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Promotional graphic for the Cheney Biomedical Accelerator with blue-tinted microscopic image of biological cells and white chevron graphic.

To be eligible for the Cheney Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be eligible under the UK Home Fee status criteria. Academic fees are included in the scholarship awarded to successful candidates.
  • Applicants will have (or will obtain) (a) a degree equivalent to at first class undergraduate degree, or (b) a degree equivalent to an upper second class undergraduate degree AND a Masters level degree with Distinction or Merit. Degrees need to be in a relevant subject area including; biochemistry, biological sciences, structural biology, biomedical sciences, imaging, chemistry or physics.
  • Applicants applying should not already have been awarded a doctoral degree.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the Programme’s English language requirements (IELTS Academic at 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in each component skill).
  • We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of candidate potential.

Funding information

The scholarship includes:

  • Academic fees (at the UK Home Fee rate for postgraduate researchers) and an enhanced PhD stipend (£23,772 to £26,729)
  • Budgets for research consumables, facility access, training, and funding to attend relevant scientific meetings.

Student in lab coat and gloves working at a lab bench and smiling to camera.

How to apply

All applicants must complete the online application form and upload the following supporting documents:

1. Supporting statements:
(Maximum 200 words each - responses exceeding the word limit will receive a reduced score.)

a. A summary of your academic and employment achievements. Please highlight any awards, scholarships or outstanding achievements, such as excellent module results, project outcomes and final/predicted grades and include the subjects of your previous degrees.

b. An explanation of your motivation to do a PhD within our Cheney Scholarship scheme. Please include why you want to study for a PhD, your suitability for our programme and interest in in situ structural biology.

c. A description of a situation in which you have gathered evidence, used this evidence to come to conclusion(s) and inform action(s). This is a competency-based question designed to show your skills and potential. Your answer could include an experience from research, employment, voluntary work, committee membership or education.

Please do not mention your name, gender identity or institutions you have studied at in your supporting statements. We are operating part of our shortlisting process with this information anonymised as part of our EDI strategy to increase diversity in STEM.

2. A 2-page Academic CV.

3. Degree certificates and transcripts both for undergraduate and postgraduate studies as appropriate (or marks so far if still studying)

4. Evidence of English language ability, if applicable

5. An Equality, Diversity and Inclusion questionnaire. Candidates will receive a link to an EDI questionnaire when they have submitted an application. All responses are anonymous and data would only ever be used in aggregate to avoid identification of individuals. The questionnaire includes a ‘prefer not to say’ option against each question if required. The information you provide on this questionnaire will not be used in the shortlisting process.

To help us identify that you are applying for this opportunity please ensure you make it clear that you are applying for the Cheney Scholarship PhD scheme.

Enquiries regarding the application process should be directed to the Faculty of Biological Sciences Graduate School:

[email protected]

For any queries about the Cheney Scholarship 4-Year PhD Scheme, contact us at:

[email protected]

Selection process

Application deadline: Thursday 20 November (12 noon) 2025

Interviews: Wednesday 10 December 2025

  • Interviews will last 30 minutes and require a short presentation.
  • Candidates will receive interview questions one week in advance.
  • You’ll also meet the programme lead, Professor Michelle Peckham, who will share insights into the programme ethos, training structure, and research opportunities.