What We Offer

Applications are now closed for 25/26. Projects for the October 2026 intake will be advertised from Nov 2025.

Find out what we offer, including: training, funding and information on leave.

Studentships

The GW4 BioMed2 MRC DTP spans four research-intensive universities (Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter), offering students access to the research strengths, training expertise, and resources of each institution. Our DTP projects often have co-supervisors from multiple universities, allowing students to join research partnerships. We offer competitive, fully-funded studentships in one of our four research themes:

All projects within our programme reflect the collective strengths of the DTP:

  • Quantitative skills (including mathematical modelling)
  • Using data for discovery
  • Interdisciplinary skills and approaches (including physics, engineering, chemistry and health economics)

Students in the GW4 BioMed2 MRC DTP have access to diverse training opportunities across all four universities. Our bespoke training covers research skills, professional development, and broadening horizons.

Funding

A GW4 BioMed2 MRC DTP studentship includes:

  • full tuition fees at the UK/Home rate, a stipend at the minimum UKRI rate
  • a Research & Training Support Grant (RTSG) valued between £2-5k per year
  • a £300 annual travel and conference grant based on a 4 year, full-time studentship

Part-time study may also be available and these funding arrangements will be adjusted pro-rata for part-time studentships. Throughout the duration of the studentship, there will be opportunities to apply to the Flexible Funding Supplement for additional support.

Accessibility

Adjustments to Study

The GW4 BioMed MRC DTP believes strongly in providing equality and inclusion for all our students. Our supportive environment means that we make every effort to facilitate success. Our Research Culture and Wellbeing Lead can assist all students in signposting to support services and working with your institution and Supervisory teams to make reasonable adjustment to study where appropriate.

Disability Services

All four institutes have Student Support Services who can support you and you can apply for a disability support allowance to fund any adjustments that are required. If you have specific needs around the interview process, please let us know.

Parental Leave

UKRI funded Students are entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave if the expected week of childbirth will occur during the period of their award. The earliest Maternity leave can commence is 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth. The first 26 weeks should be paid at full stipend rate, pro-rated as necessary for part time Students. The following 13 weeks should be paid at a level commensurate with statutory maternity pay. The final 13 weeks are not paid. Partners are entitled to up to two weeks paid Ordinary Paternity Leave on full stipend. Ordinary Paternity Leave cannot start before the birth and must end within 56 days of the birth.

Partners are also entitled to an extended period of unpaid parental leave, up to a maximum of 50 weeks, with their studentship extended accordingly. Unpaid parental leave must be completed within 12 months of the birth of the child. This leave may be taken in up to three blocks of leave or all at once. Adoption leave should be granted on the same basis as maternity leave. There is no qualifying period for maternity, paternity or adoption leave. Additionally, their Studentship end date should be updated to reflect the period of leave.

Sick Leave

We make every effort to support students who are unwell, including those with long-term medical conditions.

Payment of a Studentship continues for absences covered by a medical certificate for up to thirteen weeks within any 12-month period. If the illness lasts for more than thirteen weeks, you must suspend the Studentship for the period beyond the thirteen weeks.

Wellness and Research Culture Lead

Our Research Culture and Wellbeing Lead is available to all students who would like access to independent signposting, guidance or support. Please contact the DTP team on gw4biomed@cardiff.ac.uk for information on how to get in touch.