PhD applications are now closed.
Funding
A GW4 BioMed3 studentship includes:
- full tuition fees at the UK/Home rate
- a stipend at the minimum UKRI rate
- a Research & Training Support Grant (RTSG) of between £2,000 to £5,000 per year
- a £300 annual travel and conference grant
Part-time study may be available, with funding adjusted pro-rata. Throughout the studentship, students can apply for the Flexible Funding Supplement for extra support.
Training
Students have access to diverse training opportunities across all four universities. Our bespoke training covers research skills, professional development, and broadening horizons.
Prep period
The first three months of our PhDs are known as the ‘Prep Period’. This allows students to engage with their supervisory team and external experts to refine their project.
Training Needs Analysis
All students must document their training plans and progress in a Training Needs Analysis, which will be shared annually with supervisors and GW4 BioMed.
Online Core Training
Core Training is a compulsory online course completed in the first year. The three modules are:
- Research skills and data handling
- Biomedical lab techniques
- Epidemiology and innovation
Broadening Horizons placement
All students must complete a mandatory 3-month Broadening Horizons placement, typically in years two or three.
Skills Training
We will coordinate specialised training, including:
- orientation days
- an annual congress
- cohort events
- theme training
- thesis bootcamp
- careers day
Accessibility
All four institutions offer Student Support Services to assist you with:
- disability support allowance
- reasonable adjustments
Please inform us of any specific needs regarding the interview process.
Our Research Culture and Wellbeing Lead is available for all students seeking signposting, guidance, or support. Contact the DTP team at gw4biomed@cardiff.ac.uk to find out how to get in touch.
Leave
All arrangements for leave are visa dependant. Contact us for more information on leave: gw4biomed@cardiff.ac.uk
Family leave
UKRI-funded students are entitled to family leave. Eligibility requires:
- the leave to occur during the funded period
- the student to be the birth parent
There is no qualifying period required and the leave can start up to 11 weeks before the expected week of birth.
Stipend payments
Payments are at:
- full rate for the first 26 weeks
- then 13 weeks at statutory maternity pay
- with the final 13 weeks unpaid
- studentship durations may be extended accordingly
Additional provision
Provision is also made for:
- adoption leave
- neonatal care leave
- pregnancy loss
- loss of a baby or child
Partner leave
Partner or paternity leave of up to two weeks is paid for partners of a birth parent. Additional leave is unpaid.
Medical leave
Medical leave is granted when a student is deemed unfit to study, or for attending medical appointments where flexible study isn’t possible.
- up to 28 weeks of stipend may be granted within any 12-month rolling period
- with a maximum of 52 weeks allowed across the entire studentship
Additional leave
Additional leave may be granted for circumstances not covered by other types, such as:
- Carer’s leave
- Additional disability leave associated with delayed adjustments
- Health and safety related leave
- Public duties including jury service
