How to Apply – BioSCaPe PhD programme
Applications are now open for the 4-year fully-funded PhD positions within the BBSRC IDLA BioSCaPe Programme. If you’re passionate about cutting-edge biological research, this is your opportunity to join a vibrant scientific community.
All applications should be made via the University of Cambridge . This covers projects hosted at the Babraham Institute, Wellcome Sanger, and MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
Please read the information below carefully before starting your application.
Application deadline: Thursday, 26 February 2026.
Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered. Both references need to be received by the deadline.
Before You Apply
We strongly encourage you to contact potential supervisors to discuss projects informally before applying. Explore all current PhD Opportunities to identify the most relevant supervisors for your interests.
Step 1 – Check your eligibility
To join the BioSCaPe Programme, you must have:
- A good 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent (e.g., CGPA 3.5/4.0) in a relevant subject
- Two outstanding academic references
- English language proficiency – IELTS overall score of 7.0, with at least 7.0 in speaking, listening, and writing, and 6.5 in reading
For full details, see the .
Step 2 – Prepare before applying
Before completing the online application form on the Application Portal:
- Choose your supervisors – Select two from the list of available projects (preferred and backup). Your choices do not need to be hosted by the same scientific institution.
- Check deadlines – All documents and references must be submitted by the deadline.
Step 3 – Complete your application
On the Application Portal, you will need to provide and complete:
- Course details:
- Course Description: Biological Sciences
- Programme of Study: PhD in Biological Sciences (BioSCaPe)
- Duration: 4 years
- Study mode: Full time
- References:
- Add names and email addresses of two referees you intend to use under ‘Reference Requests’
- More information about references to support your Cambridge application
- Do not leave it to the last moment to make your nominations. Give your referees enough time to write and submit your reference before your application deadline. It is your responsibility to make sure your references are submitted by the relevant application deadline. You do not need to wait until your references are submitted to submit your application. Once details of your referees have been uploaded and application submitted, the referees will then receive an automated email. This will give each referee access to the University’s online Electronic Referencing System and they will then have 7 days in which to submit their reference.
- Statement of Interests field (mandatory field with 2500-character limit) under ‘Course Specific Questions’:
- Provide information about your motivation to do a PhD, your research interests and prior research experience, and explain why you wish to pursue a PhD at the Babraham Institute. Here are some questions to guide you: What motivates you to do a PhD? What experience (research and non-research) do you bring that makes you a suitable PhD candidate? Why do you wish to do your postgraduate training at your chosen institution?
- Relevant Experience field (mandatory field with 1000-character limit) under ‘Course Specific Questions’:
- List the specific projects you are applying to and explain why you are interested in the specific project(s), highlighting any relevant experience.
- Proposed Supervisor field (mandatory):
- You should provide the names of two supervisors (preferred and back-up) in the format: 'Prof X (1st)/ Dr Y (2nd)'
- We encourage you to complete the Widening Participation Questionnaire as part of your application:
- Applicants to this course are asked to provide additional contextual information about their undergraduate study. The information you provide in the contextual form will allow us to better understand the circumstances of your undergraduate study and achievement. You can access the contextual data form at
- Please follow the link to complete the online form, download a PDF copy of your answers, and upload it to your application through the application portal. You can choose not to answer the questions in the form by writing ‘N/A’ in the response boxes, but we still ask you to complete and upload the form. Your application will not be disadvantaged if you choose not to respond to the questions, and your academic merit will be assessed based on the information you provide in other parts of the application.
- By completing the form, you consent to your answers being provided to those assessing your application, and to be used in an aggregated/ anonymised form to monitor the effectiveness of the contextual form.
- For more information about the use of contextual data by the University of Cambridge, please visit
- Follow the other instructions on the Application form as indicated.
Step 4 – Review before submission
Ensure your application includes:
- Two referees willing to give you a reference (see for more information)
- Transcripts (see for more information)
- Evidence of competence in English, if applicable (see for more information and )
- Full Curriculum Vitae (see for more information)
- Statement of Interests/Reasons for applying (mandatory field - 2500 character field limit)
- Relevant Experience (mandatory field -1000 character field limit) detailing why you are specifically applying to the chosen project/s.
- Proposed Supervisor (mandatory field), providing the names of supervisor(s) (preferred and back-up)
- Widening Participation Questionnaire
Step 5 – Open day
We hope to be able to invite short-listed applicants to attend our BioSCaPe Open Days for a series of interviews to be held over these days: 7th - 10th April 2026. This will give applicants an opportunity not only to be interviewed but also to meet Group Leaders and their research groups and explore research facilities. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered. Any additional requirements that are expected of as part of your interview will be communicated to you nearer the time, prior to your interview.
Please note: You will not be able to take up an award unless they meet all University eligibility criteria and are successful in securing admission to the University. In addition, you will not be able to apply for a visa (if needed) until they hold an unconditional offer from the University.
The application deadline is Thursday 26th February 2026, via the Application Portal. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact
If you would like more information or have any questions not answered on this website or the university graduate application site please contact us: The Graduate Studies Office, email: babraham.graduate@babraham.ac.uk