Doctor of Medicine (MD)

The MD Degree is a postgraduate research degree awarded for original research carried out in a clinical or health-care related context. To be eligible for the MD Degree, candidates must be a graduate in Medicine of at least three years’ standing. MD Degree students at the University of Leicester carry out their research, in any branch of medicine, surgery, or medical science, under the supervision of experienced academic staff. There is also the option for candidates to submit collected inter-related published works or clinical case studies for the degree.

MD Degree students are an integral and valued part of the University’s research student community. They have access to wide-ranging lecture and seminar programmes, plus a College programme of training in transferable and generic skills designed to aid their professional development as independent scientists. Students can take advantage of the full range of University facilities.

Please note that the MD Degree is not the undergraduate degree that leads to qualification as a medical doctor; this is the MBChB.

Research skills training

MD candidates should be expected to take all topics that are relevant to their studies during their probation year, as identified with their supervisors.

PhD description

Period of registration: Two to five years

The minimum period of registration is for two years, with the first year at Probationary status. Transfer to MD registration will take place at the end of year one subject to satisfactory completion of the probation review and the recommendation of the Head of Department and Supervisor.

MD candidates are required to re-register annually as postgraduate students.

The Degree of Doctor of Medicine may be awarded: To a graduate in medicine of the University of at least three years standing; or To a graduate in medicine of another University recognised by Senate for this purpose, provided that (i) the qualification was obtained at least three years previously, (ii) is recognised for registration by the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom, and (iii) the intending candidate is, at the time of her/his application, either: A member of the academic staff of the University or is otherwise engaged in appropriate clinical or scientific work within the Leicestershire areas or, in special cases, in any hospital associated with the University’s School of Medicine; Can, in the opinion on the MD Degree Board of Studies, demonstrate a compelling reason why they should be allowed to register in Leicester as opposed to the university of their original qualification or place of work, and for whom appropriate supervision can be provided; Exceptionally, Senate may waive the requirement that a candidate shall be a graduate in medicine of a University, but in such cases the candidate will be required to hold a qualification recognised for registration by the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom, obtained at least five years previously and be, at the time of application, a member of the academic staff of the University or otherwise engaged in appropriate clinical or scientific work within the Leicestershire area or in any hospital elsewhere associated with the Leicester Medical School.