The WIMM has a very important role in training young scientists in Molecular Medicine and takes on several D.Phil (PhD) students each year. There are currently approximately 120 DPhil students in the WIMM.

Details about how to apply for a graduate place at Oxford can be found at: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/index.html

The supervisor and head of department ensure that the student is taught the necessary techniques and safety rules. The supervisor works closely with the student, teaching experimental design, how to present and write up data and how to review papers in the field critically.

In the WIMM we run a course on basic techniques for new students of approximately 28 lectures. There are also courses on Immunology and Bioinformatics and others may be added. Students become expert in their field by discussion with their supervisor and colleagues, reading papers and reviews, attending and participating in journal clubs, laboratory meetings, group meetings and Institute seminars. The Institute Seminars are held every Monday lunchtime and regularly attract well-known scientists from across Europe. A student normally attends three or four such meetings/seminars per week. Informal exchange of ideas in the coffee area is encouraged and is an attractive feature of the WIMM.

Students from overseas may need help with their English and courses are available in Oxford. However, the University has strict language requirements for applicants for graduate student places and applicants should be reasonably fluent in spoken and written English. (See WIMM Selection Criteria for Graduate Students and University of Oxford Graduate Prospectus).

The student is formally assessed by his/her supervisor at the end of each term. During the second year there is a more rigorous assessment when he/she is transferred from probationary student status to DPhil status. This requires a written report and an interview with two independent assessors. At the end of the third year the thesis is written and then examined by two examiners appointed by the University.

During the tenure of the studentship the student also receives support from an Advisor in the WIMM and from the college Tutor for Graduates. The laboratory head (if not the supervisor) and department/Institute head are also available to the student as needed.

Graduate students are our life blood and we take utmost care to ensure that they are fully supported and well trained. Guidance is offered on career choices after completing their degrees.

The University of Oxford web site should be consulted for entry requirements http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/index.html. In order to register for a Research Degree candidates must hold an upper second or first class degree or Masters degree. Medical qualifications such as the MB, BS degree also count.

The WIMM currently takes on 6-8 students funded by the Medical Research Council each year. In addition, departments with groups in the WIMM, such as the Nuffield Department of Medicine, place some of their annual MRC students in the Institute. Studentships are also awarded through the Wellcome Trust (WT) and Cancer Research UK (CRUK) to their Senior Fellows and Programme grant holders. Further studentships may be awarded by other charities such as AVERT (for HIV research) and the Leukaemia Research Fund.

Some groups may also allow holders of graduate Research Assistant posts to register for DPhil degrees; this is at the discretion of the grant holder, the Department and the Funding body. 

Summer Studentships

We have some space for undergraduates who wish to work in a laboratory during the summer vacation. Similarly we can sometimes take on a "year-out" school leaver for up to six months. Enquiries should be made either to one of the Group Heads or to the Administrative office

For further information please contact the Institute Administrator.