Our goal is to cultivate the next generation of pioneering researchers and leaders in medical science through a PhD programme that emphasises innovation, collaboration, and excellence. We aim to provide a transformative educational experience that meets the unique needs of both clinician and research scholars, fostering an inclusive environment where cutting-edge research and medical knowledge advance.
The LKCMedicine PhD by Research Programme admits students from a variety of backgrounds – natural science, medicine, engineering, computing and social science. Graduates will gain deep expertise of scientific fundamentals and translational medical research methods.
Journey to Achievement: Words from Our PhD Graduates
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Available Scholarships
For information regarding available scholarships, including coverage and award terms, please visit Scholarship for Graduate Research Programme.
The four-year PhD by Research programme has three distinctive features:
- Laboratory Rotations
- Global Health Awareness Attachment or Clinical Awareness Attachment
- Three unique research training pathways
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Students to commence main research project and choose one of the following pathways:
Pathway 1 – Mainstream
Conduct the project exclusively at LKCMedicine and NTU.
Pathway 2 – Industry Aligned
Undertake the project at LKCMedicine with industrial placement.
Pathway 3 – Strategic University Partner
Conduct the project jointly at LKCMedicine and a partnering institution in alignment with your supervisors and research project.
The LKCMedicine PhD by Research Programme is designed to train and equip students with essential skills that will enable them to conduct research in one of the following domains:
- Neuroscience & Mental Health
- Nutrition, Metabolism & Health
- Population & Global Health
- Respiratory & Infectious Diseases
- Skin Disease & Wound Repair
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Cancer Discovery & Regenerative Medicine
- Microbiome Medicine
- Medical Education
List of Available Research Projects
Prospective students are encouraged to browse through the list available research and contact the proposed supervisor directly for further details of the research projects. Alternatively, you can propose your own research projects to your proposed supervisor.
Please find the List of Available Research Projects.
Please note that prospective students should obtain an agreement for PhD supervision from your proposed supervisor.
Admissions Criteria
| Degree Requirements | Non-clinician applicants At least Second Upper, preferably First-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field. A Master’s degree is not a pre-requisite but is considered advantageous. Clinician applicants Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or Doctor of Medicine (MD) with identifiable research experience, preferably in the form of a Master’s degree. |
| Test Score Requirements | TOEFL/IELTS English test scores are required for international applicants except those who are from English-medium institutions (the medium of instruction is typically stated on the university’s academic transcript, or applicant will be required to provide a letter endorsed by the university confirming that the medium of instruction was in English). The test date must be dated within 2 years from the date of application. Exemption is granted to applicants who have graduated from autonomous universities in Singapore. Recommended Score: TOEFL: 100/237/600 for internet-based, computer-based and paper-based tests respectively. IELTS: 6.5 GRE GRE scoresheet is required for applicants who are not graduates from autonomous universities in Singapore. Recommended Score: Verbal + Quantitative ≥ 319 and Analytical Writing ≥ 3.5 Test dates must be within 5 years or less from the date of application. |
| PhD Research Proposal & Supervision Agreement Requirement | Research Proposal A brief research proposal (about 2 pages), indicating background of research topic, aims, approach and the significance/ impact of the project. If your research proposal is based on your selected PhD supervisor’s research project, you are required to write the proposal in your own words. Proof of Agreement for PhD Supervision Prospective students should obtain an agreement with their proposed PhD supervisor before submitting their online application. You can choose up to THREE potential supervisors from here. Please indicate your selections in the online application. |
Application Deadline
For applicants who have submitted the application (with all the required documents) before the respective application deadlines, their applications will be processed. Only successful candidates will be notified of their application outcome via email by the following notification periods:
| Intake | Opening & Closing | Application Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 (August) | 1 October – 31 January | May – June |
| Semester 2 (January) | 1 June – 31 July | September - November |
Application Checklist & Submission
Please prepare all the SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS before submission by referring to the CHECKLIST.
Application Checklist PhD LKCMedicine
All applicants should apply online via the Online Application Form (ntu.edu.sg) and uploaded (in pdf format) by the application closing date. Please note English translations should accompany supporting documents that are not in English.
Students are expected to complete the programme in four years.
The minimum and maximum candidatures are as follows:
| Candidature | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 3 years | 5 years |
| Maximum | 3 years | 5 years |
The following are the curriculum requirements for PhD students:
| S/No | Components | Timeline |
| 1 | Laboratory Rotations (Optional) | By end of fourth month from enrolment |
| 2 | Confirmation on Supervisors and Research Topic | By sixth month from enrolment |
| 3 | ERWA01: Epigeum Research Integrity Course (ERIC) | By sixth month from enrolment |
| 4 | Formation of Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) | By sixth month from enrolment |
| 5 | GP8000 Artificial Intelligence Literacy | By first semester |
| 6 | Two Core Courses (6 AUs) i. MD7001 The Ethics and Practice of Research, and ii. One core course related to research topic | End of Year 1 |
| 7 | Two Elective Courses (6 AUs) | End of Year 1 |
| 8 | HWG702 University Teaching for Teaching Assistants | End of Year 1 |
| 9 | HWG703 Graduate English (if applicable) | End of Year 1 |
| 10 | Scholarly Communication and Impact Seminar | End of Year 1 |
| 11 | TAC Meeting & Progress Report | Refer to the TAC and progress report submission due date in handbook |
| 12 | HWG707 Communicating Research in the Medical Sciences | Before Qualifying Examination (QE) |
| 13 | Attendance at Research Seminars | Year 1 - Year 3.5 |
| 14 | Graduate Assistantship Programme / Teaching Assistant Assignment | Year 1 - Year 3.5 |
| 15 | Qualifying Examination (QE) | Within 12 - 18 months from enrolment |
| 16 | 3 Minute Thesis | By end of Year 3 |
| 17 | Clinical Awareness Attachment OR Global Health Awareness Attachment | By fifth semester |
| 18 | Thesis Submission | By end of Year 4 |
| 19 | Oral Examination | After thesis examination |
Enquiries
Email: [email protected]