Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to the Midlands+ MHN PhD Programme?

The programme is open to healthcare professionals registered and in good standing with a UK or Republic of Ireland professional regulatory body who are undertaking a healthcare role in the Midlands or Oxford region. Applicants must meet Home fee status requirements and the entry requirements of their chosen host institution.

Which professions are eligible?

Eligible professions include nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, healthcare scientists, practitioner psychologists, social workers, non-medical public health specialists, optometrists and dispensing opticians.

Are Clinical Research Practitioners eligible?

Yes. Clinical Research Practitioners on the CRP Accredited Register are eligible to apply as healthcare scientists.

Do I need a Master’s degree to apply?

Not necessarily. A Master’s degree is not a programme requirement, but individual universities or projects may have additional entry requirements. Please check the requirements of the institution hosting your chosen project.

Do I need previous research experience?

Previous research experience is beneficial but not essential. Applications will be assessed holistically, taking into account academic achievements, professional experience, motivation and research potential.

Can undergraduate students apply?

No. Applicants must be fully qualified healthcare professionals before starting the programme (except eligible medical trainees).

Can I apply if I do not currently work in the Midlands or Oxford?

Yes, provided you will be undertaking a healthcare role in the Midlands or Oxford region before the start of the PhD.

Can I apply if I currently work outside the Midlands or Oxford but intend to relocate?

Yes. Applicants may apply if they intend to relocate to the Midlands or Oxford region. However, applicants must either:

• Have relocated before interviews take place in March 2027; or
• Hold a contract of employment due to begin in the region before the PhD start date in September 2027.

Who can apply as a medical professional?

Medical applicants must hold GMC registration, be in a recognised postgraduate training programme, hold a National Training Number (NTN) or run-through training post, and be eligible for Out of Programme Research (OOPR).

Can GPs apply?

Yes. GPs who are within four years of obtaining CCT (full-time equivalent) may apply.

Can SAS doctors apply?

No. Medical applicants must normally hold a National Training Number and be in an approved training pathway.

Can I apply if I will complete specialty training before the PhD starts?

No. The programme is intended for clinicians who remain within recognised training pathways or meet the eligibility criteria for recently qualified GPs.

How does the application process work?

The recruitment process consists of three stages:

1. Expression of Interest and eligibility review
2. Full application
3. Interview

What is the difference between Route 1 and Route 2?

Route 1 is for applicants applying to an advertised project with an established supervisory team.

Route 2 is for applicants who wish to develop their own research project and identify an appropriate supervisory team.

Do I need to contact supervisors before applying?

Yes. Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their project interests with potential supervisors before submitting a full application.

Do I need supervisor support before submitting my full application?

Yes. You must have confirmed supervisor support before submitting your full application. Supervisor support will be verified during the shortlisting process. Applications without confirmed supervisory support will not progress to interview.

What is the Initial Contact Form and when should I use it?

The Initial Contact Form provides potential supervisors with information about your professional background, academic experience, research interests and motivation for applying. It should be used when making first contact with supervisors to support informed discussions about project suitability and supervision.

Can I switch between Route 1 and Route 2 after submitting an Expression of Interest?

Yes. The Expression of Interest stage is designed to explore your eligibility and options. You must make a final decision on whether you are applying through Route 1 or Route 2 when you submit your full application.

Can I apply for more than one project?

You may explore multiple opportunities during the Expression of Interest stage, but you may only submit one final application.

Can I propose my own research project?

Yes. Route 2 applicants can develop their own proposal, provided it aligns with the programme’s remit and Wellcome’s Discovery Research approach.

How fully developed does my project need to be?

You do not need a detailed proposal at the Expression of Interest stage. Applicants invited to submit a full application will be asked to provide more detailed project information.

Will application support workshops be available?

Yes. The Midlands+ MHN DTP will provide application support opportunities during the recruitment cycle. Further details will be published on the website when available.

What makes a strong Route 2 project proposal?

Strong Route 2 proposals:

• Address an important question in mental health or neurosciences.
• Align with Wellcome’s Discovery Research remit.
• Demonstrate originality and scientific ambition.
• Are feasible within the timeframe of a PhD.
• Clearly explain the potential contribution to knowledge.
• Show how the proposed supervisory team supports delivery of the project.

You do not need a fully developed proposal at Expression of Interest stage, but your ideas should be sufficiently developed to support discussions with potential supervisors.

How will projects be assessed alongside applicants?

Applications are assessed on both the applicant and the proposed project. Reviewers consider:

• The quality, originality and feasibility of the project.
• Alignment with the programme remit.
• Suitability of the supervisory team.
• The applicant’s academic background, professional experience, research potential and motivation for doctoral study.

Successful applications demonstrate strength across both areas.

What is Wellcome Discovery Research and how does it affect project eligibility?

The Midlands+ MHN DTP is funded through Wellcome’s Discovery Research approach. Discovery research seeks to generate new understanding of health, life and wellbeing through ambitious and innovative research.

Projects can range from fundamental biological and psychological research through to population health, social science and humanities-based approaches. Projects do not need to deliver an immediate clinical intervention, but they should have the potential to advance understanding and generate new knowledge.

Does my project need to involve mental health or neurosciences?

Yes. All projects must align with the Midlands+ MHN DTP remit and focus on mental health, neurosciences, or areas that make a significant contribution to understanding mental or brain health.

Can my project be multidisciplinary?

Yes. Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches are strongly encouraged where they enhance the quality and impact of the proposed research.

Can I submit a project that is already being undertaken elsewhere?

No. Projects should represent an original programme of doctoral research and should not duplicate existing work.

Which university will I be registered with?

If successful, you will normally be registered for your PhD at the institution of your lead supervisor. This institution will be responsible for your enrolment and award of the PhD degree.

Do I need to apply through the university linked to my NHS Trust?

No. Your host institution is determined by the lead supervisor for your project, not your employer.

Can supervisors be from different Midlands+ universities?

Yes. All applicants must have at least two supervisors from different Midlands+ consortium universities.

What are the supervisory requirements for Route 2?

All supervisory teams must include at least two supervisors from different Midlands+ consortium institutions.

Can I include supervisors from outside the Midlands+ consortium?

Yes. Additional supervisors from organisations outside the Midlands+ consortium may be included where appropriate. However, these supervisors are supplementary to the core supervisory team, which must meet Midlands+ supervisory requirements.

What involvement of patients, public contributors or lived experience experts is expected?

You are not required to have a fully developed Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) plan at application stage. However, applicants should demonstrate how patients, public contributors and/or people with lived experience could be meaningfully considered within the proposed project.

Is Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) required?

Applicants should consider how patients, public contributors and people with lived experience may contribute to their research. A fully developed plan is not required at application stage, but meaningful involvement should be considered.

What happens if my preferred supervisor leaves their institution after I apply?

If there are changes to supervisory arrangements during the recruitment process, the Midlands+ MHN DTP will work with the applicant and host institution to determine whether suitable alternative supervisory arrangements can be made.

How are applications assessed?

Assessment considers both the quality and suitability of the proposed project and the applicant’s research potential, experience, motivation and suitability for doctoral study.

How are candidates shortlisted?

Applications are reviewed against the assessment criteria, and shortlisting considers both the applicant and the proposed project.

What should I expect at interview?

The interview provides an opportunity to discuss your project, demonstrate your research potential and explain how you would contribute to the Midlands+ MHN PhD Programme community.

When will interviews take place?

Interviews are scheduled to take place during March 2027. Applicants selected for interview will receive full details in advance.

How will I be informed of the outcome of my application?

Applicants will be contacted directly by the Programme Manager following each stage of the recruitment process.

Can I receive feedback if I am unsuccessful?

Where possible, feedback will be provided following recruitment decisions. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, the level of feedback available may vary.

What does the funding cover?

Funding includes salary support, Home tuition fees, research expenses and training costs.

Is this a full-time PhD?

Yes. The programme is a full-time funded PhD.

Will I remain employed during the PhD?

Employment arrangements vary depending on profession, employer and individual circumstances. Further information will be provided during the recruitment and onboarding process.

How is my salary funded?

The programme provides salary funding to support protected research time for successful applicants. Detailed salary arrangements will be discussed with applicants and employers during the appointment process.

Do I need support from my employer before applying?

Employer support is not required at the Expression of Interest stage. However, applicants are encouraged to discuss their plans with their employer as early as possible.

When will I need formal employer approval?

Applicants who are offered a place will be required to ensure appropriate employer agreements are in place before commencing the PhD.

Can I continue clinical practice during my PhD?

Yes. Participants may undertake up to one day per week of clinical work that supports maintenance of professional registration and is aligned with their research and professional development.

Can I undertake additional out-of-hours clinical work?

In principle, yes, provided it does not adversely affect your PhD, wellbeing or programme commitments.

Can I change employer during the PhD?

Changes in employment circumstances should be discussed with the Programme Team as early as possible, as they may affect funding and programme arrangements.

Can I defer my place?

Places cannot normally be deferred. Exceptions may be considered only in exceptional circumstances.

How do annual leave, sickness absence and parental leave work?

These arrangements are normally managed through your employment contract and host organisation policies.

If I am offered a place, when will I start my PhD?

Successful applicants will start the programme in October 2027.

What happens after I receive an offer?

Applicants who receive an offer will be provided with guidance on university admissions, employment arrangements, enrolment and induction activities.

What are the benefits of joining the Midlands+ MHN DTP?

The programme offers funded doctoral training, access to multidisciplinary supervision, bespoke research and leadership development opportunities, networking across partner institutions, and membership of a cohort of healthcare professionals undertaking research in mental health and neurosciences.

Will I be part of a cohort?

Yes. Successful applicants join a Midlands+ cohort and take part in shared training, networking, career development and collaborative learning activities throughout the programme.

Will I receive training in addition to my PhD research?

Yes. Alongside your research project, you will participate in a structured programme of research skills, leadership development, professional development and interdisciplinary training.

Are there opportunities to collaborate with researchers at other Midlands+ institutions?

Yes. The programme is designed to promote collaboration across the Midlands+ partnership and encourages interdisciplinary and cross-institutional research networks.

What support is available during the PhD?

Support is available through your supervisory team, host institution, Programme Team and wider Midlands+ network. This includes academic, professional and wellbeing support.

What support is available for accessibility or reasonable adjustments?

The Midlands+ MHN DTP is committed to ensuring that all applicants and students can fully participate in the programme.

Each Midlands+ partner university has its own disability and accessibility support services. If you require reasonable adjustments for your studies, research activities or assessments, you should discuss your requirements with your host institution’s disability support team, who can advise on the support available and any adjustments that may be appropriate.

At programme level, the Midlands+ MHN DTP routinely asks participants to inform us of any accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments needed for training events, meetings, workshops and other programme activities. We will work with individuals to ensure events are as accessible and inclusive as possible.

In addition, Wellcome provides disability-related support funding where additional support is required to enable participation in research and training activities. Further information is available on the Wellcome website.

Can international applicants apply?

No. The programme is currently funded for applicants who meet UK Home fee status requirements. Applicants should review the eligibility guidance carefully before applying.

How do I know if I have Home fee status?

Fee status is determined by UK government regulations and assessed by the host university. If you are unsure of your status, you should contact the relevant university admissions team before applying.

Do I need to meet the entry requirements of the host university?

Yes. In addition to meeting Midlands+ eligibility requirements, successful applicants must satisfy the doctoral admissions requirements of their host institution.

Do I need to live in the Midlands or Oxford?

You will be expected to actively participate in programme activities and undertake your clinical role within the Midlands or Oxford region.

Can I complete the programme remotely?

Some remote working may be possible depending on institutional arrangements. However, applicants should expect to spend time at their host institution and attend programme training and networking activities.

Where will training take place?

Training activities will be delivered across Midlands+ partner universities, alongside institution-specific doctoral training at your host university.