Programme Structure

Programme overview for the taught and research elements of the Precision Medicine PhD with Integrated Study.

PhD with Integrated Study

This programme is jointly overseen by the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow and is supported by a funding award from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Doctoral Training Programme in Precision Medicine, a collaboration between the Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics (Deanery of Molecular, Genetic & Population Health Sciences), (CMVM), the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences at Glasgow University and the Karolinska Institute. The University of Edinburgh is the lead institution.

Programme Duration

There are two variants of this programme, depending on the student’s prior experience:

• A 3.5-year PhD for students who already have a Masters degree in a relevant subject. Students will be given Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits at time of entry and study duration shortened to 3.5yrs. Students will undertake research (600 credit project) and additional taught courses equivalent to 90 credits during their PhD.
• A 4-year PhD for students entering the programme with a BSc (Hons), students entering with a Masters degree also have the option to select the 4-year PhD. Students will undertake research (600 credit project) and additional taught courses equivalent to 180 credits during their PhD. 

The duration of your programme, also known as your 'prescribed period of study' will be confirmed at the start of your programme based on the completion of your Training Needs Analysis.  Guidance from the MRC (the funding body for this programme) indicates that target submission for the majority of students is within 4 years and 6 months of programme start date (4 years with 6 months "writing up period"). Students with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits will be expected to complete within 4 years in total (3.5 years with 6 months “writing up period”).  

This structured programme of study integrates research with assessed taught postgraduate training in a range of skills and subject focused modules, up to a maximum of 180 credits.

As students on this programme, you will undertake some mandatory courses. Further information regarding mandatory courses can be found here: Taught Element Requirements  as well as some elective courses from up to three specialisms (with the course selection supported by your supervisors): Quantitative Skills, Data, and Life Sciences. The courses that comprise specialisms have a mix of on-campus and online delivery. You and your supervisors will have flexibility on taught module timing and content specialisms aligned with MRC skill priorities. 

The outcome of the assessment of the taught component may be used to determine progression on the programme, or eligibility for an exit award at Masters/Diploma/Certificate level, providing that you have attained the requirements for the award as set out in the University regulations. For the award of PhD with Integrated Study, the research component must meet the assessment criteria for a PhD in the current University regulations.