4-Year PhD programme
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It is hoped that the following questions and answers will help with any general queries you may have. For more specific questions, please contact the Graduate Programme Office.
FAQ
- Q: When is the closing date for PhD applications?
- A: Tuesday 4th December 2012 (midnight GMT)
- Q: If I am accepted for the PhD programme when am I to start?
- A: The next student intake is 1st October 2013.
- Q: I have a 2.2 class degree enhanced with an MSc degree, am I still eligible for a Sanger Institute studentship?
- A: No you are not eligible for a Sanger Institute studentship. The minimum academic requirement is an upper 2nd class degree for your first degree or an equivalent overseas qualification. For overseas applicants (non-UK, non-EU) we recommend that you have high GRE scores.
- Q: I read that you recommend GRE scores from all overseas applicants (non-UK, non-EU). I don't have the results yet as they will be announced after the closing date - will my application still be considered?
- A: Applicants from non-EU countries are strongly advised to take the GRE test. The results from this standardised test are a significant determinant in our selection process because they enable us to compare applicants from different countries. As a minimum students should take the general tests and ideally one advanced test. If you don't have your results yet, but expect to get them shortly after the application closing date, please inform the Graduate Programme Office.
- Q: I am an overseas student (non-UK, non-EU) currently studying in an EU country. I do not have GRE results, will my application be considered?
- A: If you are an overseas student studying for a degree in an EU country (or already have a degree from an EU country) you can apply to the Programme without taking the GRE test.
- Q: Where should my GRE and English language test scores be sent?
-
A: Please arrange for them to be sent to:
Graduate Programme Office
Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
Wellcome Trust Genome Campus
Hinxton
Cambridge
CB10 1SA
email: gradoffice@sanger.ac.uk - Q: When will the PhD Open Day be held and what will happen on the day?
- A: The PhD Open Day for the 2013-2014 intake will take place at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Hinxton, on 28th January 2013. The short listed candidates will have three interviews with individual Sanger Institute Faculty members and one panel interview with three Sanger Institute Faculty members. You should assume that the Open Day will last all day.
- Q: Is the Open Day for everyone who has applied or should I wait to be invited to attend?
- A: The PhD Open Day is by invitation only, hence it is important to give a valid email address so that we can contact you should you be short listed for interview. If you do not receive an invitation by 11th January 2013, you must assume that you have not been selected as a potential candidate.
- Q: If I am invited to the PhD Open Day will my travel expenses be reimbursed?
- A: We will reimburse all reasonable travel costs. Accommodation may also be arranged by agreement for candidates travelling long distances.
- Q: Should I also apply to the University of Cambridge when applying for the Sanger Institute's PhD programme?
- A: No, not at this stage, unless you want to be considered for the University of Cambridge funding competitions. However, if you gain a place on our Programme, you will then need to apply for admission to the University of Cambridge using the on-line GRADSAF.
- Q: I have my own funding. Does this guarantee a place in your PhD programme?
- A: No. We look for academic excellence and all applicants have to go through the same selection procedure.
- Q: What do I need to do to apply to the Sanger Institute PhD programme?
-
A: You need to:
- Complete the on-line application
- Send a copy of your academic transcript(s) as an email attachment (in PDF format if possible) to: phd.transcripts@sanger.ac.uk. Please name the document as follows: transcript.your name
- Ensure that your two chosen referees complete and return the reference request form to phd.refs@sanger.ac.uk
- Q: I did not receive an email confirming that submission of my application had been successful?
- A: There must have been a problem with the submission of your application, please contact the Graduate Programme Office.
- Q: Is there an application fee for the Sanger Institute PhD programme?
- A: No, applying to the Sanger PhD programme by submitting an on-line application does not cost anything. However, applying for admission to the University of Cambridge costs £50.
Application Form FAQ
- Q: School Qualifications
-
A: This question refers to your most recent school qualifications before entering University. For each qualification
include:-
- Subject
- Exam
- Grade
- Year
- Q: Degree Qualifications
-
A: This question refers to your University/College qualifications. For each qualification include:-
- University/College Name
- Course
- Degree Result Awarded/Expected
- Year
- Q: GPA
- Please ensure you include what the total score was and the year you were awarded your GPA in brackets after the GPA value, for example 3.7 (out of 4.0; 2009).
