Edinburgh Infectious Diseases
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How to apply

Information about the students we are looking for, funding and the application process. The application window for entry in October 2024 is NOW CLOSED .

Applications for entry in October 2024

The application window for entry in October 2024 is NOW CLOSED.  The closing date was Tuesday 16 January 2024 at 12 noon - please do not submit an application as it will not be considered.  The details below are for information only.

About the programme

Find out more about this PhD programme and what we are looking for in successful applicants from directors Ross Fitzgerald and Martyn Pickersgill - presentation and Q&A recorded November 2022

Video: One Health Models of Disease PhD programme info session 29 November 2022
Session for prospective OHMD applicants

General entry requirements

Please note

This is a basic science programme.   Applicants who are carrying out medical or veterinary training, or who intend to return to clinical practice after completing their PhD, are not eligible to apply. 

We are looking for candidates who have (or who expected to be awarded), at least a good 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in a relevant subject. 

Typically candidates will already have a good understanding of the field they propose to study, and at least some hands-on research experience. 

Given the very broad remit of this programme – from computational modelling to bioethics – and the wide range of expected career paths our students will follow, we warmly encourage candidates from a variety of academic disciplines and interests to apply.

There is no need to contact a supervisor before applying – the projects described on the website are to give you an idea of the type of work you may be able to undertake with supervisors once you select your PhD project toward the middle of your first year on the programme.

Six students recruited each year

The Programme has an intake of six students per year

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.  In particular we would like to encourage students from black and other minority ethnic groups to apply, and are committed to assessing applications  without reference to the name, age, gender or nationality of the candidates.  Exceptionally, candidates who have 2:2 degrees may also be considered.

Five places will be fully funded by the Wellcome Trust and are open to applicants from the UK, EU and the Rest of World.

In addition a sixth fully funded scholarship will be awarded by the University of Edinburgh which is also open to applicants from the UK, EU and the Rest of World.

Fees for all students will be at UK/EU rates and will be funded by the Programme.  Visa and International Health Surcharge costs will also be covered for international students.

International student entry requirements

Find out about country-specific postgraduate entry requirements .

Details of International student entry requirements

English language proficiency

Please note that all non-UK candidates whose first language is not English must provide a certificate of proficiency in the English Language before they are able to join the University of Edinburgh.  Details of what is needed can be found on the University website. 

English language requirements

However, please note that you do not need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency when you are applying.  We will only require proof of your language proficiency if you are offered an unconditional place on the Programme.

Generous stipend

All students will receive a generous starting stipend of £23,955 per annum, plus travel and research funds for all four years of the Programme.  All University fees will be covered, regardless of country of citizenship.

Submitting applications

Applications for 2024

The application window for entry in October 2024 is NOW CLOSED.

How to apply

  1. Complete online application form
  2. Complete online demography form
  3. Submit supporting documents
  4. Ensure referees submit references by closing date

Details of the process are given below.

What you need to do

1. Online application form

2. Applicant demography

3. Supporting documents required

Please submit your supporting documents to the Programme via email:

  1. Standard Curriculum vitae
  2. Academic transcripts of first degree courses (and second degree if applicable) - all transcripts should be provided in English, or with official translation if necessary
  3. Copies of degree certificates with final classification - an official translation should be provided if necessary

Submit documents to the One Health Models of Disease PhD programme

4. References

All applicants should give the names of two academic referees on their application form. 

It is the applicant's responsibility to contact each of their referees and ask them to complete and submit the online referee form.

Please send the link below to your referees:

One Health Models of Disease PhD programme reference form

All references must be received by 12 noon on Tuesday 16 January 2024.

Arrangements for candidate interviews

Interviews for students joining the 2024/25 cohort will take place online in February 2024. 

Candidates who are selected for interview will be informed two weeks before the interview date.

Further information

If you have any questions about the Programme or about the application process,  we are very happy to hear from you.

Email the Programme