The programme comprises one year of rotations and 3 years of research. In the first year, students undertake a Master in Research (MRes) in Biomedical and Translational Science (BTS). The experience the student gains in year 1 will lay the foundation for the remaining 3 years of the PhD programme.
Throughout your course, there are many cohort building opportunities, such as the ‘movie nights’, ‘stem cells@lunch’ seminar series, and public engagements events. You will also have the opportunity to connect with PhD students on other doctoral training programmes at King’s (e.g. other Wellcome-DTPs & MRC-DTP) through research symposia, joint social events and student clubs.
Year 1
Students undertake 12-week rotations in three different laboratories, which they will select from a list of supervisors participating in the programme. Supervisors have been selected across King’s campuses for their expertise in core areas of relevance to regenerative medicine. In addition to lab-based projects, students will also attend experimental skills workshops (e.g. statistics and imaging), specialist lectures and practical workshops on stem cells, regenerative medicine and advanced therapies; will also have the opportunity to write a scientific review for publication.
Year 2 to 4
Students will choose one or aspects of several of their rotation projects to further develop into their thesis work for the final three years of the programme. Each student will have the opportunity to undertake an internship (ranging from a few days to three months) to enhance lab skills; provide exposure to different working environments (including the commercial sector); foster collaborations and stimulate interdisciplinary research.
Career Options
Year 1 – 4: From the outset, the programme emphasizes growing as a scientist, exploring post-PhD opportunities, and the scientist in society. In Year 1, students will participate to master classes to gain perspectives on diverse aspects of research, policy and careers. In Years 2-4, students will take attend lectures and evening talks to gain perspectives on diverse aspects of a career inside or outside academia, in addition to access to King’s Researcher Development Unit. Presenting their work in multiple settings including an international conference will further aid networking opportunities.
Year 5: The studentship includes funds to allow a tailored transition activity that helps you embark on your chosen post-PhD career path with the assistance of the PhD Oversight Committee. For example, a short post-doc to complete a publication, training to acquire special skills or trial a career outside academia in areas, such as publishing, teaching, policy, business or industry.
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/lsm/research/divisions/gmm/departments/stemcells/wellcome-trust-phd/Wellcome-Trust-4-Year-PhD-Programme.aspx