King's College London, University of London

What you'll study

The research programme centres on experimental laboratory and pre-clinical work rather than taught modules. Planned activities include:

• Confirming the mechanism of folate action in the eye and in glaucoma-affected cells.
• Comparing different folate supplement formulations to address retinal delivery challenges.
• Determining the impact of common genetic variants in folate metabolism on treatment effects.
• Using molecular benchwork, experimental pre-clinical models and -omics techniques to generate translational data that could inform personalised neuroprotective approaches.

Entry requirements

Essential academic entry criteria are a bachelor’s degree with 2:1 honours (or overseas equivalent) in neuroscience, optometry or a related subject. Applicants with a 2:2 may be considered only if they also hold a master’s with Merit. Candidates must have at least six months’ experience in a research or industry laboratory and demonstrate good planning, organisation, initiative, interpersonal skills and commitment to high-quality, patient-impacting research. An unconditional offer requires Admissions approval.

Desirable (non-essential) experience includes holding a Home Office Personal Licence; skills in histology, immunolabelling and microscopy; cell culture (continuous and/or primary); basic molecular biology techniques (western blotting, qPCR); bioinformatics; and familiarity with Good Documentation Practices.

Application requires an online admissions form with academic transcripts, copies of qualifications, CV, a personal statement (uploaded as an attachment), and one academic reference submitted by the referee from an institutional email. In the funding section applicants must select the Wolfson SPaRC Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time) and include reference code JT-IoPPN-GUK-27. The advertised application deadline is 20 September 2026 23:59 GMT; shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 7 October 2026 (in person or online).

Career prospects

Completion prepares graduates for careers in academic research, translational medicine and industry roles focused on neurodegeneration, ophthalmic drug development or personalised medicine. The combination of molecular techniques, pre-clinical modelling and -omics training is applicable to postdoctoral positions, clinical trial science, and roles in biotechnology or pharmaceutical research groups targeting vision loss and neuroprotection.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

This studentship is fully funded by Glaucoma UK for three years, covering home tuition fees, an annual stipend with London weighting and research consumables. Candidates should follow the specified application process and funding code to be considered; only one award is available for the 2026/27 cycle.