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The PhD course can be undertaken full-time in three to four years, or part-time in five to seven years. The research project and Principal Supervisor are determined during the application process.
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 other members of staff and fellow students.
All 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 PhD degree involves submission of a written thesis of up to 60,000 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 PhD 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 Principal 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 Principal Supervisor and to prepare in advance to make the meetings as effective as possible. |
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| Seminars & classes | Attendance of 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 per week). |
| Practicals | No set practicals. Students are expected to study for a minimum of 40 hours per week for at least 44 weeks of the 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 first and second year reports and final thesis 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-on-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 maximum length of 60,000 words in length, excluding figures, photographs, tables, appendices and bibliography. They will then undergo an oral examination on the thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.
Other
Students for the PhD are reviewed on a regular basis.
Full-time students:
- After one month, students submit a Preliminary PhD project plan. This is assessed by the principal supervisor and the departmental Director of Postgraduate Education.
- In the third term, students undergo a PhD registration assessment. This involves submission of a First Year PhD Registration Report, followed by oral examination of the report and broader area of research by two examiners. Students are required to pass the registration assessment in order to be registered and progress into the second year.
- During their sixth term, students produce a brief Second Year Progress Report, which includes a timeframe for completion of their degree. This progress report is assessed by the student’s principal supervisor.
- At the end of their eight term, students produce a Submission of Thesis plan. This is assessed by and approved their principal supervisor.
- Students submit a progress logbook of their research activity at the end of each year.
Part-time students:
- After one month, students submit a Preliminary PhD project plan. This is assessed by the principal supervisor and the departmental Director of Postgraduate Education.
- In the sixth term students undergo the PhD registration assessment. This involves submission of a First Year PhD Registration Report, followed by oral examination of the report and broader area of research by two examiners. Students must pass the registration assessment before entering their third year.
- For subsequent years, students are required to submit a brief progress report at the end of each calendar year and make a joint report in their progress log with their principal supervisor; progression to the next year is dependent on satisfactory attendance and progress and confirmation from the principal supervisor that the research topic remains viable as a contribution to learning.
- Six months before their end of registration date, students produce a Submission of Thesis plan. This is assessed and approved by their principal supervisor.