TRACC Programme MB-PhD or BDS-PhD

PhD opportunities for MB-ChB or BDS students

Launched in 2019-2020, the Cancer Research UK-funded TRACC MB-PhD / BDS-PhD scheme offers an exciting opportunity for bright, motivated and enthusiastic medical or dental students to gain top quality research training as well as securing clinical qualification. The scheme is designed not only to offer PhD training integrated in a clinical medical or dental degree, but also, critically, to maximise retention of participants within medical research. It is envisioned that Programme alumni will become the academic clinical leaders in cancer research in the future. Selected applicants will be trained in cutting edge practical scientific and analytic skills with a focus on scientific excellence, while gaining in-depth understanding of the rigour, discipline and precision required for translational research. The outcomes of the students’ research are expected to be published in high profile medical/scientific journals. Many projects will focus directly on aspects of cancer pathogenesis or treatment, while others may focus on acquiring high level skills that are applicable to important questions in cancer research in the longer term.

Watch the TRACC Programme MB-PhD information Session 2019 recording: https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/1_5fppvoh1

For details, please download the pdf file: TRACC MB-PhD flyer

Course Summary

The TRACC+ MB-PhD / BDS-PhD programme enables MBChB and BDS students to enter a 3-year PhD training. This occurs at the end of their intercalated BMedSci/BDentSci year before re-integration into the MBChB or BDS course, or after their third year of medicine or dentistry for those who already have been awarded a BSc (or equivalent) and are postgraduate students (see schematic below). Close mentorship by TRACC+ leaders will be a feature of the programme, right from the PhD selection process, through the PhD project, to MBChB or BDS course completion and beyond in the postgraduate phase, to maximise the chance of sustained academic career success. PhD research is undertaken within groups and centres/institutes associated with the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences in Glasgow or the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine in Edinburgh (for more details see the Research Training Environment section). Special emphasis is placed on cross-city interactions, which will include collaborative projects in some cases, joint symposia and multiple other activities bringing together MB-PhD / BDS-PhD students, clinical research fellows and other researchers/clinicians from both cities. As well as benefiting from the vibrant cancer research community across Edinburgh and Glasgow, MB-PhD and BDS-PhD students will additionally be encouraged to network with intercalated PhD students in the joint Glasgow/Edinburgh TRAM programme (in musculoskeletal and inflammatory diseases) and in the CRUK funded programmes in other UK centres. In the 6 intakes we have had since August 2020, 18 medical and dental students from Glasgow and Edinburgh have joined the programme, with 7 having been awarded their PhDs. We also fund post-doctoral research opportunities, including paid part-time research in the first year post-PhD, and also in support for electives in global academic centres of excellence. 

Eligibility

The TRACC MB-PhD / BDS-PhD programme is available to students who are currently undertaking an intercalated medical or dental degree (MBChB or BDS) at the University of Glasgow or the University of Edinburgh. External candidates can be considered only in exceptional circumstances and should consult with the Programme administrator before applying. Particular attention will be paid during the selection process to prior experience of scientific research (e.g. from intercalated degrees and summer research studentships).

Important Dates for Admission

Expression of interest should be send by e-mail to

Dr Farhat Din (Edinburgh) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Professor Richard Wilson (Glasgow) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Application closing date: 2nd April 2026, 11.59pm

Interview date: mid to late April 2026

Start of the PhD project: 1st August 2026

For information on the Edinburgh arm of the TRACC Programme MB-PhD scheme please visit: https://institute-genetics-cancer.ed.ac.uk/igc-graduate-research-and-training/phd-opportunities-for-clinicians/tracc-programme-for-clinicians/tracc-programme-mb-phd 

Applying

Please submit an electronic copy of the completed application including CV and references via email to:

Edinburgh: Mrs Alana Johnson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Glasgow: Prof Richard Wilson,  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Download the Application Form for the TRACC Programme MB-PhD Position: MB-PhD Application Form 2026

Example Projects

Although available projects will vary from year to year and will be tailored to fit interests of the TRACC Programme Fellows some representative example projects are listed here.

Informal Enquries

Informal enquiries can be addressed to the following key contacts: