Advanced course Masters studentships
This competition is now closed for applications and is only available for reference purposes. A list of research organisations which were awarded studentships when the competition was last run can be found here.
The MRC advanced course Masters scheme aims to assist universities to make a significant impact on unmet national needs for advanced biomedical and health research skills. These are skills have been identified by MRC and other partners as critical to the success of the UK if it is to meet national goals for better healthcare and improved human, social and economic health.
Applications are invited from heads of department seeking a three year quota allocation of studentships. The MRC expects universities receiving advanced Masters allocations to provide research training of the highest quality at Masters level in a coherent range of advanced research skills, as a preparation for academic research at PhD level or research-related employment in industry or the public section. Courses will offer a significant element of practical research experience as well as formal taught modules.
Priority areas
This year’s priorities for the advanced course Masters studentships scheme are skills-based, responding to the priorities of MRC’s research boards and training panels, advisory groups and partner organisations.
In vivo sciences
- Broadly based, research training in a range of advanced in vivo whole animal methods, for basic research and translational disciplines such as human toxicology, pharmacology, physiology, pathology and immunology. The 3Rs of animal research should be embedded in the course design and content.
Stem cell science
- Broadly base training in advanced research methods in stem cell science and related molecular and cell biology with application to regenerative medicine.
Biological and medical imaging
- Training in a range of advanced imaging research methods relevant to human health and disease, such as imaging physics, radiochemistry and tracer development, biomarker characterisation, data acquisition, computation and analysis.
Mathematical and statistical research
- Training in advanced mathematical and statistical research methods as applied to population health sciences including epidemiology, genetic and pharmaco-epidemiology, biostatistics, bio-informatics and e-health; and to basic sciences such as pharmacology and physiology.
Although the MRC is focusing on only four priorities this year, it is not intended that other skills or a broader experience is excluded. To the contrary, for instance, a university proposal centred on in vivo whole animal skills may include training of in vitro skills and “whole human” skills such as human pharmacology, physiology and immunology. A specific clinical, social or physical sciences theme or component may be proposed.
A proposal may integrate two or more of the four priority areas. In doing so universities will want to ensure that the training content remains coherent across its breadth and remains focused on delivering a specific set of research skills.
Application process
We have amended the application form this year, to emphasise that universities are expected to respond to these priorities strategically, explaining how they will develop particular skill sets in relation to
- MRC’s Delivery Plan
- The University’s own research and training strategies
- Specific strategies and evidence of strategic needs articulated nationally (by MRC, other Research Councils, RCUK, the National Institute for Health Research, the medical charities, the research academies, other professional societies, the Biosciences Forum and industry bodies such as the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry and the Bioindustry Association).
Claiming relevance to high-level strategies is not sufficient. Proposals must be specific in how training will be delivered that is relevant to and will make impact on particular skills needs. They should also explain how the university will work with other partners to define and deliver the proposed training experience.
The BBSRC has agreed to fund up to fifteen Masters places (over three years) additional to the 180 funded by MRC. These are solely for the in vivo sciences priority and universities should indicate specific aspects of their alignment with BBSRC strategy as well as that to MRC and other organisations.
The advanced course Masters scheme is intended to be distinct from the MRes or other Masters component of a four year MRC capacity building studentship. Universities wishing to incorporate a Masters year into the capacity building PhD studentship should do so in the context of the capacity building competition or through their doctoral training account.
Please read the guidance notes carefully before completing the form. All completed applications must be returned by e-mail to students@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk by Friday 26th September 2008. Any application arriving after this date will not be accepted. Posted applications will not be considered.