DPhil in Cancer Science

The scheme caters to researchers from a wide range of backgrounds.  There are four types of application welcomed as described below.

• Application Track 1 – Clinical Trainees. Qualified doctors at all stages of training from the foundation training to higher specialist training.

• Application Track 2 – Medical Undergraduates. Medical students who are currently undertaking a primary medical qualification (MBBS, MBChB or equivalent). At entry, we will be looking for evidence of completion of at least the first two years of a primary medical qualification and achievement at the level of an upper-second or first-class honours degrees (or iBSc).

• Application Type 3 – Non-Clinical/Fundamental Scientist (Biological background). Science graduates that hold (or be predicted to achieve) the equivalent of a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in biological, medical, or chemical science, as appropriate for the projects offered.
• Application Type 4 – Non-Clinical/Fundamental Scientist (Maths/Physics background).  Science graduates that hold (or be predicted to achieve) the equivalent of a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in engineering, mathematical/data, or physical science, as appropriate for the projects offered. 

More information can be found on the University of Oxford’s programme page under the 'How to apply' section.

All offered places are fully funded at the home rate. This includes salary / stipend, University and College fees, and a research consumables budget. Salary and stipend provisions are summarised below:

• Track 1: 3 years of salary at Grade E63 or E64 Clinical Researcher rate.
• Track 2: 3 years of stipend at the rate of £22,113 per annum.*
• Track 3: 4 years of stipend at the rate of £22,113 per annum.
• Track 4: 4 years of stipend at the rate of £22,113 per annum.

^{_{*Track 2 students may also be eligible for MBChB tuition fees (at the UK home rate) for a maximum of four years}}

Your Application

Full details on how to apply via your relevant track can be found through the links below.  

• Track 1 (Clinical Trainees)
• Track 2 (Medical Undergraduates)
• Track 3 (Non-Clinical/Fundamental Scientist - Biological background)
• Track 4 (Non-Clinical/Fundamental Scientist - Maths/Physics background) 

See the eligibility tab for more information on each track.

Initial screening 

Each year we receive a high volume of competitive applications across the Track 3 (Non-clinical / Fundamental Scientist - Biological background) pathway compared to the number of interview space we have available. To ensure we are identifying the strongest candidates to invite for formal interview we will be piloting the use of initial screening meetings for the 2026 admissions round.  

Up to 30 of the top-ranked candidates will be invited to participate in an online initial screening meeting. The meetings will be a structured discussion of around 10-15minutes with a select panel of the Cancer Science Programme’s Directors.  This discussion will serve as an opportunity to assess each candidate's research experience, suitability, and motivation for applying to the programme.  

From the initial screening meetings, up to 16 of the strongest candidates will be invited for a formal interview for the DPhil in Cancer Science.   

Interviews 

Final interviews will be offered to the top-ranked applicants across all tracks and will take place in January, with the outcomes being shared shortly afterwards. All candidates will be judged on the following; 

• Evidence of a prior interest in the area of research proposed is likely to advantage your application. 

• Prior publications are not required, but research experience and a track record demonstrating an interest in research may be an advantage. 

• It would be expected that graduate applicants would be familiar with the recent published work of their proposed supervisor. 

• Commitment to and passion for a career in cancer research. 

• Reasoning ability and academic curiosity. 

These interviews will take place online and candidates will receive an email which will provide detailed information on how to join and what you will need to do to prepare.  

If you have any further questions about the programme or the application, please email cancertraining@medsci.ox.ac.uk.  

CRUK Black Leaders in Cancer DPhil scholarship programme

The CRUK postgraduate studentship programme, Black Leaders in Cancer, was developed in close consultation with the research community, including the expert partner organisations Black in Cancer and Windsor Fellowship. This programme aims to help develop the next generation of Black leaders in cancer research. 

Students on this scheme will benefit from being a part of Oxford’s DPhil in Cancer Science Programme which provides interdisciplinary cutting-edge training in a world-renowned research environment. As well as having access to a comprehensive programme of mentoring, career support, leadership training and networking led by the Windsor Fellowship and Black in Cancer.

Students will be accepted onto our non-clinical programmes via Track 3 (Biological) or Track 4 (Maths/Physics/Engineering), whichever is relevant to their scientific background.

One non-clinical studentship place will be available at Oxford for the 2026 intake. The DPhil in Cancer Science is open to applications from 8th September 2025, until 2nd December (12, noon), 2025. Available research projects can be found in our Non-clinical Project Booklet (see the project booklet tab). 

Eligibility

This scheme is aimed at students from Black heritage backgrounds pursuing a DPhil in a cancer-related field. It is open to people who self-identify as being from a Black heritage background, including a mixed background, for example: Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or other Black backgrounds).

You can read more information on the above eligibility requirements in CRUK’s frequently asked questions

In addition to the eligibility for the Black Leaders in Cancer programme, you must also meet the general entry requirements for the DPhil in Cancer Science programme which can be found on the course pages; Track 3 (Biological) or Track 4 (Maths/Physics/Engineering), whichever is relevant to your scientific background. 

You will need to apply to both the Windsor Fellowship and the DPhil in Cancer Programme to be eligible for the Black Leaders in Cancer scholarship. See full details below. 

Information sessions

The Windsor Fellowship are running an insight session later this year:

• 7th October 2025 at 12:30 – 14:00

 The session will be an opportunity for candidates interested in the programme to find out more information and ask questions to a panel of representatives from the training centres, Cancer Research UK and Black in Cancer. You can learn more about the programme and the insight sessions here.

How to apply:

1)    Submit a formal application to the Windsor Fellowship to register your interest and confirm eligibility for the programme.

 2) Apply through the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website for the relevant track, based on your scientific background:

• Track 3 (Non-Clinical/Fundamental Scientist - Biological background)
• Track 4 (Non-Clinical/Fundamental Scientist - Maths/Physics background) 

On the application form, in the section headed ‘Departmental Studentship Applications’, you must indicate that you are applying for the studentship and enter the reference code for this studentship “BLCSP25”

Applicants must apply with a prioritised list of three projects selected from the non-clinical booklet

If you have any questions about the Black Leaders in Cancer Scholarship Programme, please get in touch: cancertraining@medsci.ox.ac.uk

The pre-recorded videos for previous open days can be found below. 

Prof Mark Middleton - Introduction to the DPhil in Cancer Science & the CRUK Oxford Centre

Prof Rob Gilbert - Cancer Research Training in Oxford

Dr Catherine Swales - Incorporating a DPhil into your undergraduate medical studies

Prof Chris Pugh - Incorporating a DPhil into your postgraduate clinical training

Applications to the DPhil in Cancer Science programme are now open.  Please refer to the relevant project booklet below before making your application. 

DPhil in Cancer Science Project Booklet 2026 - Non Clinical

DPhil in Cancer Science Project Booklet 2026 - Clinical & Medical Undergraduate

Project submissions now Closed

Project submissions for the 2026 intake are now closed. 

Global biopharma company GSK is investing up to £50 million in a collaboration with Oxford to advance the understanding of how cancer develops, which could inform future development of vaccines to prevent cancer. The agreement establishes the GSK-Oxford Cancer Immuno-Prevention Programme, aimed at exploring the potential of cancer prevention through vaccination.

The programme leverages the complementary expertise of GSK and Oxford in the science of the immune system, vaccine development and cancer biology. It is hoped that the insights generated through the programme into how cancer develops could inform new approaches to vaccination for cancer prevention, offering fresh hope in the fight against the disease.

We have two studentships available for the 2026 intake. 

How to apply:

Applicants must apply with a prioritised list of three projects selected from the GSK booklet below by midday on Tuesday 2nd December 2025.

Apply through the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website for the relevant track.

• Track 3 (Non-Clinical/Fundamental Scientist - Biological background)

On the application form, in the section headed ‘Departmental Studentship Applications’, you must indicate that you are applying for the GSK studentship and enter the reference code for this studentship “GSK25”

 Can I also apply to projects in the other project booklets?
The GSK funded Studentships come with their own dedicated funding, so applicants must choose from the set list of 5 eligible projects—these are all included in the GSK project booklet. The two rotations which take place in the first year need to be taken across the GSK project offering, so rotations cannot be mixed with those listed in the other project booklets. This ensures the funding is used in line with the partnership’s goals, which focus on particular areas of research.

However, it’s important to know that GSK funded students are part of the wider Cancer Science DPhil programme. You’ll attend the same seminars, training sessions, and events, and be part of the same research community as all other Cancer Science students. The only difference is how your project is funded.

The DPhil in Cancer Science GSK Studentships -  2026 Intake Project Booklet will be published in due course.