Become an interdisciplinary cardiovascular researcher
Fully funded British Heart Foundation studentships
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) is tackling cardiovascular disease by advancing research and driving interdisciplinary collaboration across cardiovascular science, data science and AI
The CRE integrates world-class researchers in areas such as cardiovascular genomics, heart failure, and inflammatory drivers of disease, and aims to inspire the next generation of researchers in cardiovascular disease.
About the BHF CRE Studentships
The BHF CRE Studentships will train postgraduate researchers to be competitive scientists in highly challenging and uniquely exciting interdisciplinary cardiovascular research environments.
Up to five studentships will be available starting in October 2025 with each studentship covering tuition fees, a stipend at the BHF rate and project consumables for the duration of the four years.
Projects
Discover a BHF CRE Studentship project you're passionate about
Projects for 2025/26 entry will be listed here during week commencing 28 April 2025.
Students with excellent understanding and technical capabilities in interdisciplinary cardiovascular research will be able to undertake an interdisciplinary project in one of the CRE’s areas of focus:
- cardiovascular genomics and development
- cardio-inflammation
- heart failure
- cardiovascular data science
- computational modelling and simulation.
This studentship may be particularly suitable if you have a master's-level qualification. While the programme won’t include an integrated master’s, you'll be able to participate in selected modules of relevant master's courses.
Eligibility
Entry requirements
Eligibility criteria are to be confirmed.
We welcome applications from those in groups traditionally under-represented in PhD programmes.
We also welcome applications from international students.
How to apply
Step-by-step guide to applying
Want to be considered for a BHF CRE Studentship?
Find out what you need to do before you apply and how to apply with our step-by-step guide.
Ensure you meet the entry requirements for this programme and check you have the skills and characteristics we’re looking for in our postgraduate researchers on our ‘Eligibility and entry requirements’ page.
Browse all of our BHF CRE Studentship projects once they're live, and discover one you're passionate about that matches your interests, ambitions and goals.
Found a BHF CRE Studentship project you're interested in? Reaching out to your potential supervisor and speaking to them about their project is your next step, and is one of the most important things you need to do before you apply.
Before you complete your application, you'll need to prepare the following supporting documents:
- CV;
- supporting statement (maximum 500 words);
- degree certificates and transcripts (if your qualification is still pending, please ensure this is clear on your application form and you can send this to us at a later date);
- English language certificates (if applicable);
- two references: these need to be complete references, not just the referee's name and contact details;
- evidence of settled/pre-settled status/ILR in the UK (if applicable).
Once you have prepared these documents, you should complete your application using the guidance in the next step and share your supporting documents in response to the application confirmation email you'll receive.
Once you have found your project and contacted your supervisor, you can apply online for up to two projects by completing a single application using the following information:
- Level of study: select 'Postgraduate Research'
- Entry year: Select the academic year you wish to study in. For example, September 2025 is in the 2025/26 academic year
- Intake: Select 'September'
For the funding section you should select:
- Funding: 'Yes' from the drop-down
- Type of funding: 'Uni of Manchester scheme'
- Awarding body: BHF CRE Studentship
- Status of funding: Awarded
- Funding covers: Fully Funded
- Leave the remaining boxes blank
Further information on applying and what you need to include can be found on our 'How to apply' page.
Key dates
Dates for 2025 entry
- Projects advertised: Week commencing 28 April 2025
- Applications open: Week commencing 28 April 2025
- Application deadline: Friday, 30 May 2025
- Interviews take place: Mid-June
Contact us
Got a question?
If you have any questions about our PhD studentships, please contact our Doctoral Academy admissions team.