MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology Scholarship 2027 in UK | Fully Funded

MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology scholarship 2027 supports a fully funded PhD programme investigating how environmental exposures at mucosal barriers shape the immune system and drive chronic inflammatory diseases. The focus is on training researchers to understand mechanisms linking exposures such as infection, pollution and smoke to conditions like asthma, COPD and IBD.

The programme is delivered by the MRC Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) in Exposome Immunology in partnership with The University of Manchester and the University of Oxford. It offers cross-institution supervision, bespoke training, and cohort-based research opportunities for 2027/28 entry.

MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology Benefits

• Receive a fully funded studentship covering tuition fees, a tax-free stipend of ~£24,000 per annum for four years, plus lab expenses, training and conference travel.
• Five studentships will be available for 2027/28, three at Manchester and two at Oxford.
• Choose your preferred research topics and supervisors within our main research themes when applying, then co-develop your project aims when you begin the programme.
• Receive bespoke training including a term one training programme which equips you with skills and knowledge in environmental science, barrier immunology and a range of wet and dry-lab techniques, and MRC training in leadership, entrepreneurship and careers, and Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE).
• Join a cohort of postgraduate researchers at Manchester and Oxford, building networks and sharing expertise throughout your training and research.
• Benefit from guidance by supervisors at both Manchester and Oxford, fostering unique collaborations and access to expertise across institutions.
• Undertake an optional Silo Switch placement, where you can obtain experience in related professional environments, such as local government, policy makers, industry, or medical communications.

MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology Eligibility Criteria

• These studentships are available to UK and international applicants.
• Competition for studentships is expected to be high.
• Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area.
• A master’s degree is not a requirement for admission to this PhD programme.
• We encourage applications from groups currently under-represented within UK postgraduate research training.

How to Apply for MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology

• Ensure you meet the entry requirements for this programme.
• Decide whether you want to apply via The University of Manchester or the University of Oxford; applicants can only apply to one.
• Browse the list of research themes and supervisors available for 2027/28 entry and select three supervisors you’re interested in working with.
• Prepare supporting documents: supporting statement; reference details; degree certificates and final/interim transcripts or proof of enrolment; official English language certificates (if applicable); and a CV.
• Manchester applicants: apply online using the Manchester postgraduate application system selecting Level of study: Postgraduate Research, Entry year: 2027/28, Academic programme: MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology, Intake: September. For funding, select Funding: ‘Yes’, Type of funding: ‘Research Council’, Awarding body: MRC, Status of funding: Awarded, Funding covers: Fully Funded.
• Oxford applicants: follow the application instructions on the Oxford website linked from the programme page.
• After applying, your application and selected supervisors will be reviewed by a panel which will invite potential candidates to interview.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application steps, and who to contact for more information.