British Heart Foundation 4-Year PhD Programme in Cardiovascular Science

What the BHF 4-Year PhD Programme gives you

You get a fully funded four-year PhD in cardiovascular research. Your tuition fees are paid, plus a tax-free monthly stipend (a living allowance) at the standard British Heart Foundation rate. On top of that you get a yearly grant for lab materials: up to £8,000 (about 9,300 EUR) in year 1 and up to £18,000 (about 20,900 EUR) per year after that. You also get a travel fund of up to £2,000 (about 2,300 EUR) to attend and present at conferences, and up to £1,000 (about 1,200 EUR) to visit partner labs. The University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow run the programme together, funded by the British Heart Foundation. In your first nine months you try out three short research projects with different groups and take training courses in vascular biology and research skills. The remaining three years are your own PhD project, which you choose based on those first projects.

Who can apply

• Degree: You have (or are about to finish) a BSc with a First or Upper Second Class (2:1), or a Master's with Distinction or Merit. An equivalent international qualification also counts.
• Subject: Your degree is in biomedical sciences, (bio)informatics, physics, chemistry or a related science or technology field.
• Experience: Earlier research experience is welcome but not required.
• Nationality: Anyone can apply, from the UK, the EU and worldwide. If you come from abroad, note that the programme does not pay your visa costs, NHS health surcharge or relocation.
• Where you study: You study on site in Edinburgh or Glasgow and live within commuting distance. There is no distance learning.

How to apply

Fill in the BHF DTP recruitment form and email it with your CV to the programme office by 27 March 2026. You do not need a research proposal. Send only one application, and say whether you prefer Edinburgh, Glasgow or have no preference. If shortlisted, you are invited to an interview on 6, 7, 11 or 12 May 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a competitive, high-profile programme with only a few places across the two universities, so strong applicants are the norm. Your prospects improve if you clearly fit the vascular-research theme, have a solid degree in a relevant science, and can point to research experience. Applicants from abroad apply on equal terms, but should plan for visa and relocation costs, which are not covered.