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Top 10 Best PhD in Medicine Programs

Lisa Marlin

Dreaming of making the latest breakthrough medical discoveries? Whether you’re interested in neuroscience , psychology, or microbiology, a PhD in medicine will give you advanced skills and in-depth medical science knowledge to propel the medical field forward. You’ll feel equipped to conduct innovative research and perhaps even make important discoveries!

Out of all PhD programs, a PhD in medical science will prepare you for some of the world’s highest-paid roles. After all, the average yearly salary of a doctorate-holder in medicine is $153,000 . The best part? You’ll graduate and embark on a career that will make a difference.

Doctorates in medicine are in high demand, and you might even find — we’ll cover all the highlights in our list of doctorate degrees in medicine.

Table of Contents

Best PhD in Medicine Programs and Schools

Harvard university.

Ph.D. Program in Virology

Harvard University logo

Harvard University  offers one of the most dynamic types of doctorate degrees in medicine — the virology PhD. The Ivy League  school has produced countless world-renowned virology researchers who have invented valuable vaccines and treatments. This virology PhD program involves small student groups for stronger faculty and student relationships.

  • Courses/research areas : Molecular genetics, viruses and immunity interaction, and rational antiviral drug design
  • Duration : 5 years
  • Tuition : Full funding
  • Financial aid:  Full tuition & stipend support, health insurance, child support, parent support, and emergency fund
  • Acceptance rate:  5%
  • Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Stanford University, Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Graduate Program in Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine

Stanford University logo

Stanford is one of the world’s leading research centers in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. In this program, you’ll have multiple options to meet the course requirements by passing substitute courses or through oral or written exams.

  • Courses : Stem cells & human development, chemistry of biological processes, and advanced cell biology
  • Tuition : Full tuition funding and stipend
  • Financial aid : Grants, fellowships, stipend and tuition support, travel allowance, insurance
  • Location : Stanford, California

Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine

Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program

John Hopkins University logo

Johns Hopkins is one of the biggest names in medicine globally and the only institution with a surviving CMM program  (Cellular & Molecular Medicine) funded by the Lucille Markey Foundation. In this doctorate program, you’ll research cellular and molecular biology with a focus on the practical diagnosis and treatment of diseases instead of a pure scientific emphasis.

  • Courses : Molecular biology & genomics, cellular/molecular basis of disease, and immunology principles
  • Duration : 3 years+
  • Financial aid:  Full funding, health insurance, fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and grants
  • Acceptance rate : 11.1%
  • Location : Baltimore, Maryland

Harvard-MIT, Harvard Medical School

MEMP Ph.D. Program

MIT logo

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University are two of the world’s most acclaimed research universities. They’ve collaborated to offer this unique combined PhD program in MEMP (Medical Engineering and Medical Physics) to advance research and innovation in medical diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Students can choose one of the program’s 11 concentrations to create a personalized curriculum.

  • Courses : Molecular diagnostics & bioinformatics, cellular & molecular immunology, and genetics in modern medicine
  • Duration : 5.7 years average
  • Financial aid : Full funding for tuition, stipend & health insurance, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships
  • Acceptance rate: 5-7%
  • Location : Cambridge/Boston, Massachusetts

The University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health

Ph.D. Infectious Diseases & Immunity

Berkeley University logo

The University of California Berkeley is ranked #2  among top public schools and is committed to student diversity, demonstrated by its dedicated Office for Graduate Diversity. This PhD is a unique program with its multidisciplinary and integrated focus on host-pathogen environmental interactions.

  • Courses : Molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis, epidemiology & control of infectious diseases, and advanced cell biology
  • Duration : 5.5 years average
  • Tuition : $14,442  per academic year
  • Financial aid : Fellowships, scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans
  • Acceptance rate : 17.5%
  • Location : Berkeley, California

The University of Pennsylvania, Biomedical Graduate Studies Division

Cellular & Molecular Biology (CAMB) Graduate Group

University of Pennsylvania logo

The University of Pennsylvania’s BGS  (Biomedical Graduate Studies) division has around 900 PhD students — 25% belong to underrepresented minorities, and 58% are female. The CAMB Graduate Group is a unique interdisciplinary research program offering six specialized medical discipline areas and world-class facilities.

  • Courses : Regulation of the genome, cell & molecular biology, and data analysis for life sciences
  • Financial aid:  Full funding, including tuition, fees, and stipend, as well as fellowships and grants
  • Acceptance rate:  9%
  • Location : Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Yale University, School of Medicine

Investigative Medicine Program

Yale University logo

Yale School of Medicine is well-known for its eminent faculty and one of the world’s largest medical libraries. This PhD program specializes in investigative medicine, allowing you to develop high-level creative and analytical skills. It also prepares you with the knowledge to conduct both laboratory-based and clinically based patient-oriented medical research.

  • Courses : Topics in human investigation, ethics issues in biomedical research, and methods in clinical research.
  • Duration : 3-4 years
  • Financial aid : Grants, loans, and fellowships.
  • Acceptance rate : 7%
  • Location : New Haven, Connecticut

The University of California San Francisco, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics

Doctoral Program in Epidemiology & Translational Science

University of California San Francisco logo

The University of California San Francisco is an innovative research institution focusing exclusively on medicine across education, research, and patient care. As a result, it has some of the highest rankings by the US & News Report  in various medical disciplines. The program allows you to choose between 17 concentration areas, including cancer epidemiology, global health, and bioinformatics.

  • Courses : Biostatistics, epidemiological methods, and clinical epidemiology.
  • Tuition : $11,442  per academic year
  • Financial aid : Fellowships, student employment, grants, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.
  • Acceptance rate : 4%
  • Location : San Francisco, California

Columbia University, Irving Medical Center

Ph.D. Pathobiology and Mechanisms of Disease Program

Columbia University logo

Columbia University  is home to several well-known medical research schools. It’s also located close to many scientific institutions, providing valuable collaboration opportunities. This program allows students to pursue in-depth research in basic sciences while focusing on knowledge application at the clinical and patient care levels.

  • Courses : Biochemistry, cell & molecular biology, molecular genetics, and mechanisms of human disease.
  • Duration : 3 years
  • Tuition : $25,248  per semester
  • Financial aid:  Training grants, loans, student employment, and awards.
  • Location : New York City, New York

Cornell University, Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences

Ph.D. Cell and Development Biology

Cornell University logo

Cornell University’s Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School has over 330 capable faculty members and $275 million  in research funds. A reputable program, it involves a lab rotation, allowing each student to pass through three different laboratories before deciding on a research focus area.

  • Courses : Molecular genetics, biochemistry & structural biology, and quantitative understanding in biology.
  • Tuition : Refer tuition page
  • Financial aid : Scholarships, health insurance, and travel support.
  • Acceptance rate:  11%
  • Location : New York, New York

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Medicine?

You’ll typically need a master’s degree to be eligible to apply for a PhD in medicine. Some universities also require your master’s to include certain subjects.

As part of your application, the selection committee will generally ask to see:

  • Official transcripts from your undergraduate and master’s degrees
  • Practical experience
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal statement
  • Letters of reference

Preparing for a Medicine Doctorate Program

Research programs early to determine the specializations you’re interested in. Then, read up on each subject as much as possible and keep up with developments in the field. It’s also a good idea to research your potential mentors. You can also build your network by joining aspirant and professional groups with similar interests.

You’ll find different types of medical doctor degrees online based on the core area of study, such as:

  • Ph.D. Healthcare Administration
  • Ph.D. Epidemiology
  • Ph.D. Public Health
  • Ph.D. Health Informatics
  • Ph.D. Health Research & Policy

In addition to your preferred specialization, assess programs based on funding options, faculty, accreditation, proximity, and cost of living.

Why Get a Doctorate Degree in Medicine

A doctorate of medicine helps you work in high-level scientific, academic, and research positions within the medical field. On average, professionals with a doctorate in medicine have a salary of $153,000  a year.

You’ll also learn several important skills through a PhD in medicine, including:

  • Research, analysis, and problem-solving skills for the medical discipline
  • Critical and innovative thinking
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Information management skills
  • Leadership skills

Some of the most common roles and average salaries for PhD-holders in medicine are:

  • Clinical Research Manager ( $78,566 )
  • Chief Executive Officer ( $156,335 )
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate ( $52,270 )
  • Technical Director ( $124,783 )
  • Physician/Doctor for Emergency Room ( $249,174 )

What is the Average Cost & Duration of a PhD in Medicine?

The total cost for a PhD in medicine varies between $60,000 and $200,000, based on various factors. The program usually takes 3-6 years to complete.

The Difference Between an MD and a PhD for Medical Doctors

An MD is a practicing degree that equips doctors with high-level knowledge and skills to treat patients. A PhD is a research degree that helps you discover new medical knowledge or prepare for academic and management roles.

Key Takeaways

A PhD in medicine can take your career to the highest level and allow you to earn a lucrative salary. Not only is medicine a prestigious field, but it also fosters your ability to make valuable contributions to society. Check out each program on our list and think about which speaks out to your career goals and values. Then, put together a winning application !

Still not sure which program is right for you? Take a look at other options with our guides to the highest paying PhDs  and the best 1-year PhD online programs .

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years is a phd in medicine.

A PhD in Medicine can take between three and six years to complete.

Is a PhD the Same as a Medical Doctor?

A medical doctor does not necessarily need a PhD, as they can qualify with a medical degree. Additionally, a PhD is usually a research degree, not as focused on patient care.

Is a PhD Higher than an MD?

No. Both PhD and MD degrees are doctorate qualifications, but usually with different applications.

Can a PhD be a Medical Doctor?

You can be qualified as a medical doctor without a PhD in medicine, though a doctor can pursue a PhD if they wish. However, an MD degree, which is also a doctoral degree in medicine, is generally more useful for medical practitioners.

Who Makes More Money, a PhD or MD?

There’s not much difference between an MD and PhD regarding benefits and earning potential. However, an MD may attract a slightly higher salary as practitioners are popular and in high demand. While a PhD salary can be comparable, there may not be as many academic and research positions available.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Medicine?

A PhD in medicine qualifies you to hold well-respected positions in academic research centers or teaching hospitals. Additionally, you can continue as a medical practitioner at a higher level.

What is a Doctorate in Medicine (MD) program?

An MD is a graduate program designed for already-qualified surgeons and physicians. It involves rigorous clinical training and coursework to prepare medical professionals for a more advanced level of specialization.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Comparing the differences between MD vs. PhD vs. professional doctorate

Michael Feder

Written by Michael Feder

Marc Booker headshot

Reviewed by Marc Booker , PhD,  Vice Provost, Strategy

Collage image with books, sculptures, xray, and hands

What is a doctorate? Breaking down the three types

Some people might confuse an MD (Doctor of Medicine) with a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), and vice versa. While both an MD and a PhD are prestigious degrees near the top of the  academic ladder , they each have a different meaning and come with very different requirements.

Different still from both of those degrees are professional doctorates, which allow industry professionals to translate their education and experience into credibility and leadership through research. Professional doctorates have similar requirements to PhDs, such as a dissertation and residency, but focus on the application of research and professional growth over original research.

Upon graduation, those who have earned any of these three degrees can call themselves a “doctor,” but the path to a degree, the purpose behind it and its applications vary based on the choice. MD graduates want to work in medicine and healthcare. PhDs want to bring new knowledge and research to the world. A practice-based doctoral graduate wants to grow in their professional expertise. (If the last one sounds like you, University of Phoenix can help!)

Keep reading to learn more about these doctoral programs and which is right for you.

What does MD stand for?

MD is an abbreviation for Doctor of Medicine and identifies a medical practitioner who has completed undergraduate studies and four years of medical school. An MD program teaches medical students about the human body and diseases through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical labs.

Several  types of physicians  might have this degree, depending on their area of study. For example, medical practitioners with an MD degree might become a medical doctor and potentially specialize in dermatology, cardiovascular disease, family medicine, oncology, pediatrics, neurology or preventive medicine. As you can see, this degree can lead to a variety of career paths, depending on which specialty interests you and what your medical education is.

How to earn an MD

Becoming a Doctor of Medicine  requires a significant investment of time and money, but the reward can be well worth it. Before medical school, you’ll need to  take the Medical College Admission Test  (MCAT®) and earn a passing score. You’ll also need to build a portfolio of coursework and experience to help you gain admittance to medical school.

Medical school typically takes students four years to complete. You’ll learn the latest techniques and approaches for patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Medical schools commonly provide a combination of classroom, research and clinical experience. You’ll work alongside peers and healthcare professionals as you develop skills in general medicine.

You’ll choose a field to specialize in during your final year of medical school. Students have more than 120 options to choose from when specializing, including primary care, pediatrics, geriatrics, emergency medicine and family medicine.

After graduating, you’ll complete residency training to further develop skills in your specialty. Residency typically lasts three to seven years, depending on the field you’ve selected. During the residency portion of your education, you’ll treat patients under the supervision of more experienced physicians.

Even after you begin to practice as an MD, the educational portion of your career never stops. As practices change, patient needs evolve and research continues, MDs benefit from ongoing education to stay current.

What does PhD stand for?

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is a doctoral degree that recognizes graduates who have completed a full postsecondary program. Students can earn a PhD in more fields than philosophy. After completing the necessary coursework, original research and hands-on experience, you can earn a PhD in fields like science, the humanities and engineering.

Earning a PhD can help unlock a wide range of potential career opportunities. Computer engineers, research scientists, statisticians, healthcare administrators, professors, chemists and other careers commonly require a PhD degree, in addition to appropriate undergraduate study.

How to earn a PhD

Becoming a PhD is also a serious commitment that requires an investment of time, money and energy.

Here is what’s typically required to become a PhD:

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in your field
  • Complete a master’s degree in an appropriate field
  • Pass any program entrance exams
  • Fulfill coursework, research and hands-on lab requirements in your program
  • Finalize and defend your dissertation as a  doctoral candidate  (unless your program specifies otherwise)

It’s important to note that many PhD programs have different requirements, prerequisites and parameters for students. Check with your preferred institution for a more detailed explanation of these requirements.

What is a professional doctorate?

While some professional or practice-based doctorate programs are medical,  others are designed for professionals in other fields . These programs are meant for scholar-practitioners in disciplines like education, business or psychology. One of the key differences between this degree and a PhD is the focus on applying research to a professional setting rather than conducting theoretical and research-focused studies. Often, programs are differentiated as academic versus professional.

Examples of doctoral degrees are Doctor of Education, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Business Administration. Each of these programs focuses on a specific discipline and applying research in those areas to a professional setting.

How to earn a doctorate

While  practitioner doctoral programs  teach different skills, they all share common requirements. You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree in your field and sometimes a master’s degree, depending on program requirements.

After completing the necessary coursework and research, students also typically need to finish a supervised thesis and defend their dissertation or capstone project-specific coursework, research and hands-on labs alongside other students in the same field. However, this will depend on the specific program and its requirements.

What does the title “Dr.” really mean?

The term “doctor” or “Dr.” is commonly used today to describe a wide variety of occupations. Students who complete a doctoral degree can earn the title of “Dr.” even though they earned their credentials in a non-medical field like education or business management.

While a variety of professionals can earn a doctorate, the term is often still  reserved for medical practitioners . In conventional use,   doctors typically refer to medical physicians. However, it is appropriate to use “Dr.” if you graduated from any of the three programs discussed above.  

Practitioner doctoral degree programs at University of Phoenix

While University of Phoenix (UOPX) does not have MD or PhD programs, it does offer several professional doctoral degrees that can be earned completely online. Students might choose the UOPX programs because classes are flexible and offered online, and because of the University’s unique “ Scholar-Practitioner-Leader model .”

If you are curious about a doctoral degree, the following programs are available at UOPX:

  • Doctor of Business Administration : This doctorate can help you gain strategic vision and skills to position yourself as a business leader. It explores how to solve organizational problems, how to design and conduct research studies, how to introduce innovative business ideas to the industry and more.
  • Doctor of Management :  This doctorate equips you with critical thinking skills to find creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Doctor of Education : This doctoral program prepares you to use analytical, critical and innovative thinking to improve performance and solve complex problems in education.
  • Doctor of Health Administration : If you’re a health professional who is seeking greater responsibility in shaping the future of the health sector, this doctorate can help you meet the challenges inherent to today’s healthcare landscape, including economic fluctuations, burgeoning patient needs and industry-changing legislation.
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice : This doctorate is designed for working nurses who require a doctorate for advanced practice or nurses who desire their terminal degree. It does not prepare students for professional certification or state licensure as a nurse or as an advanced practice nurse.

These doctoral studies are only some of the many options for professionals who want to gain the highest academic credentials in their fields. Doctoral programs offer significant benefits to program graduates, including newly developed skills, insight into field trends, hands-on research opportunities and leadership capabilities.

Completing a doctoral program is also a strong indication to employers that you’re serious about your career and your field. With so many options for advanced study, these programs are available for most major fields. Even if you have already completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in your discipline, a doctorate lends further credibility to your reputation and can help prepare you for a leadership position.

Headshot of Michael Feder

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

Headshot of Marc Booker

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Dr. Marc Booker, University of Phoenix Vice Provost for Strategy, has more than two decades of experience working with online and distance education students at the post-secondary level. He currently oversees critical path academic initiatives to improve the student experience. Dr. Booker is a regular speaker, author and contributor to national higher education associations.

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.  Read more about our editorial process.

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PhD Programs

Empowering students to follow their curiosity

Bioengineering PhD

Jointly supported by the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine, the bioengineering program merges engineering principles with scientific discovery and technology to encourage the development of new medical devices and treatments.

Students working on a project

Biosciences PhD

panning the School of Medicine and the School of Humanities and Sciences, students have the best of both worlds: the diversity of a large umbrella program coupled with the support of a small academic setting.

The Biosciences PhD program offers 14 home programs representing eight basic science departments and six interdisciplinary programs.

Biomedical Physics (BMP) PhD Program

Supported by the Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, the Biomedical Physics PhD program seeks students interested in radiation therapy, imaging science, and molecular imaging and diagnostics as applied to clinical medicine. 

med-phd-programs

PhD in Epidemiology and Clinical Research

The PhD program in epidemiology and clinical research will provide methodologic and interdisciplinary training that will equip students to carry out cutting-edge epidemiologic research. The program trains students in the tools of modern epidemiology, with heavy emphases on statistics, computer science, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics.

Dr. and patient

PhD in Health Policy

Stanford Health Policy offers a PhD program which promises to educate students who will be scholarly leaders in the field of health policy, and will be highly knowledgeable about the theoretical and empirical approaches that can be applied in the development of improvements in health policy and the health care system. These students will be well prepared for positions in academic institutions, government institutions, and private sector organizations with a demand for high-level analysis of health policy issues.

Dr. and patient

Degree Programs

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Doctor of Psychology Consortium

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Summer Health Careers Opportunities Program

Stanford Medicine Clinical Summer Internship

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Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Program

Stanford Medical Youth Science Program  

Cardiovascular Surgery Internship

See all summer and youth programs

About the School of Medicine

Stanford University School of Medicine  consistently ranks among the top U.S. medical schools, and faculty members routinely secure the highest amount of research funding per investigator in the country. 

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Discover the Ph.D. Program at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Ph.d. program, ph.d. program overview.

At Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, you’ll discover a unique research training environment of academic inquiry and scientific discovery, combined with exceptional intellectual and technological resources designed to help you achieve your highest scientific career goals.

Through the Ph.D. program, you’ll acquire a broad expertise in biomedical science with the opportunity to go deeper into your primary area of research interest.

year average time to degree

Best graduate school rankings

a top school for biological sciences as ranked by U.S. News & World Report

Guaranteed 5-year internal fellowship

includes full tuition, stipend, and benefits

Whether you’re preparing for graduate school or applying now, the Mayo Clinic experience for biomedical science Ph.D. students is different.

Program highlights:

  • Research training by leading investigators in fields ranging from molecules to populations, all in the context of exceptional health care.
  • Embedded within a top academic medical center, you’ll have access to clinical data from more than 6 million patient histories.
  • A Career Development Internship program where senior students experience networking opportunities in career settings different from those of their research mentors.
  • A national destination for research training of students from backgrounds underrepresented in science. Mayo’s NIH-funded IMSD is more than two decades old, and Mayo invented the NIH PREP concept.
  • Join about 250 students who have access to 300+ faculty members in small class sizes.
  • 87% of graduates since 1989 are employed in academia or industry.
  • Three campuses in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona with diverse research opportunities.
  • Every student is awarded a fellowship for five years that fully covers tuition.
  • Ph.D. students receive a stipend and health benefits.

See yourself here

Hear from students and faculty to get an idea of what it's like to learn here, live here, and be a Ph.D. student at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.

"I can be the scientist I want to be"

"I can be the scientist I want to be"

Choosing your area of specialization.

You'll choose from one of eight  biomedical science specialty tracks within our Ph.D. Program. Track choice is indicated during the application process and confirmed after admission. But you'll be able to do research and learn in any Mayo laboratory that interests you, even if it's not within your track.

Perspectives on our Ph.D. Program

"Collaboration is massive here"

"Collaboration is massive here"

Collaborative research and learning environment

The hallmark of research at Mayo Clinic is the highly collaborative interaction that occurs between investigators in basic science and clinical areas. While each investigator has a competitively funded independent lab, collaboration with graduate students and staff across the institution is common. As a Ph.D. student, you’re free to select any Mayo mentor, regardless of which track you choose.

"Allowed me to build my own team"

"Allowed me to build my own team"

Teaching opportunities

Tutoring and teaching opportunities are available and optional for our Ph.D. students. If you’re interested in developing these skills, serving as a tutor or a teaching assistant can help cement the knowledge you gain from your coursework.

Application window

Apply between Sept. 1 and Dec. 4 for the following academic year.

To get in touch with the Ph.D. Program, fill out the form on the Contact Us page .

Explore our comprehensive academic catalog, offering a detailed overview of all course offerings.

Virtual visits

Explore our virtual visit options or sign up for a video chat to get a personalized look at our program.

MD-PhD Degree Programs by State

New section.

Combined MD-PhD degree programs provide students the opportunity to earn both the MD and the PhD in areas pertinent to medicine.

Combined MD-PhD degree programs provide students the opportunity to earn both the MD and the PhD in areas pertinent to medicine. Below is a list of schools offering a combined MD-PhD degree, with links to their web sites. Please contact the institutions directly for curriculum information and admission requirements. School administrators may contact [email protected]  with any omissions or corrections to this listing.

University of Alabama School of Medicine Birmingham, Ala.

University of South Alabama College of Medicine Mobile, Ala.

University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, Ariz.

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix Phoenix, Ariz.

University of Arkansas College of Medicine Little Rock, Ark.

Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine Pasadena, Calif.

Loma Linda University School of Medicine  Loma Linda, Calif.

Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, Calif.

University of California, Davis School of Medicine Davis, Calif.

University of California, Irvine School of Medicine Irvine, Calif.

University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine Los Angeles, Calif.

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine La Jolla, Calif.

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine San Francisco, Calif.

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles, Calif.

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Denver, Colo.

Connecticut

University of Connecticut School of Medicine Farmington, Conn.

Yale University School of Medicine New Haven, Conn.

District of Columbia

Georgetown University School of Medicine Washington, D.C.

Howard University College of Medicine Washington, D.C.

University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville, Fla.

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, Fla.

University of South Florida College of Medicine Tampa, Fla.

Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, Ga.

Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, Ga.

Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Augusta, Ga.

Loyola University of Chicago - Stritch School of Medicine Maywood, Ill.

Northwestern University Medical School  Chicago, Ill.

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - Chicago Medical School North Chicago, Ill.

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (MTSP) Chicago, Ill.

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (MD/PhD) Chicago, Ill.

University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine Chicago, Ill.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Carle Illinois College of Medicine Urbana, Ill.

Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Ind.

University of Iowa College of Medicine Iowa City, Iowa

University of Kansas School of Medicine Kansas City, Kan.

University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington, Ky.

University of Louisville School of Medicine Louisville, Ky.

Louisiana State University, New Orleans School of Medicine New Orleans, La.

Louisiana State University, Shreveport School of Medicine Shreveport, La.

Tulane University School of Medicine New Orleans, La.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, Md.

National Institutes of Health Intramural MD-PhD Partnership Bethesda, Md.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, Md.

University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Medicine Baltimore, Md.

Massachusetts

Boston University School of Medicine Boston, Mass.

Harvard Medical School Boston, Mass.

Tufts University School of Medicine Boston, Mass.

University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, Mass.

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine East Lansing, Mich.

University of Michigan Medical School Ann Arbor, Mich.

Wayne State University School of Medicine Detroit, Mich.

Mayo Medical School Rochester, Minn.

University of Minnesota Medical School Minneapolis, Minn.

Mississippi

University of Mississippi School of Medicine Jackson, Miss.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine St. Louis, Mo.

University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine Columbia, Mo.

University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine Kansas City, Mo.

Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, Mo.

Creighton University School of Medicine Omaha, Neb.

University of Nebraska College of Medicine Omaha, Neb.

University of Nevada School of Medicine Reno, Nev.

New Hampshire

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth Hanover, N.H.

Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School Newark, N.J.

Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Piscataway, N.J.

University of New Mexico School of Medicine Albuquerque, N.M.

Albany Medical College Albany, N.Y.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University Bronx, N.Y.

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons New York, N.Y.

Hofstra North Shore - LIJ School of Medicine Hempstead, N.Y.

Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD/PhD Program New York, N.Y.

Mount Sinai School of Medicine New York, N.Y.

New York Medical College Valhalla, N.Y.

New York University School of Medicine New York, N.Y.

SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine Buffalo, N.Y.

SUNY at Stony Brook Health Sciences Center Stony Brook, N.Y.

SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine Brooklyn, N.Y.

SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, N.Y.

University of Rochester School of Medicine Rochester, N.Y.

North Carolina

Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston-Salem, N.C.

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, N.C.

Duke University School of Medicine Durham, N.C.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill, N.C.

North Dakota

University of North Dakota School of Medicine Grand Forks, N.D.

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Cleveland, Ohio

Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine Rootstown, Ohio

Ohio State University College of Medicine Columbus, Ohio

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati, Ohio

University of Toledo College of Medicine Toledo, Ohio

Wright State University School of Medicine Dayton, Ohio

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City, Okla.

Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine Portland, Ore.

Pennsylvania

Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia, Pa.

Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, Pa.

Penn State University College of Medicine Hershey, Pa.

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Philadelphia, Pa.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Pittsburgh, Pa.

Temple University School of Medicine Philadelphia, Pa.

Rhode Island

Brown University School of Medicine Providence, R.I.

South Carolina

Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, S.C.

University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, S.C.

South Dakota

University of South Dakota School of Medicine Vermillion, S.D.

East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine Johnson City, Tenn.

Meharry Medical College School of Medicine Nashville, Tenn.

University of Tennessee, Memphis College of Medicine Memphis, Tenn.

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville, Tenn.

Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth/MD Anderson Cancer Center/University of Puerto Rico Tri-Institutional Program Houston, Texas

Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center College of Medicine College Station, Texas

Texas Tech University School of Medicine Lubbock, Texas

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Galveston, Texas

University of Texas Health San Antonio, Long School of Medicine San Antonio, Texas

University of Texas, Southwestern Med Center - Dallas Dallas, Texas

University of Utah School of Medicine Salt Lake City, Utah

University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington, Vt.

Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk, Va.

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Richmond, Va.

University of Virginia School of Medicine Charlottesville, Va.

University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle, Wash.

West Virginia

Marshall University School of Medicine Huntington, W.Va.

West Virginia University School of Medicine Morgantown, W.Va.

Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Wisc.

University of Wisconsin Medical School Madison, Wisc.

McGill University Faculty of Medicine Montreal, Quebec

McMaster University of Faculty of Health Sciences Hamilton, Ontario

Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Universite de Montreal Faculte de Medecine Montreal, Quebec

Universite de Sherbrooke Faculte de Medecine Sherbrooke, Quebec

Universite Laval Faculte de Medecine Quebec, Quebec

University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Edmonton, Alberta

University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine Calgary, Alberta

University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine Vancouver, British Columbia

University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine Winnipeg, Manitoba

University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine Toronto, Ontario

University of Western Ontario London, Ontario

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This is accomplished in part, through an innovative curriculum in which students learn the core basic sciences in the first year, complete core clinical clerkships in the second year, devote the entire third year to scholarly investigation, and fulfill elective rotations in the fourth year. By condensing the traditionally structured training from four years into three, students are provided ample opportunity to pursue their own independent interests.

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Doctor of Medicine (DM)

  • Entry requirements
  • Funding and Costs

College preference

  • How to Apply

About the course

The Doctor of Medicine is a flexible, variable intensity, clinical research-based doctorate. You will pursue research that is in synergy with your medical practice. The degree will provide you with research skills, in-depth knowledge, understanding and expertise in your chosen field of research.

To apply to this course you must be medically-qualified (registered with the UK General Medical Council) and employed at the time of application at ST1 grade or above (including those who have completed their training) within the University of Oxford, in Primary Care within Oxfordshire or in an approved NHS Trust (see Entry requirements for further details).

The Doctor of Medicine is a highly distinctive degree. It is flexible enough to allow you to study part-time for some parts of your degree and full-time for others, to balance time for Doctor of Medicine degree work with your professional duties (milestones will be set accordingly).

Your Doctor of Medicine project will be in synergy with your clinical work, but may be undertaken across the whole spectrum of medical science from basic biology to clinical therapies. Prior work, judged to be of adequate academic rigour and coherence with the Doctor of Medicine project by the Doctor of Medicine committee, may be included in your thesis.

At the start of the course, you will be placed in a host department within the University's Medical Sciences Division depending on the match between your research and the departmental expertise. Your admission to the Doctor of Medicine degree will be overseen by the Doctor of Medicine committee. At the commencement of the degree you will be expected to establish a clear work plan and timeline for your research.

You will be encouraged to attend lectures and seminars related to your programme of research and make the most of the doctoral training and research methods provision available across the Medical Sciences Division. The aim is to tailor this training to individual needs and bring all students up to a satisfactory level in background knowledge. Your later training is focused on the skills required for a successful career in independent clinical research.

As an alternative route to undertaking research work, the Doctor of Medicine committee may, exceptionally, permit applicants to present an integrated thesis with an introduction and conclusion, drawing together a series of publications that represent a substantial body of original research, and submit this to be considered for the award of the degree.

This is a variable intensity course and your pattern and location of study will be established when a workplan is agreed prior to commencement of study. Doctor of Medicine students will be exempt from residency requirements. These are replaced by the employment requirements which are deemed to allow access to appropriate supervisory arrangements. 

You will need to ensure that your available time for study not only allows your research to progress but also permits you to attend any training that may be necessary for your research (or desirable for the development of transferable skills). You will be encouraged to attend lectures and seminars related to your programme of research.

Provision exists for students on some courses to undertake their research in a ‘well-founded laboratory’ outside of the University. This may require travel to and attendance at a site that is not located in Oxford. Where known, existing collaborations will be outlined on this page. Please read the course information carefully, including the additional information about course fees and costs. 

Resources to support your study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of world-class resources including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources and IT services.

The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK. It includes the main Bodleian Library and libraries across Oxford, including major research libraries and faculty, department and institute libraries. Together, the Libraries hold more than 13 million printed items, provide access to e-journals, and contain outstanding special collections including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art and printed ephemera.

The University's IT Services is available to all students to support with core university IT systems and tools, as well as many other services and facilities. IT Services also offers a range of IT learning courses for students, to support with learning and research.

As a Doctor of Medicine student, you will be based in one of the constituent departments of the University's Medical Sciences Division. The division is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for biomedical and clinical research and teaching, and the largest academic division in the University of Oxford. World-leading programmes, housed in state-of-the-art facilities, cover the full range of scientific endeavour from molecular to population levels.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Medical Sciences Board's Doctor of Medicine committee and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.

You will be expected to propose supervisors at the point of application. The Doctor of Medicine committee will adjudicate on their suitability and where necessary appoint co-supervisors in liaison with departmental Directors of Graduate Studies.

It is anticipated that you will meet monthly or termly with your supervisor, depending on the intensity of study you are undertaking and the relationship between the research project and your clinical environment.

Students will be admitted to the course as a Probationer Research Student (PRS) and will transfer to the status of Doctor of Medicine student after successfully completing their Transfer of Status milestone. In exceptional cases, if progress towards the Doctor of Medicine degree is inadequate following initial assessment at the Transfer of Status milestone, students may be admitted to study instead for the MSc by Research degree.

Students who transfer to the status of Doctor of Medicine student will subsequently be assessed for their Confirmation of Status milestone. The timing of relevant milestones will be established when a workplan is agreed prior to commencement of study.

Doctor of Medicine students must submit a thesis not exceeding 50,000 words that details the original research they have undertaken in the context of their overall field of study.   

At the end of the programme, Doctor of Medicine students will produce a written thesis, followed by an oral examination based on both this and a broader knowledge of their chosen area of research.

Graduate destinations

All Doctor of Medicine students will be medical graduates currently employed in clinical positions, and as such will already be highly employable. However, obtaining a Doctor of Medicine degree is likely to further enhance their professional standing and open up a range of opportunities as clinical academics. The return to clinical practice after completing a research degree is an important time in determining the future career path for clinical trainees. For all, research experience will enhance and refresh their professional practice. For many, there will also be a question of how best to retain their research activity and status. Oxford has a proven track record of developing clinical academics through the Oxford University Clinical Academic Graduate School.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made if a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency occurs. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2025-26

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

We know that factors such as socio-economic circumstances and school performance can make it difficult for students to demonstrate their full potential. This course is taking part in an initiative to use contextual data to help us to better understand your achievements in the context of your individual background. For further details, please refer to the information about improving access to graduate study in the How to apply section of this page.

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. Contextual data may also be used in the assessment of studentships. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

  • an undergraduate degree with honours in Medicine; and
  • ongoing registration with the UK General Medical Council .

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

  • Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
  • Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
  • Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
  • Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
  • Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
  • Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
  • Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Evidence of excellence in the area of clinical practice that is in synergy with the research project will be an advantage. 
  • Relevant experience  in the area of clinical practice that is in synergy with the research project will be a pre-requisite.
  • Relevant publications will be an advantage to all applicants.
  • It would be expected that graduate applicants would be familiar with the recent published work of their proposed supervisor and have an understanding of the background to the proposed area of study.
  • Candidates for the Doctor of Medicine degree who are post-graduate doctors in training will need to arrange their research workplan in conjunction with the relevant authorities overseeing their clinical training (Health Education England/NHS England) and where appropriate arrange to have a period of time 'Out of Programme'.
  • Candidates for the Doctor of Medicine degree, whether in training or in substantive posts, will need to make appropriate arrangements with their employers to ensure they have enough flexibility in their clinical duties to undertake this programme of research successfully.     

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  standard level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's standard level are detailed in the table below.

Minimum scores required to meet the University's standard level requirement
TestMinimum overall scoreMinimum score per component
IELTS Academic (Institution code: 0713) 7.06.5

TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition'

(Institution code: 0490)

100Listening: 22
Reading: 24
Speaking: 25
Writing: 24
C1 Advanced*185176
C2 Proficiency 185176

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

The timetable for the majority of interviews will be aligned as closely as possible with recruitment for postgraduate research courses in the Medical Sciences Division. Interviews may be held on termly basis if the course remains open to applications after the March deadline.

By preference, interviews will be conducted in person, but when this is not possible interviews will be conducted online. Normally the interview will consist of a seven-minute presentation of the proposed project, supervisory arrangements and workplan by the applicant, followed by 15-25 minutes of questioning from the panel. There will usually be a minimum of two to three academics on the interview panel.

Supporting documents will be considered as part of the interview shortlisting process and the assessment criteria for these can be found in the How to apply section of this page. Questions arising from the Doctor of Medicine committee's deliberations on your application may be directed to you for a response (eg requesting clarification about the methods, sample size, the extent of the applicant’s role, etc) either in writing or as part of the interview process.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

  • the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the About section of this page;
  • the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
  • minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Departments offering this course

As a Doctor of Medicine student, you will be based in one of the host departments within the University's Medical Sciences Division that offers the course.  The department that you be placed in will depend on the match between your research and the departmental expertise. 

This course is offered by the following departments:

  • Department of Biochemistry
  • Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine
  • Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences
  • Department of Experimental Psychology
  • Radcliffe Department of Medicine
  • Department of Oncology
  • Department of Paediatrics
  • Sir William Dunn School of Pathology
  • Department of Pharmacology
  • Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics
  • Nuffield Department of Population Health
  • Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences
  • Department of Psychiatry
  • Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences
  • Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health

All of the Medical Science Division’s departments are in receipt of Athena SWAN awards that recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all.

If you apply by the December deadline shown on this page and receive a course offer, your application will then be considered for Oxford scholarships. For the majority of Oxford scholarships, your application will automatically be assessed against the eligibility criteria, without needing to make a separate application. There are further Oxford scholarships available which have additional eligibility criteria and where you are required to submit a separate application. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

To ensure that you are considered for Oxford scholarships that require a separate application, for which you may be eligible,  use our fees, funding and scholarship search tool  to identify these opportunities and find out how to apply. Alongside Oxford scholarships, you should also consider other opportunities for which you may be eligible including  a range of external funding ,  loan schemes for postgraduate study  and any other scholarships which may also still be available after the December deadline as listed on  our fees, funding and scholarship search tool .

Details of college-specific funding opportunities can also be found on individual college websites:

Select from the list:

Please refer to the College preference section of this page to identify which of the colleges listed above accept students for this course.

For the majority of college scholarships, it doesn’t matter which college, if any, you state a preference for in your application. If another college is able to offer you a scholarship, your application can be moved to that college if you accept the scholarship. Some college scholarships may require you to state a preference for that college when you apply, so check the eligibility requirements carefully.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the Medical Sciences Graduate School website.

Variable intensity fees

The fees for this course are charged in the same way for all students, regardless of their intensity of study in any given year. Course fees are charged in two parts. You will pay a registration fee (approximately 75% of total fees) at the start of your first year and a submission fee (approximately 25% of total fees) when you submit your thesis. The registration fee will be payable at the rate shown below. The submission fee will be payable at the published rate applicable in the year in which you submit your thesis, which may be higher than the rate shown below.

Fees for the 2025-26 academic year

Home £10,050 £3,350
Overseas £10,050 £3,350

Information about course fees

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

Living costs for full-time study

For the 2025-26 academic year, the range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between £1,425 and £2,035 for each month spent in Oxford. We provide the cost per month so you can multiply up by the number of months you expect to live in Oxford. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for the  costs of a student visa and immigration health surcharge and/or living costs for family members or other dependants that you plan to bring with you to Oxford (assuming that dependant visa eligibility criteria are met).

Living costs for part-time study

Your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances but you will still need to cover your cost of living on a full-time basis for the duration of your course, even if you will not be based in Oxford throughout your studies. While the range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student living in Oxford is between £1,425 and £2,035 per month, living costs outside Oxford may be different.

Part-time students who are not based in Oxford will need to calculate travel and accommodation costs carefully. Depending on your circumstances and study plans, this may include the  cost of a visitor visa to attend for short blocks of time (assuming that visitor visa eligibility criteria are met).

Further information about living costs

The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. For study in Oxford beyond the 2025-26 academic year, it is suggested that you budget for potential increases in living expenses of around 4% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. For further information, please consult our more detailed information about living costs , which includes a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . 

If you are a current Oxford student and you would like to remain at your current Oxford college, you should check whether it is listed below. If it is, you should indicate this preference when you apply. If not, you should contact your college office to ask whether they would be willing to make an exception. Further information about staying at your current college can be found in our Application Guide. 

The following colleges accept students on the Doctor of Medicine:

  • Corpus Christi College
  • Green Templeton College
  • Harris Manchester College
  • Hertford College
  • Kellogg College
  • Lady Margaret Hall
  • Lincoln College
  • The Queen's College
  • St Catherine's College
  • Somerville College
  • Wadham College

Before you apply

We strongly recommend you consult the Medical Sciences Graduate School's research themes to identify the most suitable course and supervisor .

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application.  You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under the December deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

To apply to this course you must be medically-qualified (registered with the UK General Medical Council) and employed at the time of application at ST1 grade or above (including those who have completed their training) within the University of Oxford, in Primary Care within Oxfordshire or in an approved NHS Trust (see  Entry requirements for further details).

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £20 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

  • applicants from low-income countries;
  • refugees and displaced persons; 
  • UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
  • applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Application fee waivers for eligible associated courses

If you apply to this course and are considering applying (or have already applied) to any of the associated courses listed below , you can request an application fee waiver so that you only need to pay one application fee. We recommend that you use your application fee waiver to apply only for eligible courses that are closely related in research area to this one.

For full details about how to request an application fee waiver, please select the course you are interested in from the list below and refer to the equivalent section of its course page.

The following associated courses are taking part in this application fee waiver scheme:

  • Autonomous Intelligent Machines and Systems , EPSRC CDT
  • Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (Oxford-GSK) , DPhil
  • Cancer Science (Biological background) , CDT
  • Cancer Science (Clinician) , DPhil
  • Cancer Science (Intercalation) , DPhil
  • Cancer Science (Maths/Physics background) , CDT
  • Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet , CDT
  • Engineering Biology , BBSRC and EPSRC CDT
  • Fusion Power , EPSRC CDT
  • Genomic Medicine and Statistics , DPhil
  • Healthcare Data Science , EPSRC CDT
  • Inflammatory and Musculoskeletal Disease , DPhil
  • Inorganic Materials for Advanced Manufacturing , EPSRC CDT
  • Intelligent Earth , UKRI CDT in AI for the Environment
  • Materials 4.0 , EPSRC CDT
  • Mathematics of Random Systems: Analysis, Modelling and Algorithms , CDT
  • Neuroscience (1+3), DPhil
  • Quantum Informatics , EPSRC CDT
  • Robotics and AI for Net Zero , EPSRC CDT
  • Statistics and Machine Learning , EPSRC CDT
  • Superconductivity: Enabling Transformative Technologies , EPSRC CDT

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You should identify two relevant supervisors in advance of applying and contact them to discuss their proposed area of Doctor of Medicine research. Where ‘prior work’ is requested to be considered, at least one of the supervisors will be expected to have been involved in its conduct and attest to its quality.

It expected that project ideas will arise in the context of your clinical practice and that in general you will be well placed to identify suitable supervisors. We anticipate that you will have extensive discussions with these prospective supervisors to refine the detailed project proposal prior to formal application.

Prior to application you will also need to gain permission from those you work for clinically and those overseeing any clinical training you are required to undertake to ensure sufficient flexibility to undertake the degree requirements.

Improving access to graduate study

This course is taking part in initiatives to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications, to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly.

Socio-economic data (where it has been provided in the application form) will be used as part of an initiative to contextualise applications at the different stages of the selection process.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

You must enter the project you are applying to under 'Field and title of research project' on the 'Course' tab of the application form.

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

You should identify two members of staff willing to supervise you with the resources to support your proposed research project, listing them in order or indicating equal preference. Applicants who have not identified a potential supervisor will not be considered.

At least one proposed supervisor should write a reference relating to your application, to attest to the synergy between your proposal and your clinical work and your suitability to undertake this project.

Referees: Three overall, academic preferred - at least one must be independent of your proposed supervisor(s) 

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

References should usually be academic, though professional references are acceptable where they relate to work within a research setting.

At least one reference should be provided by a supervisor you have proposed, to attest to the synergy between your proposal and your clinical work and your suitability to undertake this project.

At least one referee must be independent of your proposed supervisor(s). 

Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, ability to work in a group and the synergy between your proposal and your clinical work and your suitability to undertake this project.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Statement of purpose/personal statement and research proposal: Statement of a maximum of 500 words and a proposal of a maximum of 1,500 words

Statement of purpose/personal statement (maximum 500 words).

You should provide a statement of your research interests, in English, describing how your background and research interests relate to the programme. If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

It will be normal for students’ ideas and goals to change in some ways as they undertake their studies, but your personal statement will enable you to demonstrate your current interests and aspirations.

The statement should focus on academic or research-related achievements and interests rather than personal achievements and interests.

This will be assessed for:

  • your reasons for applying;
  • evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study;
  • the ability to present a reasoned case in English;
  • capacity for sustained and focused work; and
  • understanding of problems in the area and ability to construct and defend an argument.

Research proposal (maximum 1,500 words)

You should submit a detailed outline of your proposed research, written in English, covering areas such as the background to the research, methodology, expected results and the contribution to the field of learning.

The word count does not include bibliography, brief footnotes, captions, titles or legends that are applied to images, tables or charts.  

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

Your research proposal will be assessed for:

  • comprehensive understanding of the subject area;
  • understanding of problems in the area;
  • synergy with the applicant’s clinical work;
  • accessibility, motivation and academic suitability; 
  • ability to construct and defend an argument;
  • powers of analysis;
  • powers of expression;
  • the feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available for the course;
  • commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course;
  • preliminary knowledge of research techniques;
  • capacity for sustained and intense work;
  • reasoning ability; and
  • ability to absorb new ideas, often presented abstractly, at a rapid pace.

Written work A workplan of a maximum of 2,500 words, including evidence of ability to study part-time

You will need to provide a timeline of your proposed work in the form of a Doctor of Medicine ‘workplan’. This should set out the periods of time across the period of study when you plan to work at full-time or part-time (and if the latter at what percentage full-time equivalent intensity) on your Doctor of Medicine research project. The workplan should not exceed 2,500 words.

The workplan must set out in sufficient detail how you propose to balance time for Doctor of Medicine research and academic training as a student of the University, alongside your professional employment with the NHS, postgraduate medical training and other clinical responsibilities.

If you are seeking for previous work to be counted towards your Doctor of Medicine (DM) studies, you will need to provide detailed information about the work you wish to include, when it was performed and under what supervisory arrangements (at least one of the proposed DM supervisors must have been involved). The justification for inclusion of this work will need to be particularly strong if it was undertaken more than 12 months prior to commencement of the degree.

The workplan is a key part of the application process and it must be agreed by both you and your employer before your application is submitted (or your application will be delayed until employer agreement has been secured). In many cases this will involve the local Deanery (or successor organisation), since it is the postgraduate Dean who is responsible for approving requests for time ‘out of programme’ (OOP) for doctors in training.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice .

Apply Continue application

After you've submitted your application

Your application (including the supporting documents outlined above) will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will  not  be taken into consideration when your application is assessed. You can  find out more about our shortlisting and selection process  in our detailed guide to what happens next.

Find out how to manage your application after submission , using our Applicant Self-Service tool.

ADMISSION STATUS

Open to applications for entry in 2025-26

12:00 midday UK time on:

Tuesday 3 December 2024

Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Applications may remain open after this deadline if places are still available - see below

A later deadline under 'Admission status'

If places are still available,  applications may be accepted after 3 December . The Admission status (above) will provide notice of any later deadline.

Key facts
 Variable Intensity Study
Course codeRJ_MD9P1
Expected length2 to 8 years
Places in 2025-26c. 20
Applications/year* 17
Expected start
English language

*Two-year average (applications for entry in 2023-24 and 2024-25)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by multiple departments within the Medical Sciences Division

  • Course page on the Graduate School website
  • Medical Sciences Graduate School
  • Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 289576

Application-process enquiries

Application guide

Derek Griffith

Senior Fellow

Derek Griffith PhD

  • Professor, Family and Community Health , Penn Nursing
  • Professor, Medical Ethics and Health Policy , Perelman School of Medicine

Derek Griffith, PhD is a Professor of Family and Community Health at Penn Nursing, and a Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Griffith’s goal is to advance the science of intervening to achieve health equity in the United States and across the globe. Building on his background as a public health psychologist, he has built a program of research on four pillars: (1) Centering the experience of Black men as a foundation for understanding the limitations of our approach to increasing population health and achieving health equity, (2) Developing individually tailored and multi-level interventions to improve Black men’s health, particularly preventing and managing chronic diseases (3) Advancing the science of anti-racism to make health equity a reality rather than an ideal or aspiration and (4) Developing an intersectional approach to health policy development and evaluating health policy impact that refines how the World Health Organization (WHO), WHO regional offices, the United Nations (Sustainable Development Goals), and other transnational organizations consider gender, men’s health, and health equity. Dr. Griffith received a citation from the president of the American Psychological Association “for his extraordinary leadership in addressing the impacts of racism on the health and well-being of the nation and specifically for African American and Latino men.” Dr. Griffith serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Men’s Social & Community Health , and he is a member of the boards of the American Institute for Boys and Men, Global Action on Men’s Health, and the Movember Foundation. He has been interviewed for and quoted in national news outlets such as NPR , the Washington Post , and the New York Times .

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Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Photo of McAnany, J. Jason

J. Jason McAnany, PhD

Director, Clinical Psychophysics and Electrophysiology Laboratory

Office Phone:

(312) 355-3632

[email protected]

Dr. McAnany is a Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Clinical Psychophysics and Electrophysiology Laboratory at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Dr. McAnany joined the Department of Ophthalmology in September 2011 as a member of the research faculty. He is the principal investigator of a National Eye Institute (NEI) research grant, “Mechanisms of Early Functional Loss in Diabetic Eye Disease,” which aims to study early neural dysfunction of the retina in patients who have diabetes. He also has a multi-PI award from the NEI “Mechanisms of Vision Loss in X-Linked Juvenile Retinoschisis” to study retinal structure and function in patients who have XLRS, an inherited vitreoretinal degenerative disease. His research is focused on defining the relationship between visual dysfunction and underlying disease processes using noninvasive test procedures including psychophysical, electrophysiological, and pupillometric measures, with the goal of developing novel approaches for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of visual dysfunction.

Publication Aggregators

MA in Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience: University of Illinois Chicago PhD in Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience: University of Illinois Chicago Research Fellowship in Psychophysics and Electrophysiology: Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary at UIC (Laboratory of Dr. Kenneth Alexander)

  • All categories

PhD candidate for End-to-End Causal Learning (1.0fte)

The Faculty of Science, Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, is looking for a

Project description

Causal inference is one of the primary goals in empirical sciences, including medicine, biology, economy, and physical science. For instance, researchers may seek to estimate the effects of smoking on lung cancer, education on salaries, or specific genes on phenotypes. If we have only access to observational data, a part of causal relations among the variables can be recovered, and hence, the investigator is commonly left with some (or in some cases many) unresolved causal relations. On the other hand, if we can perform experiments in the system, the causal graph representing the underlying system can be fully recovered from sufficient number of interventions. However, in many practical cases, performing each intervention might take days to complete or be too costly.

In this project, we aim to develop an end-to-end framework for the task of causal inference. This framework comprises three main components: causal discovery, identification analysis, and experiment design. The causal discovery part learns a causal model of the environment from the available data. This model is then used in the identification analysis to get an estimate of the causal effect. If the estimation is not accurate, a limited number of experiments are performed through the experiment design part to enhance knowledge about the underlying system, thereby improving the accuracy of causal effect estimation. This project combines techniques from statistics, graphical model learning, and stochastic optimization, embracing an interdisciplinary approach.

The candidate will be embedded in the Explanatory Data Analysis group at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science. More information about the group can be found at https://eda.liacs.nl/

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct original and novel research in the field of causal inference/discovery;
  • Explore applications of causal discovery/inference in other fields such as generative AI and reinforcement learning;
  • Publish and present scientific articles in top ML venues;
  • Contribute to educational activities;
  • Write a dissertation;
  • Assist in relevant teaching activities;

Selection Criteria

  • A MSc degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field;
  • Strong knowledge of and experienced with statistics, machine learning, and stochastic optimization;
  • Highly motivated to both perform foundational machine learning research and apply the developed methods in real applications;
  • Creative, ‘making things work’ mentality, independent, and communicative team player;
  • Experienced with writing scientific manuscripts and academic writing skills;
  • Excellent programming skills (Python and ML packages);
  • Interested in participating in educational activities;
  • Excellent proficiency in English (oral and written);

Research at our faculty

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from mathematics, artificial intelligence, computer science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see https://www.science.leidenuniv.nl .

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, see https://www.cs.leiden.edu

Terms and conditions

We offer a full-time 1-year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary ranges from € 2.872,- to € 3.670,- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/graduate-school-of-science

Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Work-life balance Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. We wish to reflect society both in age, gender and culture, as we believe that this would optimize the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequent varying working hours and places. In the Netherlands, a maternity allowance is standard for 16 weeks. Childcare is available at and near the Bio Science Park.

Information Enquiries can be made to Saber Salehkaleybar ( [email protected] ). If you have any questions about the procedure, please mail to: [email protected]

Applications

To apply for this vacancy, submit online your application via the blue button in the vacancy. Please ensure that you attach the following additional documents:

  • Curriculum vitae (CV);
  • Grade list and MSc degree (or expected graduation date);
  • (Draft of) MSc thesis;
  • Contact information for two references;
  • Link to public code repository (e.g., GitHub) or example of written code base.

Only applications received before the 16th of October 2024 can be considered. Applicants may be contacted with requests for additional information and/or exploratory conversations before the closing date.

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