FAQ

I am a student from the EU/EEA, can I apply?

Students from the EU/EEA can normally have their tuition fees paid by the MRC (see eligibility) but do not normally receive an MRC stipend to cover living expenses. However, NIMR is able to support a limited number of EU/EEA students, and cover living expenses of at least £16,236 per annum (tax free) for up to a period of four years and a travel/conference allowance.

What is a stipend?

A stipend is the funding our students receive, tax-free, to cover their living expenses.

What countries are included in the European Economic Area?

This includes countries of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Can international students apply (those outside of EU/EEA)?

Students from outside of the UK/ EU may apply to work with a given supervisor. The general entrance requirements apply and they must also be able to fund their studies for the duration of the PhD. If you are an international student interested in working at NIMR and are looking to apply for external funding please contact us.

What is a transcript?

A transcript is a breakdown of module/course results for an overall qualification (i.e. Bachelor's degree, Master's degree). This document should be provided by your university at your request and provides relevant NIMR staff with in-depth information regarding your academic performance.

My degree certificate/transcript is in a language other than English. Do I need to send in an officially translated copy?

We only require these documents for students who have successful secured a place at NIMR. Any transcripts, certificates or references provided must be in English. Official translations must be verified by your original university, a solicitor or official translation service such as that provided by the British Council. Translations must also be accompanied by the original document in the original language.

I took an English language proficiency test several years ago. Do I have to take another one?

English language qualifications and test results are required to have been awarded no more than three years prior to the proposed date of enrolment. If you took a test more than three years ago and you have not been working or studying in English since, you will be asked to provide a more recent test result.

I am a final year student and do not have a complete transcript, what do I do?

You should provide a transcript of your marks to date, obtainable at your University's records department.

Do both of my references need to be academic?

One of your references must be academic but the other may be from an employer or colleague who has worked with you closely. References may not be submitted from family members or personal friends.

When do you need my references by?

12:00 GMT Wednesday 7 December 2011. Shortly after we receive your application we will contact your referees asking them to provide you with a reference. We must be in receipt of both references by Wednesday 7 December 2011 otherwise your application may not be put forward for short-listing. We strongly recommend that you contact your referees in advance alerting them to the deadline.

Is there an application fee?

There is no application fee for applying for a PhD studentship at NIMR.

How and when can I expect to hear back from NIMR regarding my application?

Once you have submitted your application you will receive confirmation by email. If you do not receive an email, please contact us.

Applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted by email in December. All applicants will be contacted by 5 January 2012.

I was rejected last year but want to try again. Can I resubmit an application?

Previously rejected applications can be resubmitted when the selection process opens for the next academic year. You must complete the new application form with relevant information for the year in which you are applying. Failure to do so can mean that your application will be rejected.

Will it count against me if I was rejected last year?

A rejected application from a previous year will not affect the selection process in any subsequent years.

When will the interviews be held?

The interviews will be held on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 January 2012.

What happens during the interview?

NIMR interviews are conducted over two days. During the two days you will be interviewed by the supervisors who you were shortlisted by and have the opportunity to meet their lab members. You will also get to meet current NIMR PhD students and have a tour of the Institute. Applicants are also asked to prepare a short presentation which they will present to a panel. The panel will then ask some questions about the presentation and more general questions. Full details will be sent to those candidates who are shortlisted for interview.

What are the opening hours for the Student Administration Office?

The Student Administration Office at NIMR is open Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00 GMT, except public holidays.

 

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