The treatment of cancer is at a turning point thanks to the study of our immune system. This exciting research has resulted in a range of immunotherapy treatments which results in one in five patients responding well enough to enjoy long-term remission from their disease.

However, according to Cancer Research UK, there is a shortage of senior cancer immunologists working in the field. What’s more, there is no dedicated programme in the UK to train the next generation in order to fill this skills gap. Until now.

A PhD studentship costs £141,000 with domestic fees and £212,000 with international fees.

PhD in Cancer Immunology

Having already built the UK’s first research cancer dedicated to immunology, the University of Southampton now offers the UK’s first integrated PhD in Cancer Immunology.

This four-year structured programme offers the advanced research and associated quantitative and bioinformatics skills required to become an independent researcher in cancer immunology. It has been developed by scientists based in the Centre who are at the forefront of cancer immunology research.

In their first year, students will undertake taught modules in quantitative biology, advanced research skills, and cancer immunology as well as three short research projects under the supervision of members, or associate members of the Centre for Cancer Immunology. This is a multidisciplinary community and includes engineers, computer scientists, chemists and mathematicians as well as biomedical scientists and clinicians.

In years two to four, students will undertake a focused research project with a member of the Centre – usually in collaboration with an associate member.

Centre for Cancer Immunology

Our experience in the Faculty of Medicine is that students who graduate from an integrated four-year programme are better equipped to become research leaders of the future – be that in academia or industry.

PhD students are usually funded through research charities such as CRUK or Wessex Medical Research, through the Centre’s Cancer Immunology Talent Fund, or a combination of both.

The Cancer Immunology Talent Fund is supported entirely through philanthropic donations. Read more here.

To find out more about the application process click here.

Centre for Cancer Immunology PhD

Students making a difference

Students currently studying at the Centre for Cancer Immunology are already making a difference.

Michaela Christodoulaki (pictured above) is carrying out a four-year research project into cervical cancer, with the ultimate aim of being able to identify women at high risk of developing the disease, so that they can receive early treatment.

Originally from Greece, Michaela was attracted to the Centre after completing her undergraduate degree thanks to its international reputation. Read more about Michaela’s story here.

Every person is working towards the common goal of eliminating cancer. To know that our discoveries in the laboratories will and their way into patient clinics makes all of the work so rewarding.

Michaela Christodoulaki, PhD student