I suspect there are more projects than this. The way it works is you like a particular lab, you contact their PI, agree on a topic, and work on it for 3-4 years. In Cambridge (where I work), the university enrols all research students in a "Research Skills" course/workshop, but that is it.
If they believe you are not up to snuff, you might be asked to complete an MPhil/MRes course first which does have a taught component. Apparently, if you fail this part, and in some circles, you will be seen as a PhD failure. Apparently.
http://www.findaphd.com/search/phd.aspx?DID=8&Location=UK&TI...
I suspect there are more projects than this. The way it works is you like a particular lab, you contact their PI, agree on a topic, and work on it for 3-4 years. In Cambridge (where I work), the university enrols all research students in a "Research Skills" course/workshop, but that is it.
If they believe you are not up to snuff, you might be asked to complete an MPhil/MRes course first which does have a taught component. Apparently, if you fail this part, and in some circles, you will be seen as a PhD failure. Apparently.