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Applying for our clinical training programmes

Application guidelines for the CRUK Clinical Academic Training Programme

This year, we are delighted to be advertising our highly competitive clinical PhD fellowships, funded by the Cancer Research UK Clinical Academic Training Programme at the ICR and Imperial.

Successful candidates will register for a PhD in Autumn 2025, and will be based at either the ICR or Imperial.

The fellowships will be awarded through a competitive application process. You can follow the link below to see the projects that we have available:

CATP Logo
ICR-Imperial combined logo

Application process

Step 1: Initial contact

Deadline: 30 November 2024

You should submit the following to [email protected]:

You will then be sent additional project information.

Step 2: Discussion with supervisors

Once we receive your Project Preference Form, we will share your details with supervisors, who will be able to contact you to arrange an introductory meeting.

Stage 3: Project development

Once the introductory meetings have happened, supervisors will invite one candidate to make a joint application with them. If you are selected by a supervisor, you will jointly work up a full project proposal. At this point, we will also contact your referees.

Stage 4: Interview

If your full project proposal is shortlisted, you will be invited to attend a panel interview.  The interview date is the 10th March 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)


General PhD and MD(Res) applications

Before applying for a research degree outside of our advertised, funded programmes, candidates and their supervisors should discuss whether the project is appropriate for a PhD or and MD(Res), and if the candidate has a preference for either programme.

Funding

Full-funding for the duration of the research degree must be available. The durations are:

  • two years for an MD(Res); and
  • three years for a PhD.

These durations will be pro-rata'd for part-time students.

Admissions process

If you are considering undertaking a research degree with us, please contact [email protected] so we can explain the process and requirements.

  • Step 1. To apply for a PhD or MD(Res), you will first need to approach a potential supervisor and agree on a research topic and protocol outline.
  • Step 2. You will then need to complete the following forms:
    • An application form;
    • A protocol outline, which should be discussed this with your potential supervisor and approved by their Head of Division; and
    • A supervisor form.
    We will provide you with the most up-to-date versions of these forms if you email [email protected].
  • Step 3. You must also send us the following documentation:
    • written confirmation that full funding is in place for the minimum duration, from the relevant ICR Head of Division, or Royal Marsden Hospital Department Head;
    • copies of certificates of academic qualifications;
    • evidence of ethical approval for the project, if required;
    • copy of passport, visa, or national ID card (EU only); and
    • evidence of proficiency in English e.g. TOEFL/IELTS scores, if required.
  • Step 4. Before you are formally registered for your degree, you will need to meet with a member of the Academic Dean’s Team for a pre-registration 'chat'. At this meeting, you will discuss the project, supervisory team, and the programme in detail. This meeting ensures the project is right for our programme, and our programme is right for you.

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