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The MPhil in Oncology is a research course lasting either 12 months (full-time study) or 24 months (part-time study). Most research training is provided within the structure of the student’s research group and is overseen by their principal supervisor. Informal opportunities to develop research skills are available through mentoring by members of staff and fellow students.
Students are encouraged to attend scientific meetings, seminars and postgraduate courses relevant to their area of interest. They are also expected to participate in journal clubs and lab meetings and to take advantage of the numerous and varied training opportunities offered by the University.
At the end of the course, examination for the MPhil degree involves submission of a written thesis of up to 20,000 words, followed by an oral examination based on both their thesis and a broader knowledge of their chosen area of research. At the beginning of their degree, students are provided with information which clearly sets out what is expected of them in order to obtain their degree.
| One to one supervision | The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. 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. The amount of supervision a student requires may vary depending on their prior knowledge and research experience. Formal supervision is likely to be around one hour per week, plus 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. |
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| Seminars & classes | Students are expected to attend relevant seminars, lectures and training courses, as advised by their principal supervisor. |
| Lectures | No set lectures. Students are expected to attend relevant lectures and seminars (on average two hours/week). |
| Practicals | No set practicals. Students are expected to study for a minimum of 40 hours/week for at least 44 weeks/year. |
| Journal clubs | Students are encouraged to attend the various journal clubs available throughout the research institutes in which they are based. |
| Literature Reviews | There are no formal literature review exercises, but the final thesis will include a literature review. |
| Posters and Presentations | Students are encouraged to present their research locally, nationally and internationally, as and when appropriate. Opportunities to present locally are provided by the student’s institute, the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences and the annual Building Bridges in Medical Sciences conference. |
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 supervisors involved in their research project. This could take place during one-to-one meetings or during lab meetings. In addition, students can expect to receive a written online report each term.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Students are expected to submit a thesis of 20,000 maximum length, excluding tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices. They will then undergo an oral examination on the thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.
Other
MPhil students are reviewed on a regular basis.
After one month, students submit a Preliminary MPhil project plan. This is assessed by the principal supervisor and the departmental Director of Postgraduate Education.
During the third term, students produce a Submission of Thesis plan. This is assessed by their principal supervisor.