PhD Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

Research degrees in the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, based in the purpose-built British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, one of six BHF Centres of Excellence in the UK. Work spans basic, translational and clinical research into mechanisms of cardiovascular disease, biomarkers, therapeutic targets and novel therapeutic strategies.

Faculty: College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences | Department: School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators. Areas include vascular science and medicine, cardiovascular cell signalling, gene therapy for vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and stroke, genetics and genomics, adrenal corticosteroids, diabetes, obesity and renal disease, cardiovascular imaging, clinical trials, and sport and exercise science and medicine.

Career pathways

Career opportunities include basic and clinical cardiovascular research in academia or industry, education, the NHS, clinical biochemistry, public health bodies, media and publishing, funding agencies and scientific charities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Usually a 2.1 honours degree. Required documents: academic transcripts and degree certificates, CV, MVLS cover letter and two references. MD applicants must hold an MBChB or equivalent and have spent at least three years since graduation in scientific work bearing directly on their profession or in the practice of medicine or surgery. International applicants from non-English-speaking countries: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no component below 6.5 (equivalent tests such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Duolingo are also accepted at published minimums).

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Full-time annual research fee for 2026/27; the 2027/28 UK fee is yet to be confirmed. Part-time is half the full-time fee. Source

International applicants: GBP 33,708 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual fee; part-time is half the full-time fee. Bench fees (research support costs) may be charged separately and are not included. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time

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