Structured PhD
Our PhD option with integrated research and English Language training
The Structured PhD programme at the University of Dundee offers international researchers in Health Sciences, Medicine, Life Sciences, and Science and Engineering an opportunity to enhance their advanced research abilities while strengthening their English language skills during the initial stages of their doctoral journey.
This fully integrated PhD programme provides a supportive start with language and general research training to complement the subject-specific skills that you need for your research specialism. It aims to smooth your transition from a broad postgraduate science background to advanced doctoral investigation so that you are ready to build a career in scientific research.
Why choose a structured PhD?
- Integrated Support: Benefit from early training that blends language skills with advanced research preparation.
- Enhanced Opportunities: Improve your research skills and broaden your international reach, boosting your academic career prospects.
Embark on a journey that not only advances your research skills but also opens doors to a global academic community.
Who should apply?
We welcome international researchers with relevant backgrounds for doctoral projects advertised in our Schools of Health Sciences, Medicine, Life Sciences, and Science and Engineering.
If you would benefit from support with research and English language skills, this programme provides the required knowledge and skills from the start, ensuring you complete your full-time doctoral training in 4 years.
Programme structure
- Initial training: Begin with intensive language and research skills development as you work up your project proposal with your PhD supervisor.
This initial phase is delivered in 3 semesters (12 weeks per semester) and consists of a range of credited modules with regular assessments. During the first two semesters you will study with others on this interdisciplinary programme at the International College Dundee, based on the city campus at the University of Dundee. In the third semester you will join your University School for technical training specific to your subject.
Throughout this time you will work on your project proposal with your agreed supervisor. - PhD continuation: After successfully completing the modules in the initial training phase, you will continue to the second year of the 4-year PhD training programme, fully integrated with your School’s early doctoral training initiatives.
Which Schools offer a Structured PhD?
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Medicine
- School of Life Sciences
- School of Science and Engineering
International College Dundee
The University’s operational partner for the initial training phase of this programme is the International College Dundee, which means that your first two semesters are taught at the International College which is located on the University’s city campus.
All your modules are quality-approved by the University of Dundee and there is close collaboration between the International College and your supervising School to give you an academically excellent and tailored learning and research environment.
Entry requirements
You should have an honours degree at 2.1 or above, or an equivalent qualification, in a scientific discipline related to the intended field of research.
English language requirements
| IELTS (overall) | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
| 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
We also accept other English language qualifications
You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you are a national of certain countries.
Start date
30 March 2026
Tuition fees
| Academic Year of entry | Year 1 | Years 2 – 4 |
| 2025/26 |
£ 23,050 This is a standard fee for any student on the programme. |
Look for the fee that applies to your discipline. Your fee depends on your discipline and may also depend on the nature of your PhD.
|
Tuition fee per year of study (subject to a 3% annual increase for Scottish/Rest of UK students and a 5% annual increase for International students).
The tuition fee, and mode of attendance shown within the application system is provisional and confirmed when you are made an offer.
Part time study, where available, is charged on a pro-rata basis.
Scottish/Rest of UK fee status annual increase
Each year, UKRI sets a recommended fee and stipend level for Scottish/Rest of UK students, which we use as the basis for fees charged to this group.
UKRI usually increases its fee and stipend levels in line with inflation, based on the Treasury GDP deflator.
Therefore, the Scottish/Rest of UK fees detailed in this table for 2025/26 (and beyond) can only be estimated according to the typical increase.
The fee charged to you may differ, though only slightly, from the figure given.
Disabled students
The University of Dundee welcomes applications from disabled students.
How to apply
The Structured PhD has a pre-application process. Select a PhD opportunity (marked self-funded) for which you would like to apply, then return to this page and complete your pre-application form. If you qualify for the programme, you will be contacted to discuss your interest further.
Enquiries
person
