MRC North West Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences (NW-DMS) UKRI Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA)
Help to transform the future of medical science. Become a biomedical researcher of tomorrow.
Fully funded MRC studentships
The Medical Research Council (MRC) North West Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences (NW-DMS) provides fully funded doctoral training for researchers interested in tackling some of the biggest challenges in health.
The programme combines interdisciplinary research, specialist training and external partnerships to develop the next generation of research leaders in medical science.
Postgraduate researchers (PGRs) will undertake a research project addressing challenges in human health, while developing the skills needed to pursue careers across academia, healthcare, industry and innovation.
Applications for 2027/28 entry will open during the week commencing Monday 26 October 2026.
About the PhD programme
The MRC NW-DMS in Medical Sciences brings together The University of Manchester and the University of Liverpool, supported by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and partners across healthcare, industry and innovation.
The partnership gives PGRs access to a wider range of expertise, facilities, training opportunities and supervisory teams across both institutions. This also enables the creation of a shared doctoral cohort spanning both universities, creating opportunities to collaborate, build networks and develop interdisciplinary skills.
Strong industry partnerships with NHS Trusts, Bionow, UK Biobank, Northern Gritstone, Medicines Discovery Catapult, Evotec and ApconiX provide opportunities for placements, collaborative research and specialist training, helping researchers to gain experience and professional connections.
Why apply for the MRC NW-DMS programme?
Fully funded studentship
Receive funding for tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate for four years, allowing you to focus on your research and development. You can also benefit from additional funding for training, workshops and research visits to enhance your skills.
Real-world impact
Tackle some of the biggest challenges in human health and contribute to improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of conditions affecting millions of people locally, nationally and across the globe.
Personalised training
Build a skills portfolio tailored to your individual needs through a flexible programme of core and elective training, allowing you to demonstrate expertise gained throughout the programme. Alongside specialist research methods, you'll develop expertise in areas such as data science, coding, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, science communication and leadership.
Industry experience
Gain experience beyond academia through placements, collaborative projects and training delivered with NHS and healthcare organisations, industry partners and charities. There will be specific projects offering collaboration with external partners, helping you gain practical and relevant industry experience, broaden professional networks across sectors and explore different career pathways.
Supportive research community
Join a doctoral cohort spanning Manchester and Liverpool and benefit from annual symposia, networking events, peer support, retreats and cross-institutional activities. You'll become part of a supportive community of researchers, clinicians, industry partners and fellow postgraduate researchers.
Career development
Prepare for a career in academia, healthcare, industry, policy or innovation thanks to opportunities to take part in programmes such as PROSPER, BIOBRIDGE and the Young Entrepreneurs Scheme. Benefit from opportunities to develop the skills and confidence needed to translate research into real-world impact and strengthen your employability beyond your PhD.
PhD PROSPER is a successful postdoctoral researcher career development framework established and run by the University of Liverpool and The University of Manchester, which was co-developed with 100+ employer partners, and enabled through Research England funding. This scheme is being extended to MRC NW-DMS to empower and support PhD students with a proactive approach to realising their future career.
BIOBRIDGE stems from a successful trial at the University of Liverpool and provides a route for postgraduate researchers to pursue additional employability-related activities (e.g. work placements, consultancy, enterprise, project development) alongside their PhD research.
Programme structure
The programme combines research, structured training and professional development over the course of a PhD.
Research
You'll undertake an original research project addressing important challenges in medicine and human health.
Working with expert supervisors from The University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester, you'll develop advanced research skills, apply innovative methodologies and contribute new knowledge to your field.
Many research projects involve interdisciplinary approaches and opportunities to collaborate with healthcare providers, industry partners and innovation organisations.
Training and development
Alongside your research project, you'll undertake structured training that is flexible, personalised and designed to build both specialist knowledge and transferable skills. Fundamental training includes:
- Responsible Research
- Bench to Bedside
- Digital Competency
- Employability Skills
- Entrepreneurship and Leadership
You will also have opportunities to develop skills through elective training aligned to your research interests and career goals in areas such as:
- Health Data Science and Bioinformatics
- Statistics for Biomedical Science
- Big Data and Omics
- Science Communication and Public Involvement
- Sustainable Research
Development opportunities are supported through skills audits, cohort events, annual symposia, placements and professional development activities delivered across both Manchester and Liverpool.
