A PhD in Medicine is an advanced doctoral degree that focuses on research and scholarly work in the field of medicine. The programme offers a pathway for individuals passionate about research, innovation, and advancing medical knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the field and shape the future of healthcare.
While a medical degree prepares individuals to practice medicine clinically, a PhD in Medicine is more research-oriented; It is designed for individuals who are interested in advancing medical knowledge, conducting original research, and making significant contributions to the field. The programme does not include clinical training or licensure to practice medicine. Instead, it provides specialised training in research methodologies, critical analysis, and scientific inquiry to train individuals to become independent researchers and scholars who can contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and improve healthcare outcomes.
Research opportunities are multidisciplinary, spanning biomedical, clinical and health policy areas. Examples include investigating the origin of diseases at the cellular/molecular level, developing clinical interventions for targeted therapies, and improving health and social care for patients and populations.
Study period
The usual period of doctoral study is three years or six years part time, though the University’s Regulations also permit candidates who make particularly rapid progress to apply to the University Research Committee for permission to submit at the end of their second year of study full time.
Students are registered initially for the degree of PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), although their status is probationary until the first Annual Review has taken place normally between 12 and 18 months from first registration. Probationary status ends once the student has demonstrated through the submission of draft written work that they can conduct research at the advanced level required for the award of the degree, through the normal procedures for Annual Reviews.
Supervision
As a research student, you will be supported by supervisors with strong skills and expertise in the areas of your research. Each student is allocated two supervisors. There is a First (or Principal) Supervisor, who is the student’s regular guide during his or her research, and with whom the student meets regularly throughout the year. There is also a Second Supervisor, whom the student may consult on a more limited basis where a ‘second opinion’ on a particular draft chapter may be helpful.
More information
Enquiries should be directed in the first instance to our Admissions Officer on FMHS-Admissions@buckingham.ac.uk or phone +44 (01280) 820227.
Applicants are normally expected to have a MB ChB, MBBS, first or second class, upper division degree in a subject aligned to medicine or significant experience.
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English levels
If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection process
Candidates apply online, sending in their supporting documents, and will be assessed on this basis by the Programme Director. The Programme Director or Admissions Assistant will be happy to answer any enquiries, email FMHS-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
PhD students undertake supervised but independent research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the judgements of others. A PhD thesis must embody an original contribution to the knowledge of the discipline either by the discovery of new knowledge or by the exercise of a new and independent critical approach.
Teaching methods
Candidates spend a considerable part of their studies undertaking supervised research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the judgements of others. The subject should be dealt with in a competent and scholarly manner.
The University’s Course Directors, students’ supervisors, and the Research Officer and Tutor for Graduate Students are available to discuss students’ post-graduation plans and how they may utilise most effectively the skills acquired during their studies.
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | 1st Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Sep 2023 Full-time (3 Years) | UK | £7,680 | £23,040 |
| INT | £13,431 | £40,293 | |
Jan 2024 Full-time (3 Years) | UK | £7,680 | £23,040 |
| INT | £13,431 | £40,293 | |
Apr 2024 Full-time (3 Years) | UK | £7,680 | £23,040 |
| INT | £13,431 | £40,293 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Postgraduate loan scheme
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD. The loan is worth up to £27,892.
More details can be found on the gov.uk website.
Apply directly
You can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the bottom of this page.