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Teaching
The MPhil in Medical Science course is exclusively by research. The project and supervisor are determined during the application process. In addition to the Principal Supervisor, it is likely that the student will also be appointed a day-to-day supervisor who is able to provide hands-on assistance. Given the interdisciplinary nature of some of the projects, students will also be expected to seek guidance from other colleagues, including postdocs and core facility staff. Students will participate in the Institute's weekly seminar programme, lab meetings, journal clubs and training courses.
| One to one supervision | The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. The amount of supervision you require may vary depending on your prior knowledge and on your particular research experience. Formal supervision is likely to be around one hour per week, plus also day-to-day supervision in the lab. It is the student's responsibility to book regular meetings with their supervisor and to prepare in advance to make the meetings as effective as possible. The supervisor will provide written feedback to the student each term with progress reports submitted online. The feedback will relate to the progress the student has made and include a specific comment on their research project. This will be discussed with the student in advance of the submission of the report to the University. |
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| Seminars & classes | All postgraduate students are encouraged to participate in informal and interactive weekly training opportunities in the Institute aimed at enhancing their academic and research skills. The training programme is designed in response to requests from our students and in the past has included poster design, oral presentation skills, R training, entrepreneurship, collaborating with industry and careers advice. |
| Lectures | MPhil students are strongly encouraged to attend ~2 hours of lectures per week on topics relevant to their course of study. This may include lectures on all aspects of cancer research and introductions to state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies. |
| Journal clubs | Twelve hours per term |
Feedback
The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.
Students should expect to receive ongoing feedback from all members of their supervisory team. This could take place during one-on-one meetings or during lab meetings. In addition, students can expect to receive a termly online report prepared by their Principal Supervisor.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The course is examined by thesis and oral examination (viva). The thesis must be no longer than 20,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices, and must satisfy the internal and external examiner that the candidate can design and carry out an original investigation, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspective of the subject.
The examination shall include an oral examination on the thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.
Other
The student is expected to give a brief presentation (15–20 minutes) to the Institute within four months of commencing study. This allows the student to introduce themself to all colleagues and to inform them of the nature of their project.