRADSAF.

Please note, the University application system can only accept .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) documents. Please ensure all of your supporting documents are in this format before you try to upload them. PDFs must not be password protected for digitally signed.

Download and complete a statement of interest for each selected project/supervisor

You will need to submit a statement of interest for each PhD project you have selected, of no more than one page, explaining what interests you as a scientist, what you would like to accomplish and why have you chosen that project/supervisor(s). Please also indicate whether each project is your first, second or third choice, or if you have no preference.
Please download the LMB PhD Statement of Interest Form here

Prepare an up-to-date CV

You will need to submit a copy of an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae. This should include names and addresses of the two academic referees you have selected.

Get electronic copies of your University transcripts

You will be asked to submit copies (preferably electronic pdfs) of your University transcripts if available, or module/exam results to date if you are currently an undergraduate student.

Get electronic copies of your Language test certificate

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence that you have met the University English language condition (see ‘Competence in English’ section of entrance requirements). If you have already taken a language test, please have an electronic copy of your test certificate ready to upload.

Arrange references:

In addition to the completed application, we request letters of recommendation from two academic referees – at least one reference should be from someone who has supervised your practical research, and one referee must be able to comment on your academic performance.

If you want to be considered for Gates Cambridge Trust funding, you will also need a personal (character) reference.

You will be asked to list the name and contact details of your selected referees when you complete the online GRADSAF: once the GRADSAF is submitted your referees will automatically be contacted and asked to complete a reference. We recommend asking referees in advance if they are happy to act as your referee.

How to apply to the University:

You will need to know the following information when completing the GRADSAF:
Course description: Molecular Biology
Course Code: NUMB22
Programme of Study: PhD (Probationary) at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Duration: 3 years
Study mode: Full-time