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. 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.  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 of £13k p.a.. 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 £21,000 per annum. 
• Track 3: 4 years of stipend at the rate of £21,000 per annum.
• Track 4: 4 years of stipend at the rate of £21,000 per annum.

Applications from international candidates will be accepted, however funding at the home level is only available for this programme and therefore international applicants would need to source further funding for the remaining fees. If you are a prospective applicant from the EU, please refer to the following pages on fees and funding.

Your Application

The full application guide and link to start your application can be found here under the 'How to apply' section.

Interviews

Interviews are offered to the top-ranked applications, with the results being announced shortly afterwards. All applicants 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.

If you are thinking of applying to the scheme, useful advice can be found here. If you have any further questions about the programme or the application, please email cancer@medsci.ox.ac.uk.

Our next open day will take place online, Thursday September 5th. To reserve a spot, visit our Eventbrite page. 

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

If you have any questions about the DPhil in Cancer Science or applications, you can contact us on cancer@medsci.ox.ac.uk and we will direct your question to the most appropriate person.

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 closed. 

Project submissions now closed

Project submissions from Oxford-based PIs are now closed for the 2025 admissions round.  

Each year we advertise over 50 projects and appoint around 15 studentships encompassing clinicians, medical undergraduates and non-clinical/fundamental scientists. Examples of previous projects can be found in the Project Booklet tab on our website.

If you would like to get in touch about the programme, please email us at cancer@medsci.ox.ac.uk