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Cambridge University offers many funding opportunities internally and attracts significant resources from external sources. These pages are intended to help you begin your search for funding.

Internal funding searches

The best collated source of internal funding opportunities for Cambridge students is the Student Funding Search

Before applying for scholarships, read the eligibility criteria thoroughly and make sure you submit your application by the correct deadline. It is important to note that most fully funded opportunities at Cambridge are only available to students about to start a new course. Once you are registered as a student, there are few full scholarships available.

Undergraduate students

Please see the Financial Support pages on the Undergraduate Study website

Postgraduate students

There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge for prospective postgraduate students, from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trust , Gates Cambridge , Colleges, Departments, Research Councils and central University funds. Information can be found on the pages below:

Student Funding Search
Postgraduate Admissions webpages

Please note that postgraduate Students are expected to have their finances in place before they start their course, and will have provided a financial undertaking to confirm this. Therefore most funding opportunities at Cambridge are only available to applicants who are about to start a new course. However, small part-cost bursaries may be available to current postgraduate students from colleges and departments for fieldwork, hardship and conferences etc...

External funding

Many hundreds of charities make awards to current and prospective postgraduate students. However, they can be hard to find and may require a specific and specialized approach.

A useful source of information for exploring funding opportunities from charities and voluntary organisations is the Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding. This is an external resource published independently by Gradfunding . This award winning guide is written by two UK based PhD students who, between them, won over £50,000 from 50 different charity awards. It provides a database of alternative funding opportunities from charities and trusts and gives advice about how to apply to them, including, model personal and financial statements. The University has subscribed to the Guide, which can be accessed free of charge.

Current Cambridge staff and students - use your University email address to register online

Applicants who do not yet have a University email account - email [email protected] to receive a pin which will enable you to access the Guide.

ELCAS - Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Services is the MOD's Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme which promotes lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. Funding is available to both current members and those that have left the Armed Forces.

Please review the ELCAS website for accredited courses; new courses are not being added for the time being.

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Harding Scholars and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the 2023 Welcome Event

Fully-funded Scholarships for the most talented PhD students from the UK and around the world

The Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme was established in February 2019 thanks to an extraordinarily generous donation from the David and Claudia Harding Foundation, the biggest single gift made to a university in the UK by a British philanthropist.

Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholarships provide outstanding PhD students with life-changing opportunities to research and study at the University of Cambridge. These fully funded Scholarships are available to the most talented students in any discipline, from all parts of the UK and the world.

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To find out more about any aspect of the Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme, please email [email protected]

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Fees and Funding

Current Students
Prospective Students

Postgraduate Students in Philosophy at Cambridge are funded from a considerable variety of sources.

Candidates who are offered a place and have indicated on their application that they wish to apply for funding are put forward by the Faculty to the University's funding competition. You can read more about how this works here.

It is possible for students who are not nominated to be successful in finding funding sources outside of the Faculty’s nominations, such as college awards. Applicants are strongly advised to consult the Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions webpage , which provides further details and more guidance through what is potentially a complex and confusing field. Students are encouraged to use the Cambridge Student Funding Search , which provides the most comprehensive overview of the funding opportunities available to applicants.

The Faculty also puts forward nominations for PhD applicants to be considered for AHRC funding.

Sources of Funding

Listed below are some of the main sources of funding available to incoming students. Some of these offer fully funded studentships, while others offer lesser but still useful contributions towards the total cost.

Open-Oxford-Cambridge DTP Studentships

The Open-Oxford-Cambridge Doctoral Training Partnership offers AHRC-funded studentships for PhD study in the arts and humanities. The studentships are open to applicants from the UK, European Union and overseas. The Open-Oxford-Cambridge DTP offers at least 77 studentships each year, across the range of arts and humanities subject areas. In addition to funding for fees and living costs (depending on eligibility), OOC DTP students benefit from being able to access a variety of other funding sources and a wide range of training available at the three partner universities. Please see the following website for more information: https://www.oocdtp.ac.uk/

These awards provide payment of university fees up to the 'home' rate throughout the funded period. Any prospective doctoral student wishing to study at a UK research organisation, including international students, is eligible for studentship funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), including the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Awards to international students are limited, however, and will not normally exceed 30% of the total awards in any one year.

All UKRI-funded doctoral students are eligible for a full award, comprising a stipend to support living costs and fees up to the home rate. The DTP partners will cover the gap between the home and overseas fee rates for international students.

To apply for an award please make this clear on your application form.

For advice on whether to apply you may contact the Director of Postgraduate Admissions, via the Postgraduate Secretary

Grants from the University of Cambridge

Vice-Chancellor’s Awards & Cambridge International Scholarships

On behalf of the University, the Cambridge Trust offers the Vice-Chancellor's Awards (for UK and EU students) and the Cambridge International Scholarships (for international students) for those undertaking PhD studies.

The aim of the Vice-Chancellor's Awards and Cambridge International Scholarships is to ensure that the highest scored students, irrespective of nationality, receive full financial support to undertake research leading to a PhD. The Scholarships pay the University Composition Fee and a maintenance allowance sufficient for a single person (note application deadline of 1st December 2022).

Grants from the Cambridge Trusts

The funding opportunities detailed in this section are not available to UK students.

Gates Cambridge

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established in October 2000 by a donation of US$210m from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the University of Cambridge; this is the largest ever single donation to a UK university.

Each year Gates Cambridge offers c.80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to PhD students, with approximately 25 awards available in the US round and 55 available in the International round.

Please consult the Gates website before writing your statement since the criteria for a Gates Scholarship are not purely academic. You are encouraged to contact the Director of Postgraduate Admissions, via the Postgraduate Secretary, for advice on whether to apply and what to include in your statement.

Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust

The Cambridge Trust is a major source of funding to scholars at Cambridge and offers a number of scholarships for postgraduate students. If you wish to be considered for a scholarship from the Trust, you must complete the funding section of the online application form via the Applicant Portal expressing your wish to be considered for funding and give details of the scholarships for which you wish to be considered.

Jacobsen Fellowships and Royal Institute of Philosophy Bursaries

Fellowships of £8,000 and bursaries of £3,000, each for one year, are available to postgraduates who have already completed one year of postgraduate work.

Burney Studentship and Fund

Research students working in the philosophy of religion may apply for the Burney Studentship or smaller grants from the fund. The studentship is tenable for one year, but a student may be re-elected once.

The Faculty has several of its own awards for which all candidates who apply by the December deadline will be considered. The number and value of these awards varies from year to year, but last year we offered five MPhil awards of slightly over £4000 each.

Studentships offered by colleges

Conditions of eligibility, methods of application and closing dates vary widely. Applicants are urged to consult the Cambridge Student Funding Search for details. The following colleges usually or always offer some full cost studentships:

Christ's, Clare Hall, Corpus Christi , Darwin , Downing , Emmanuel , Girton , King's , Magdalene , Newnham , Pembroke , Peterhouse , St John's , Selwyn , Sidney Sussex , Trinity , Trinity Hall .

DH Mellor Cambridge Trust Philosophy Studentships

Darwin College offers annually, by competition, one fully-funded PhD Philosophy Studentship and two Masters Philosophy studentships of up to £12,000 to students commencing graduate work in the Faculty of Philosophy. Other things being equal, preference will be given to UK students. The award is for students to study at Darwin College. Applications are welcome from students applying to Darwin, or from students who, if applying to other Colleges, are prepared to apply to transfer to Darwin. No special application forms are necessary, and all those eligible will be considered from information contained in their original application to the University. The tenure of the award is for one year, but holders may be considered in subsequent years.

Onora O’Neill Studentship

Newnham College will offer annually a studentship of between £3,000 - £12,000 to students commencing Postgraduate work in the Faculty of Philosophy. Current first year Newnham PhD students can also apply.

Stephan Körner Postgraduate Scholarship

Available to female students who list Murray Edwards College as their first choice college

Murray Edwards College offers this scholarship to a student in Philosophy, Classics or Law, to assist in funding a full one-year MPhil and/or 3-year PhD course.

Postgraduate students who are registered for the PhD may offer to undertake supervisions, i.e. small group teaching of undergraduates. This provides very useful experience for future job applications and also a financial reward. It is paid at piecework rates (currently approx. £28 per hour) and students may undertake up to six hours per week for the twenty teaching weeks of the year.

Postgraduate students also have the opportunity to lead discussion groups for first and second year students and to assist in the running of first year logic classes. Those who are near completing their PhD's may be invited by the Faculty to give a short course of lectures on the subject of their research. All of these forms of teaching provide excellent experience, useful lines on CVs, and are paid.

Students are liable to pay tuition fees to the University for each term of any degree course they undertake until the course has been completed or a prescribed maximum has been paid (e.g. nine terms for the PhD). In addition to tuition fees, students must budget for their own maintenance (including accommodation) and for the living expenses of any dependents who might accompany them. Although liability is incurred on a termly basis, colleges - who are responsible for collecting University fees - may require students to pay a full year's fees in advance.

General living expenses

As well as allowing for University fees, prospective students must budget for living expenses while at Cambridge. These vary according to individual needs and tastes; the cost of accommodation is a particularly significant factor, as private rented accommodation in Cambridge is more expensive than in many other British cities, and costs considerably more than college accommodation. Married accommodation may be more expensive. The cost of food, clothing, other personal requirements, books, stationery, and other research expenses, including the costs of thesis preparation, and of travel to and from Cambridge must also be budgeted for. Inflation must also be borne in mind.

In order to be admitted to the University of Cambridge, applicants are required to show evidence of funds to cover maintenance costs while studying. The Postgraduate Admissions website has a useful maintenance calculator, which calculates an estimate for your absolute minimum living expenses while studying at Cambridge. The calculator can be found here:

https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance

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PhD in Economics

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This is the most advanced programme of graduate studies in Economics at Cambridge. Upon its completion, candidates are awarded a PhD degree for producing a thesis of high-quality, original, and publishable research over a period of four years (full-time) and seven years (part-time).

A good number of our PhD students receive full or partial funding for their studies, from a variety of funding bodies, such as the ESRC and the Gates Foundation .

Our PhD students receive high quality training on a variety of research methods and are exposed to cutting edge research conducted by our own Faculty members, as well visitors to the Faculty (via the Cambridge-INET Institute , seminars, PhD workshops, locally organised conferences, etc.). Faculty members can supervise a wide range of topics from six broadly defined research areas: microeconomic theory, macroeconomics, econometrics, applied microeconomics, economic history and alternative approaches to economics.

PhD students in Cambridge benefit from a high faculty-to-student ratio and therefore form close relationships with many Faculty members. They also forge strong links with our post-doctoral researchers, and they actively participate in the Faculty’s vibrant research life. They have access to a wide range of facilities, such as their own desk/office space in the same building as regular Faculty members, computing equipment, a variety of software and access to a wide range of databases.

PhD students are encouraged to attend academic conferences and showcase their research work in a variety of ways. Upon completions of their studies, many of our PhD students become academics, or researchers at international or government research institutions (see recent job market placements here ).

Explore here the profiles of our current PhD students.

To obtain the degree of PhD in Economics, students need to:

1. Obtain the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) . If accepted for the PhD degree, you will be registered initially for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) in Economics. Students registered for the CPGS are required to:

Attend the 'How to do Economics' lecture course. Other postgraduate courses in research methods are organised by the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Physical Sciences, and are available to all PhD students.
Undertake a minimum of four courses from PhD or MPhil Modules from at least two subject areas. You must achieve a pass mark (60%) on each component of the coursework. Students who fail any examinations will be called for a viva on the coursework.

Write a research proposal (maximum length 10,000 words) that should include a review of the relevant literature, a research question, and outline of a research design and methods. The expectation is that this proposal will be for a piece of research that could form the basis of one chapter of a PhD dissertation. You will be given an oral examination on this piece of work and must perform to a satisfactory standard.
Attend (a) one of the three research workshops (on microeconomics, macroeconomics or econometrics) at which research students present both their own work and recent papers in the literature - assessment of workshops will be arranged by course organisers; (b) attend at least one of the Faculty's general seminars in which papers are given both by outside speakers and Faculty members;
To be registered for the PhD submit an acceptable piece of research (first year chapter) of not more than 20,000 words. The piece of research submitted must be of a standard that would enable it to form the basis of one-third of your eventual PhD thesis. This means that it must contain research that could be expanded upon to constitute one-third of the PhD thesis.

2. Once upgraded to PhD status, a student concentrates on her or his PhD dissertation. In general the thesis format is either in the form of a book divided into chapters, or of three or more connected articles; in either case, the Faculty has a strict limit of 60,000 words. As research progresses, there will be opportunities to present work in progress at research workshops attended by Faculty members and research students. PhD students will also be required to attend research seminars given by outside speakers and Faculty members.

Upon completion and submission of the PhD thesis, students do an oral examination (viva) with two examiners, one internal to the University of Cambridge (not the supervisor or research advisor), and one external (from any other University in the UK or the rest of the world).

After a successful thesis defence, the examiners recommend awarding the degree of PhD.

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Department of Geography

PhDs in Geography and the Scott Polar Research Institute

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The Department has a large community of around 80 PhD students working on their own projects. The PhD students at Geography and the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) study a broad range of topics that reflect the diverse interests of the academic staff in the Department.

1. Before making an application

Before applying, you should satisfy yourself that advanced study in your chosen research topic can be supervised by an academic at Geography or SPRI. Acceptance of any applicant will be dependent on specialist supervision being available. Unfortunately, if we cannot supervise your topic, we will decline your application regardless of its academic merit. Please check the research groups then look through the online staff list .

Identification of a potential supervisor does not imply a guarantee of admission and the full admissions procedure must be followed in all cases. If your potential supervisor’s details are available from our website, you may e-mail the person with a draft research proposal (maximum 2,000 words). If contact details are not available, kindly e-mail the Postgraduate Office Administrator with your research proposal and the name(s) of whom you are trying to contact.

2. Go to the University’s Postgraduate Admissions Pages

Go to the University’s Postgraduate Admissions pages which has all the information you need to make a formal application. Applicants should plan well in advance to ensure their papers can be processed in time. The deadline for all PhD applicants is March 26th 2024.

Please note this deadline does not apply to applicants for the Cambridge ESRC DTP Interdisciplinary Studentship , who should contact graduate.enquiries @ geog.cam.ac.uk before making an application.

When making the formal application PhD applicants will need to provide a statement (maximum 2,000 words) detailing your research proposal, including aims and methods, sources and the location of the proposed research. Your proposal should include a list of specific resource needs for your research such as travel budget, fieldwork, laboratory equipment, chemical and IT needs. Please state in your application which academic in the Department your believe has interests that are closest to your own and therefore might supervise your research. It is advisable to approach the Academic identified in advance to discuss your proposal.

Physical Geography applicants choosing from the list of topics do not need to include a research proposal but should include information about why you have chosen a topic and the relevant experience you have for the chosen topic.

If you are applying for a PhD programme, and have only recently started a masters degree at a new institution, we understand that it may be more suitable for you to request references from your prior academic and/or professional environment.

Cambridge Funding Competitions deadlines:

GATES (US) – 11th October 2023;

GATES (non-US), Trusts and Research Councils – 5th December 2023;

NERC DTP ( home and international students ) – 5th January 2024 (although you are encouraged to apply by 5th December to be considered for other funding sources too).

Applications must be made in advance of these dates to be considered for funding, please note these deadlines are earlier than the final admissions deadline. Please also note these deadlines include submission of all your references which must have been submitted by your referees in advance of these funding deadlines.

Doctoral work in the Department is funded through Research Council funding ( ESRC , AHRC and NERC ), studentships from the Cambridge Trust , the Gates Foundation and other funding agencies. While the Geography Department has modest funds for fieldwork or conference attendance, it does not fund PhD studentships.

Overseas applicants should look in particular at scholarships available through the Gates Foundation and scholarships administered by the Cambridge Trust . You should apply for these by the advertised deadline when you complete your formal application. Information can be found and eligibility can be checked via the University’s Postgraduate Admissions page.
UK students should look in particular at the Research Council studentships and funding available via the Cambridge Trust .

It is advisable to complete a Funding Search to help you find the most suitable funding options from those listed above.

Finance information for PhD courses run by the Department is to be found from the University’s Postgraduate Admissions pages .

In addition to fees and maintenance, you will need to ensure you have funds to cover all fieldwork, laboratory work, access to data, archives and travel needs for the length of your study. You should ensure that you have sufficient funds or that your funding body provides sufficient support.

Apply now for entry in 2024

See more videos about Postgraduate study at the Department of Geography

PhD in Geography: Full course details

PhD in Polar Studies: Full course details

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Cambridge International Scholarship

These prestigious scholarships are offered to applicants who are from countries other than the United Kingdom or Ireland, in any subject, who are highly ranked by their prospective Departments within the University, and are awarded on the basis of academic ability and research potential, examination results, and references. The financial situation of applicants does not affect selection. This scholarship is tenable at any College.

Award details

Trust scholarships do not automatically fund the optional writing-up period (if applicable). Scholars will be able to apply for a brief period of extension funding, should it be required at the end of their scholarship.

Eligibility

Application process.

The Trust’s awards period runs from March to the end of July and is an ongoing process throughout that period. The majority of our full awards are made in March. Some of our partner funded awards can take time, and sometimes when offers are declined we may be able to offer them elsewhere.

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Applicants wishing to be considered for funding competitions should check their eligibility on the University-wide Sources of Funding web page.

The application portal acts as a scholarship funding application as well as an application for admission. In most cases, no further funding application form is required. There are some exceptions, however: we recommend checking the Student Funding and also College webpages which provide information about other grants for students applying to Cambridge and their closing dates. When using the search facility on the Student Funding portal, we recommend searching for 'technology' as well as computer science.

The current costs of a PhD are available from the Student Registry's Graduate Course Costs and Fee Status page . You will need sufficient funding to cover the University Tuition Fee, and at least the minimum maintenance for three years.

The department regularly advertises research assistantships and early stage researcher (such as Marie Curie ITN) positions on its PhD studentships and RA'ships page, and in certain cases, these may result in a Ph.D. Degree. Please use the deadline published on the individual job listing.

Home students

The Department makes awards to UK students both from funds supplied, for example the EPSRC Doctoral Training Grant, and from its own funds such as the Premium Studentship and the Hopper Studentship . In the year starting October 2023, the Department will help to fund three research students from its Doctoral Training Grant. These funds are limited. The Applications Panel considers all successful applicants for funding awards within its gift and submits the names of highly ranked home and international students to the Cambridge Trusts.

Very highly ranked international students will be considered for nomination to the Gates Cambridge Trust and Cambridge International Scholarship Scheme ( CISS ) competitions.

The Department will contact applicants directly about its internal awards such as the Premium Studentship .

It is worth noting that full funding must be secured before starting a course at Cambridge. Most of the scholarships will not accept applications from students who are already in residence. Do not assert that you will be able to support yourself and hope that something else will turn up once you are in Cambridge.

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Funded Projects

Within the PSLS there are a number of opportunities to work on funded projects. Please see the Job Opportunities website for more details, or view the list along the right hand side of this page.

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These programmes advertise studentships that are awarded specifically for the particular programme of study on a strictly competitive basis; candidates are normally interviewed in Cambridge for these awards. These programmes mean that successful candidates receive a combined offer of a place on the course and funding.

The Programmes currently available in the PSLS are listed below:

BBSRC DTP PhD in Biological Sciences

Applications for the BBSRC DTP PhD studentships starting in October 2024 are now closed.

Details concerning opportunities for study in October 2025 will be announced via the BBSRC DTP website .

Find out more

Cardiovascular Research 4-Year Cambridge- BHF PhD Programme

The goal of this 1+3 MRes + PhD programme in Cardiovascular Research is to train scientists in cross-disciplinary research related to cardiovascular disease, particularly those who can work effectively across traditional disciplines and lead collaborative research projects. The programme combines formal training in molecular and cellular biology, physiology of model organisms, human physiology, human genetics, genomics and population health sciences.

The programme brings together world-leading expertise, drawing on faculty at the University of Cambridge’s Schools of Medicine and Biological Sciences and several interdisciplinary institutes: the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Institute of Public Health, Institute of Metabolic Science, and Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine.

The programme provides a generous living allowance and full fees at the ‘home’ rate.

How to apply?

Applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal .

Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute MPhil and PhD in Medical Science

The PhD in Medical Science in CRUK CI is a research course in which each student studies in the research laboratory of their principal supervisor, with close interaction with their graduate and post-doctoral colleagues. Each student will be work on a specific project that will be aligned with and contribute to the overall objectives of the lab. Students are expected to take ownership of their projects and to drive them forward with assistance from other members of the Institute. Students are supported to submit their theses within 4 years of commencing study, and to prepare their research findings for publication in scientific journals.

About half of our PhD students receive studentships from Cancer Research UK. In addition, studentship funding is available from grants held by individual research groups and we also host students on the MB/PhD programme and clinical research training fellows. We welcome applications from students who have won competitive fellowships.

The CRUK also offers one funded place per year on the MPhil in Medical Science at CRUK CI.

Projects will be advertised via the Department website and along the right hand side of this page.

Applicants apply for the course directly via the Graduate Applicant Portal for the MPhil and the PhD .

CRUK Cambridge Centre MRes + PhD in Cancer Biology

Seven (5 +2 Black leaders studentships) CRUK Cambridge Centre MRes + PhD studentships are available for non-clinical applicants, to commence in October 2024.

Find out more about the course

Students will apply for one of the 7 studentships and, if successful, will start in October 2024. Two students of the seven are recruited through the Black Leaders In Cancer PhD Scholarship programme .

Students apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal .

CRUK Cambridge Centre Clinical Research Fellowships

One of the main principles of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre is the open exchange of scientific knowledge and skills across the many disciplines involved in cancer science, creating a culture of continuous learning and development for all members. In keeping with this aim, the Centre also supports a broad programme of formal education and training designed to nurture the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians.

We provide funding for Clinical Research Training Fellowships comprising of a 3-year PhD for candidates who have completed their medical training.

By being part of the CRUK Cambridge Centre, clinical students will also have the opportunity to attend a number of lecture series, workshops and meetings aimed at facilitating and strengthening collaborations between complementary disciplines and across different departments and institutes.

EMBL-EBI International PhD Programme

Established in 1983, the EMBL International PhD Programme provides students with the best starting platform for a successful career in science. Characterised by first-class training, internationality, dedicated mentoring and early independence in research, it is among the world's most competitive PhD training schemes. All of EMBL's six sites participate in the programme.

The typical duration of a PhD thesis at EMBL is 3.5 to 4 years. EMBL predoctoral fellowships are initially awarded for 3.5 years, with the possibility of a half-year extension. The stipend is competitive by international standards and includes broad health care benefits and pension.

Projects are advertised on the Department website

Application opens: August 2023

Application submission deadline: 09 October 2023, 23:59 CEST

Reference deadline: 11 October 2023, 23:59 CEST

Interview dates: To be confirmed

Written application results: Will be announced around mid-November 2023

Expected start date: Flexible, by October 2024 at the latest

Herchel Smith Cambridge Harvard PhD Programme

Funded by a generous bequest from Dr Herchel Smith the University is pleased to offer a PhD studentship programme for prospective Harvard and Cambridge students. Cambridge presently recruits four PhD students annually (for a four-year period of study), while Harvard recruits six PhD students annually (for a two-year period of study).

The Herchel Smith Research Studentships are among the most prestigious studentships offered by the Universities. Students are selected at both institutions within the broad area of Life Sciences and regular meetings of students and Managers are incorporated into the scheme,.

At Cambridge the Herchel Smith Research Studentships provide:

Tuition Fees (fully or partially covered by a college)

Stipend at the Wellcome Trust rates for four years

Research Support grant (£5,000 a year)

Visa costs (for the overseas students)

Successful applicants may have the opportunity to apply to undertake a one- or two-month research project at Harvard University as part of their studies.

To view Terms and Conditions, please click here.

There is no separate form of application for Herchel Smith Studentships; all eligible applicants who apply through the Postgraduate Applicant Portal will be considered.

MRC Biostatistics Unit

The MRC Biostatistics Unit at the University of Cambridge (MRC BSU) aims to advance understanding of the cause, natural history and treatment of disease, and to evaluate public health strategies, through the development of statistical methods and their application to the design, analysis and interpretation of biomedical studies.

The BSU is an internationally recognised research unit and part of the University of Cambridge, specialising in statistical modelling with application to medical, biological or public health sciences. Details of the work carried out in the Unit appear on our Research page.

The BSU provides an ideal place to commence a career in Biostatistics. Our thriving PhD programme is hugely successful and competition for places is high. The BSU’s relaxed yet enthusiastic, dedicated and stimulating environment provides students with the essential tools, both in research and transferrable skills, to set them on their way to a successful career as an independent researcher.

A BSU Studentship covers all fees at the University of Cambridge home/EU rate, a taxfree stipend or living allowance and a generous travel and training budget.

PhD opportunities will be advertised on the Unit’s website and applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal.

MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit

The MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (MRC CBU), at the University of Cambridge, is one of the largest and most enduring contributors to the understanding of human cognition and its disorders. The unit explores cognitive activities such as attention, emotion, language and memory. The research carried out spans the spectrum from basic to translational science including developing new treatments for depression, improving hearing through cochlear implants and helping children to overcome memory problems.

We host 20-30 graduate students at any time and applications are invited from prospective PhD students wishing to pursue research in areas covered by any of our research programmes. Our approaches include experimental cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, computational modelling and neuroimaging using MRI, MEG, and EEG.

The programme is funded by the MRC and students received a living stipend and full fees at the Home/EU rate.

Students apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal for the MPhil or the PhD .

MRC DTP and iCASE Programme

The Cambridge MRC DTP is offering 5 fully funded MRC Industry Partner (iCASE) PhD studentships commencing in October 2024. Please see the list for projects currently available. Further projects will be added once confirmed.

The industry partner specifies a research project that will be of importance to them, and provides a placement at their premises for the student of at least 3 months, together with an additional non-academic supervisor. Students will need to select from a list available projects , based either in the School of Clinical Medicine, or the School of Biological Science.

These studentships allow postgraduate research students to receive high quality research training, with the additional benefit of working closely with an industrial partner. These collaborations will provide MRC iCASE students with unique technical and transferable skills, as well as an insight into how commercial science is conducted, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Each iCASE studentship is fully funded, and includes an annual stipend for 4 years at the UKRI minimum rate, plus an additional stipend top-up per annum, University fees and research costs.

In addition to excellent research facilities, students will have access to a wide variety of training and researcher development activities, many of which are offered through the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences and the wider University, and access to the MRC flexible supplement, which can be used to fund a wide range of additional training activities, and opportunities.

Please see the How to Apply page for further details on how to fill out your application form. The final closing date for all applications will be 1st December 2023.

For general enquiries, please email [email protected]

The Medical Research Council (MRC) and University of Cambridge actively support equality, diversity and inclusion, and we encourage applications from eligible applicants from all sections of society.

MRC Epidemiology Unit

The MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge (MRC EU) studies the genetic, developmental and environmental factors that cause obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders. The outcomes from these studies are then used to develop strategies for the prevention of these diseases in the general population.

The MRC Epidemiology Unit is a research department in the School of Clinical Medicine at the University of Cambridge and investigates the causes and prevention of obesity and diabetes. The department also hosts the Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), a UKCRC Centre of Excellence in Public Health Research. CEDAR studies the population-level determinants of dietary and physical activity behaviours, develops and evaluates public health interventions and is helping to shape public health practice and policy.

Our PhD students have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research under the supervision of senior scientists supported by postdoctoral researchers and a large team of fieldworkers, data managers, statisticians, study coordinators, technical and administrative staff.

MRC Studentships (when available) offer Full Funding for applicants who are both UK nationals and UK residents, to cover the University Composition Fee and a stipend (see MRC student eligibility criteria). For other European Economic Area (EEA) applicants, MRC Studentships offer only Partial Funding, covering only the University Composition Fee. More information about financing your studies can be found here .

Applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal for the PhD .

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is a research institute dedicated to the understanding of important biological processes at the levels of atoms, molecules, cells and organisms. Our work covers a broad range of science, employing the diverse methods of physics, chemistry and biology to advance the knowledge needed to solve key problems in human health.

We believe that major challenges are best addressed in a multidisciplinary environment with long-term support and where detailed molecular studies are channelled into opportunities for medical benefits or major technical innovation. The LMB has four Research Divisions with distinct but well aligned research priorities:

Cell Biology: To discover the molecular mechanisms of fundamental cellular processes with potential medical significance
Neurobiology: To understand fundamental properties of nerve cells in health and disease through the elucidation of molecular mechanisms
Protein & Nucleic Acid Chemistry: To obtain insights into human biological diseases at the molecular and structural level
Structural Studies: To understand the mechanisms underlying fundamental biological processes

Our scientists tackle fundamental, often difficult, and long-term research problems. The LMB has made revolutionary contributions to science, such as pioneering X-ray crystallography to determine protein structures, the sequencing of DNA and the development of monoclonal antibodies. Eleven Nobel Prizes have been awarded for work carried out by LMB scientists: the most recent one – in 2017 to Richard Henderson, for developments in cryo-electron microscopy for the solution of the atomic structures of macromolecules.

About a fifth of the scientists at the LMB are graduate students, often driving the most creative areas of scientific research. We recruit 15-20 PhD students every year.

During the application process you will automatically be considered for the appropriate LMB funding:

Full MRC Studentships for UK and eligible EU graduates
Full International Scholarships for other graduates from the EU, the Commonwealth and world wide candidates
César Milstein Studentship for Argentinian Nationals

Students apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal.

Here is a list of current projects and how to find out more about us

MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit

Research at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit (MRC MBU) is focussed on the biology of mitochondria and their dysfunction in an ever-increasing range of human diseases. The Unit combines studies exploring the molecular function of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system, the mitochondrial proteome and genome, and how mitochondria interact with the cell through homeostatic, signalling and execution pathways. Combined with the wealth of clinical, genetic and biochemical data provided by mitochondrial medicine, and the use of model systems with perturbed mitochondrial physiology, the Unit aims to exploit its findings for the development of new therapies to treat human disease.

The Mitochondrial Biology Unit has an active post-graduate programme for training students for the PhD or occasionally MPhil degrees. The programme aims to provide high quality training in both research and in transferable skills. The students are supervised and assessed by a research supervisor and a separate advisor, under the overall supervision of the Unit's postgraduate education committee consisting of three of the Unit's Faculty.

Each year, the Unit awards up to four UKRI/MRC PhD studentships on a competitive basis to eligible students. The studentship pays for Cambridge University and College fees, and each student receives a generous full stipend of £18,000 per year, payable for up to four years. Three of these studentships are available for UK/Irish citizens or UK permanent residents and one is available to EU/international students.

Applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal for the PhD .

National Institutes of Health Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Programme

Us citizens only.

The National Institutes of Health Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program is an accelerated, individualized doctoral training program for outstanding science students committed to biomedical research careers. The program is based on the British system, in which students perform doctoral research without required formal courses other than those students choose to take in relationship to their own interests. Students selected for admission to the program have already developed a passion for science through engagement in summer, job related, or undergraduate research programs. The program is available to US citizens available to US citizens or US permanent residents.

Students will receive tuition and stipend support, based on NIH policy, for the duration of the program (approximately 4 yrs.)

Applicants apply to NIH first - How to Apply

Then apply to the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Applicant Portal.

Wellcome 1+3 Programme in Stem Cell Biology & Medicine

Wellcome generously funds our highly competitive 4-Year MRes + PhD (1+3) PhD Programme in Stem Cell Biology & Medicine. The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute offers a unique environment for high-level research training in stem cell biology, with our research groups working across three key research themes: Stem Cell States, Stem Cells in Disease and Stem Cells & Therapeutics. The University of Cambridge is exceptional in the depth and diversity of its research in this field, and has a dynamic and interactive research community, ranked amongst the foremost in the world. Our Programme in Stem Cell Biology & Medicine enables students to take advantage of the strength and breadth of stem cell research available in Cambridge, plus the added benefits that the unique culture of College life and membership of the University of Cambridge provide.

This programme provides students with an opportunity to spend time in three different labs during their first 'rotation' year, before making a decision about where they would like to undertake their thesis work in years 2-4.　

These studentships are considered once each year and are relevant to prospective students who have not decided on a specific supervisor and/or do not have their own funding.

Up to five studentships are available on this programme each year. Funding includes a generous stipend, plus research costs and tuition fees at the home rate.

Applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal.

Wellcome Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Sanger Institute uses sequencing, informatics and analysis of genetic variation to further our understanding of gene function in health and disease, and to explore the diversity of complex organisms.

The Institute’s PhD programmes aim to provide training and research opportunities in the field of genomic science that reflect the unique nature of Sanger Institute science, with an emphasis on large-scale, high-throughput approaches and the development of a blend of wet-lab and computational skills. The Institute also aims to provide students with general research and transferable skills training in addition to training in their specific research area. Applicants will generally have a bioscience background, but applicants with a computational or mathematical background can also apply.

The Sanger 4-year PhD programme provides 12 funded PhD studentships per year and the Clinical PhD programme provides 2 funded clinical PhD fellowships per year.

The Wellcome Sanger Institute occasionally takes on MPhil students providing they have their own funding. Before applying for the MPhil course, applicants must have the support of a faculty member at the Institute.

Sanger Institute 4-year PhD programme: Applications are submitted first via the Sanger Institute application process .

PhD Programme for Health Professionals: Applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal .

MPhil students: Applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal .

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Opportunities for Postgraduate Research and Training in the Department of Plant Sciences

The School of the Biological Sciences BBSRC DTP in any relevant area of plant biology, including fundamental science, or that underpinning food security, crop improvement or energy transitions
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University Funding

College funding, alexander crummell scholarships 2023, cambridge nerc doctoral training partnerships.

The CTP SAI brings business, charities and research providers together in food security research to fund 4 year PhDs for UK students.

A list of available projects is here .

Applicants must apply to the CTP, not the University, in the first instance (various deadlines so please check individual projects).

Departmental Studentships

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Email: info[at]plantsci.cam.ac.uk

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The PhD in Music is available as a full-time programme lasting three years, or a part-time programme lasting five years. It is available in all areas in which we can offer supervision, including historical musicology, analysis, ethnomusicology, sound studies, music cognition, composition and practice-based research in performance.

The majority of postgraduate students in the Faculty undertake research that is directly connected with the particular research interests of specific Faculty members. If you are planning an application, we recommend that you initially get in touch with the member of staff whose interests seem most in line with yours. Our Research Themes page gives an overview of the principal areas of the Faculty’s research and the academic staff who work in these areas.

Because of the diversity of research topics pursued, the PhD programme in music at Cambridge does not involve a core taught component. There are a variety of skills training opportunities, and some incoming research students audit courses offered within our MPhil programme, but in general you will be working primarily with your individual supervisor. Your formal studies will be complemented by attendance at Faculty colloquia and seminars, while membership of a college will enable you to socialise with students and others from a wide variety of disciplines. Studying for a PhD at Cambridge gives you access to facilities and a range of Research Resources that compare favourably with anywhere in the world.

Recorded performances may now be included within a doctoral submission, along with an academic thesis of the standard length. Students who wish to pursue this possibility are encouraged to make contact with the member of staff most relevant to their particular performance-related interests.

We realise that for many potential applicants, funding is a major issue; see Funding Postgraduate Study for information on costs and funding options. Applicants whose proposals involve fieldwork, performance tuition, or other substantial additional expenses should include an indication of approximate total costs as part of their application. While small grants may be available for research and travel purposes, these should not be expected to cover funding for your case studies, performance tuition or major fieldwork expenses. Some support for doctoral students undertaking fieldwork is also available from the School of Arts and Humanities.

The PhD programme is available on a part-time basis over five years, but please note that this is not a distance learning course and you will be expected to attend supervisions and participate in other Faculty activities in person, even if you don't live in Cambridge. If you come from outside the EU, please note that it is not possible to obtain a student visa for part-time study. See the University’s Graduate Admissions pages for further details on part-time study .

Further details of postgraduate life at Cambridge may be found on Cambridge Students webpages.

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Characterisation of Green Hydrogen Materials Through Fast-field Cycling NMR and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for 3.5-year full funded PhD studentship based in the Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Cambridge and Johnson Matthey (JM) PLC. Previous projects on NMR relaxometry in collaboration between JM and the Magnetic Resonance Research Centre at the University of Cambridge have demonstrated successful application of NMR relaxation measurements to porous materials of industrial relevance to JM.

Kidney Research UK PhD studentship: Enzymatic conversion of blood group antigens in human kidneys

Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD studentship funded by Kidney Research UK under the supervision of Dr Sarah Hosgood. The studentship will be based in the University of Cambridge Department of Surgery on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The proposed start date is 1 October 2024.

PhD Studentship: Colonial Natural Historical Collecting in the South Asian Indian Ocean

AHRC Collections & Communities in the East of England Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP)

Start date: 1st October 2024 (fixed term for 4 years)

Interviews will take place online on Tuesday 11 June.

Pre-application online information session for interested applications: 16th April, 10am BST (UTC+1). To Register your interest for this session, and for more information on the studentship and CDP scheme, please see the further details documents linked at the foot of this advert.

PhD Studentship in Medical Science (Fixed Term)

We are currently advertising one UKRI/MRC PhD studentship for entry in October 2024, which will be awarded on a competitive basis. The studentship pays for Cambridge University and College fees, and the student receives a generous full stipend of £21,122 per year (as at 2023), payable for up to four years. Applications are welcome from UK and International students and the closing date for these is 16 May 2024.

PhD Studentship on Architecting Scalable Quantum Computers (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a PhD student to work on developing computer architecture for quantum computers, under the supervision of Dr. Prakash Murali.

Gladden/Mantle studentship (Fixed Term)

Two fully funded 3.5 year Ph.D studentships are available to UK nationals and outstanding international students, with Professors Lynn Gladden, Mick Mantle and Andy Sederman, to start 1 October 2024.

Gladden/Mantle/Sederman studentship (Fixed Term)

Safe Storage of Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide in Porous Rocks

A fully funded 3.5 year Ph.D studentship is available to UK nationals and outstanding international students, with Professors Lynn Gladden, Mick Mantle and Andy Sederman, to start 1 October 2024.

The potential for porous rocks to play an important role in gas storage is now widely recognised. This project applies our existing expertise in mapping chemical species and fluid flows in rocks to explore the mechanism of entrapment of two different gases carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

MRRC PhD - Safe Storage of Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide in Porous Rocks (fixed term)

Mrrc phd towards sustainable catalysis and sustainable aviation fuels, mrrc phd - towards sustainable catalysis and sustainable aviation fuels (fixed term), postgraduate admissions office.

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PhD in Criminology

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Admissions Enquiries

For further details about the PhD course please contact the Graduate Administrators : Ms Charlotte Dove and Mrs Faith Payne

The PhD in Criminology is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of the preparation and presentation of a substantial piece of independent and original academic research. Cambridge doctoral students in criminology are supervised by leading scholars in their chosen fields, and student publications have been internationally recognised.

The Institute of Criminology has a worldwide reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. PhD candidates benefit from close links with the Institute's six dedicated research centres, providing them with unrivaled opportunities and the support to develop as independent researchers, while being part of an integrated community of criminologists working at different levels and through multidisciplinary approaches. The Cambridge PhD is a structured, yet flexible course of study, which supports individual development for becoming a professional researcher. It will help students develop the core skills needed by an arts, humanities or social sciences professional researcher of the future, which are valued by both academic and non-academic employers. By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired the skills, experience and knowledge to undertake postdoctoral work (research and teaching) or another related professions.

PhD in Criminology Course

Training, support and development programme .

The Institute runs a comprehensive training, support and development programme for its PhD students. Frequent seminars are designed to develop research skills, technique and thinking.

While you are likely to be starting the PhD course with a background of suitable research training which you undertook before admission, e.g. through your Masters or MPhil degree, during your time at Cambridge you can broaden this as much as you wish with the number of different opportunities available.

You are advised to discuss your training needs with your supervisor and record any training undertaken.

PhD candidates are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these training opportunities and the many interdepartmental workshops offered within the Institute and the University more widely.

Researcher Development Programme

The School of Arts and Humanities organises a Researcher Development Programme covering a range of topics from PhD skills training, to language training and writing and editing skills.

Social Sciences Research Methods Programme (SSRMP)

The Social Sciences Research Methods Programme is an interdisciplinary initiative offering high-quality research methods training to postgraduate students. The courses offered by the SSRMC cover skills relevant across the social sciences in a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, from basic training to advanced statistical analysis.

Seminars and Events

The Institute of Criminology holds weekly seminars and events, and candidates for the PhD are strongly encouraged to participate in the wider research culture of the Institute. These include the 'Brown Bag' seminars (aimed at criminologists at all levels of career progression within the Institute: PhD students, post-doctoral fellows and University teaching officers), Institute Guest Speaker seminars (usually Thursday evenings during term time), and MPhil teaching seminars.

Personal and Professional Development

The University's Skills Portal provides information on the transferable skills PhD students may wish to cultivate and enhance, and lists training opportunities available across the University, together with links to useful resources outside the University.

Careers Service

The Careers Service provides information and resources on jobs and opportunities within different sectors, advice on making applications and interviews, appointments with careers advisors, as well as career panels, skills sessions and events. Its services are available to all alumni for life.

Language Centre

The Language Centre supports the teaching and learning of languages throughout the University and is an excellent resource for academic purposes, whether you need to improve your language skills to help with your research or before undertaking fieldwork.

Supervisors and Research Topics

If you are confident that your proposed research is a good fit with your nominated supervisor, we recommend that you contact them in advance. If no potential supervisor is expressly stated in your application, the Admissions Panel will try to match applicants with willing supervisors based on academic interests and area of expertise, but there is no guarantee that this will always be possible.

If you have any questions about whether your topic is a good fit with your potential supervisor’s interests, you may email them, attaching both a CV with details of the degrees you have taken and the marks you have obtained, and a brief research proposal (1-2 pages max).

Include in the main text of your message a short statement about your background (what you have studied so far, your degree result or grade average, any relevant experience) and research interests.
Indicate why you wish to work with that member of staff, in particular (not just Cambridge in general), and what you can bring to the research group. Demonstrate your awareness of their research and how it aligns with your research interests.
It is helpful to include information on your funding situation and plans.
There is no need to attach references or transcripts.

Please be aware that our PhD supervisors receive large numbers of enquiries, and therefore cannot give detailed feedback on your proposal.

Postgraduate PhD applicants are required to nominate a supervisor as part of their application.

Please consult the list below to see which members of staff are available to supervise PhD students starting in October 2023. Availability depends on several factors, including sabbatical leave arrangements, contractual arrangements, and the number of students already being supervised by each member of staff. Each listing includes a few words outlining research/supervision interests. When choosing your nominated supervisor, it is important that there is some overlap with your own research interests or approach. You can find more detailed information by clicking through to supervisors’ research profiles. If you have any questions about whether your topic is a good fit with your potential supervisor’s interests, you may email them, attaching both a CV with details of the degrees you have taken and the marks you have obtained, and a brief research proposal (1-2 pages max). Also:

Please note: No preference will be given to applicants who have made informal contact before applying. Please be aware that our PhD supervisors receive large numbers of enquiries, and therefore cannot give detailed feedback on your proposal.

The application portal for 2024/25 is now live.

Academic requirements, new admissions.

We expect (full-time and part-time) PhD applicants from outside the University of Cambridge to have a Master's degree, with a distinction or close to distinction or equivalent, preferably in a social science discipline although applicants from other disciplines will also be considered.

Continuing from MPhil to PhD (current Cambridge students)

Both the Institute's MPhil courses provide excellent preparation for doctoral study, and many of our MPhil students choose to stay at Cambridge to pursue a Cambridge PhD. However, we do recommend that current MPhil students considering applying to study for a PhD should complete the MPhil in Criminological Research. Continuation from the MPhil course is subject to a MPhil student achieving at least 74% overall.

How to Apply

Full-time and part-time applications for the PhD in Criminology must be made through the University's Postgraduate Admissions Office Applicant Portal . Only applicants have access to their application(s) on the application portal. The Institute is not able view (or amend) an application until it is complete. Please note the following:

Completing your online Application Form (Full-time and Part-time applicants)

When will i receive a decision.

Full-time and part-time PhD applications are considered on a rolling basis (as they are received) up until each Term's application deadline.
We aim to assess and make a decision for all applications within eight weeks of receiving a complete application form (which includes two academic references). As part of the decision making process, you may be invited to attend an interview with your prospective supervisor and another members of the admissions panel. Interviews maybe conducted in person, or via Zoom / Teams. [ Part-time applications : If the department decides to make you an offer the applicant will also be interviewed by their proposed supervsior to establish a five-year research plan, which will set out your attendance requirements for training and seminars, frequency of supervisions and progress stages.]

Admission Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Postgraduate Admissions Office has a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions relating to the applications process. Please refer to these while making your application and throughout the process of applying.

Funding your Studies

If you wish to be considered for University based funding you must submit your PhD application in full by 4 January 2024, or 11 October 2023 if you are a USA citizen resident in the USA and wish to be considered for Gates funding .

Full details on course fees can be found at the Postgraduate Admissions website.

When considering applying for a course consider the living costs as well as the course fees required during your time here. The finance overview will help you calculate your costs.

There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trusts, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Research Councils and central University funds. Eligibility for the funds can be based on what course you are studying, your country of origin, or other criteria.

The Postgraduate Admissions Website has detailed information about these funding opportunities . This includes information about eligibility, how to apply and application deadlines.

There is also a funding search tool which will help you identify possibly funding opportunities.

You are also advised to do your own research on other funding sources, including the Colleges. Competition for funding is high so we strongly advise that you apply for as many funding opportunities as possible, to maximise the chance of success. On our funding page we have highlighted some funding opportunities where our students have achieved success in previous years.

Institute of Criminology Sidgwick Avenue Cambridge CB3 9DA T: +44 (0)1223 335360 F: +44 (0)1223 335356 E: [email protected]

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Trailblazing astrophysicist and champion of women in science to deliver University of Leicester public lecture

Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, left, and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell.

Two science superstars will converge at the University of Leicester for a special public lecture, next month.

Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who made one of the most significant scientific discoveries of the 20 th century, has been invited to deliver a keynote public lecture by University Chancellor, and fellow scientist, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

In 1967, Dame Jocelyn discovered a new type of star called a pulsar, but it was her male PhD supervisor who was awarded the Nobel prize for physics in 1974.

As well as inspiring a new generation of female scientists, Dame Jocelyn has worked hard pushing boundaries to make science a more diverse and inclusive industry.

The astrophysicist was, therefore, the perfect choice for the second edition of Dame Maggie’s Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture Series, which takes place on campus, on Tuesday 14 May.

“Her incredible career, plus her tireless championing of women in science, means Dame Jocelyn is the one person I was desperate to bring to Leicester for my lecture series,” said Dame Maggie.

“She has paved the way for women, including myself, to make their voices heard in what is still often seen as a male-dominated area.

“But, things have been changing for the better, and that shift in attitude and the opening up of opportunities can be directly traced to Dame Maggie’s campaigning for diversity in science. The term role model, has never been more fitting.”

Dame Jocelyn’s public lecture, which is free to attend, will see her review the changes there have been in the last 50 years for women in science, especially in the UK, and reflect on how they have come about.

Dame Jocelyn has been awarded many prizes and honours during her long career as an astrophysicist, including being made a Dame of the British Empire, a Professor at the University of Oxford, and President of the Institute of Physics. She was also awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Leicester in 2009. But in her journey to the highest levels of physics achievement she has faced many challenges as a woman.

As a 1950s Northern Irish schoolgirl, Dame Jocelyn was subject to a ban on girls studying science, and had to attend cookery class, instead.

At university in Glasgow, she was the sole woman in her class of 50 undergraduates. It was there that Dame Jocelyn experienced the humiliation many females suffered when entering a lecture theatre, with men jeering and banging their desks.

Studying for a PhD at the University of Cambridge in the 1960s, where she discovered pulsars, Dame Jocelyn was one of very few women in the physics department.

“I had impostor syndrome,” she told the Institute for Physics . “I felt I didn’t really deserve to be there, so I worked very hard and very thoroughly, and spotted the pulsars even though they were not part of the research programme I was working on. I saw the signals produced by the pulsars, and they did not fit any current explanation we had, so needed attention.”

The discovery won the Nobel Prize in Physics – but the award went to Dame Jocelyn’s male supervisor. Later awarded a £2.3m US Breakthrough Prize, she used the money to set up the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund . She is convinced bringing people from a wider range of backgrounds into physics will improve research.

She said: “Diversity adds to the creativity of a team, it brings an extra openness, and scientific breakthroughs are about taking data and when you come across something new, examining it open-mindedly. People from non-traditional backgrounds will not necessarily make the traditional assumptions, and that’s how you get breakthroughs. That’s what I did: I saw the data and realised it did not fit and needed attention – it was an anomaly that did not fit, and so was I.”

Tickets for the lecture, which runs from 5.30pm to 8pm on Tuesday 14 May, can be reserved via the event website .

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