SWC PhD Programme on Systems Neuroscience

Why study at Sainsbury Wellcome Center (SWC)?

Joining the SWC PhD Programme gives you the opportunity of doing your PhD at one of the outstanding systems neuroscience labs at the SWC.

In addition, our students receive a comprehensive introduction to systems neuroscience, as well as intensive training in experimental techniques, including imaging, physiology, molecular, and behavioural methods in systems neuroscience.

Students in the programme are taught and supervised by SWC faculty together with colleagues at the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit and other affiliated institutions, all experts in their respective fields. Gatsby and SWC students overlap extensively during the programme, building the foundations for long-lasting collaborations and friendships.

You will live and work in central London, with the highest concentration of neuroscience research in the world.

SWC students receive an annual stipend starting at £28,400 in year one, as well as funds to attend international courses or meetings. We also cover the cost of tuition fees for home as well as international students.

The SWC PhD is your opportunity to receive world-class training as a neuroscientist and launch an exciting career in academia or industry. Apply now to join our pool of exceptional students from around the globe!

Applications for September 2025 are now open

The deadline for applications is 11 November 2024, 23:59 GMT. The deadline for referees to submit references is 12 November, 23:59 GMT.

Entry requirements

We welcome candidates with a keen interest in neuroscience combined with an undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as Neuroscience or other life sciences, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science. Please note that candidates offered a place on the SWC PhD programme will be required to meet UCL’s standard admissions requirements (including the English language requirements for international applicants).

Studentships

Full funding is available to all students, regardless of nationality. Our PhD studentships cover UCL tuition fees for both home and international students and include an annual tax-free stipend, starting at £28,400 in year one, as well as a travel budget for attending conferences and workshops.

We also welcome applications from students who already have secured outside funding or who are currently applying for other scholarships/studentships.

Contact us

If you have any further questions, please contact us at SWC-PhDprogramme@ucl.ac.uk.

More details and application: https://www.sainsburywellcome.org/web/content/apply-our-phd-programme