FAQs
When you’re part of an organisation of our size and scope, there’s a lot of WHATs, WHEREs and WHYs. Here’s just a small selection of the things graduates ask us.
What will I be doing on the scheme?
Our scheme lasts two years giving you four diverse placements, each one in a different team, ensuring you’ll be exposed to the variety of departments.
Working on live projects and taking on real responsibility you’ll be in contact with all sorts of people, many of whom are experts in their field. With this calibre of people and placement you can’t fail to learn and develop. It’s also essential you’ve got what it takes to keep up. To make sure, we’ll give you plenty of training, development and support including constant access to a dedicated mentor. And as we mentioned earlier your development plan will be unique and tailored.
Have I got what it takes to join a Cancer Research UK Graduate Programme?
When can I apply?
Where will I be based?
I’m not in my final year of my degree. So what are my options?
I’m not eligible to apply for the Graduate Programme. What else can I do?
What can I expect to earn on a Graduate Programme?
How can I apply?
Where can I find more information?
Have I got what it takes to join a Cancer Research UK Graduate Programme?
You can apply for our Graduate scheme if:
- You have Grade C or above in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English
- You have a minimum of 280 UCAS points
- You have, or are expecting, a 2:1 or better in any degree subject
- You are able to start work in September 2010
- You must have the permanent right to live and work in the UK without restriction or you are entitled to apply, or have an outstanding application for a valid work permit.
- You are able to attend our assessment days in London
You are welcome to apply in your final year of University, or at any time after you graduate.
You can apply for our PhD Programmes if:
- You are a recent graduate or final year undergraduate
- You have, or are expecting, a 2:1 degree or above
- You have laboratory research experience (either as part of, or in addition to, your degree course)
- You are able to satisfy the English language requirements of university registration
When can I apply?
Applications for the graduate scheme are now open and will close on 5th January(Bear in mind, we are unable to accept applications for deferred entry).
Where will I be based?
If you join our Graduate Scheme you’ll be working in our offices in central London. The PhD programme is based at our laboratories in either central London, South Mimms or Cambridge. We also offer grant funded PhDs which are available across the UK. You can find out more about them here.
I’m not in my final year of my degree. So what are my options?
At Cancer Research UK, we offer internships in a wide range of areas including: marketing, public affairs, fundraising, HR and communications. Working alongside people with specialised skills, you’ll get a mentor and room enough to drive your own development. We take on a new group of interns three times a year: in Spring, Summer and Autumn. You can find out more here.
Our London Research Institute also offers Summer Studentships for undergraduates who are considering a career in research. Join us here, and you’ll have every chance to use your skills and enthusiasm as you find out what it’s like to work ‘at the bench’. For more details, visit www.london-research-institute.org.uk/jobs/summer_student/?version=1.
I’m not eligible to apply for the Graduate Programme. What else can I do?
Good question. You’ll be glad to hear we advertise a wide range of graduate opportunities throughout the year. To find out more and sign up for job alerts, visit www.jobs.cancerresearchuk.org
What can I expect to earn on a Graduate Programme?
If you join our Graduate Scheme in 2010, you’ll earn c.£24,000.
We also offer our PhD students annual funding for their studies. To find out more, see London Research Institute or Cambridge Research Institute.
How can I apply?
You can find out more about the application process here.
Where can I find more information?
You can find out about each of our schemes, the training we offer, current graduates and the application process on this website. But if you have a question which you can’t find the answer to here, we'd be happy to here from you. Simply post a question using the form below or write to us at graduate@cancer.org.uk