PhD in Infection and Immunity

Infection and Immunity represent an incredible challenge to global health and wealth and this programme offers exceptional training in this subject area. Recent advances in genomics and proteomics have emphasized how the pathogen:immune interface shapes the host environment and identified both host and pathogen genes implicated in disease. By studying these interactions, and the autoreactive potential of the immune response, we aim to improve our knowledge and understanding of the pathogenesis of immune and infectious disorders, and develop therapeutic strategies to benefit human health. No single student can be experienced in all these areas, but by providing rigorous training in a well-resourced scientific environment this programme will equip the next generation of scientists with the necessary skills and broad academic insight to bring novel and innovative approaches to the study of immunity and infection.

The aim of the four year PhD Programme in Immunity and Infection is to provide students with the training, cutting-edge skills and broad academic insight and expertise to bring novel and innovative approaches to the study of immune and infectious disorders. The 2019 opening of The Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID) provides a new and unique opportunity for postgraduate student training in immunity and infection - CITIID combines clinical and scientific expertise with state-of-the-art flow cytometry, proteomic, imaging and CL3 facilities.

The Programme is offering three fully funded studentships at the Home fee rate, for projects commencing in October 2025. International students may apply to the Programme, but will need to obtain funding and should therefore also apply to the University’s funding competition, by the relevant deadline. In addition to excellent research facilities, students will have access to a wide variety of training and researcher development activities, many of which are offered through the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences and the wider University.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of their PhD, students should: have a thorough knowledge of the literature and a comprehensive understanding of scientific methods and techniques applicable to their own research; be able to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field; have self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems; be able to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of research; and have gained oral presentation and scientific writing skills.

Continuing

Those who wish to progress to this PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Good II.i Honours Degree. If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country. Whilst the minimum requirement is a high (upper second) honours degree, most of the students admitted will have a first-class honours degree. Applicants to this course are asked to provide additional contextual information about their undergraduate study. The information provided in the contextual form allows us to better understand the circumstances of an applicant's undergraduate study and achievement. University Minimum Academic Requirements Language Requirement

Listening: 7.0, Writing: 7.0, Reading: 6.5, Speaking: 7.0, Total: 7.0, Listening: 25, Writing: 25, Reading: 25, Speaking: 25, Total: 100