PhD opportunities

Brian Schilder shares insights into his journey as a PhD student based in the Department of Brain Sciences

The Department of Brain Sciences provides an ideal environment to pursue a PhD and build your career in research. As a postgraduate research student, you'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and work alongside our world-leading academic staff in a dynamic and supportive research environment. We welcome applications from outstanding students from around the world, provided they meet the College's eligibility criteria.

Below, you'll find further information about how to apply and the latest funding opportunities available within the Department. Guidance is also available for current supervisors and PhD students.

Every year, the Faculty hosts Rising Scientist Day, a networking event for all PhD, MPhil and MD (Res) students. Find out about this year's event.

Dr Miriam Ries

"After my PhD in Brain Sciences, I went on to do a postdoc at ETH Zurich. I have now moved to the area of research management, first as scientific coordinator of several multi-centre research projects, and now managing projects and initiatives within one professorship. During my PhD, I enjoyed the freedom within my research and the supervision of students, but also my engagement outside of my project, as student representative and in outreach programmes. I encourage all PhD students to remain open to and aware of the many career paths for which a PhD can be the first stepping stone. I also wish I’d taken advantage of more of Imperial’s offers, such as the swimming pool!"

General PhD enquiries


For all PhD-related enquiries, please contact us via email at researchdegreeenquiries@imperial.ac.uk


Research Degrees Administrator (Records)

Casper Debieux


Research Degrees Administrator (Admissions)

Khalil Afzal


Research Degrees Manager

Hayley Kendall-Berry 


Director of Postgraduate Research

Professor Kevin Murphy