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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

This is a degree by research and there is no formal teaching.  However, students may attend relevant training courses relating to their project in consultation with their supervisor.

All students are also expected to take part in the Postgraduate School of Life Science’s Researcher Development Programme.

One to one supervision

The student is assigned a primary supervisor who will help to appoint an advisor or sometimes a supervisory team. Students are closely supported in their activities by this group. The number of hours of formal supervision will vary depending on the student, supervisor and project as well as varying over the course of the PhD. 

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.

Seminars & classes

The student is expected to attend journal clubs and departmental seminars. Other classes are decided by student and supervisor and the number of hours is not set.

Journal clubs

There is a Departmental Graduate Journal Club usually once per term. Students may also be expected to attend individual lab group journal clubs.

Literature Reviews

It is recommended to complete a Literature Review within first four months of arrival.

Posters and Presentations

Students are expected to present at the weekly seminar slot to the Department at the end of their first year. They are also expected to participate in the biannual Departmental research days at least once during the course of their PhD by presenting posters and/or 'Blitz Talks' (short oral presentations).

Placements

Depending on the funder, some courses include a three-month industrial placement.

Feedback

Students can expect to receive a formal online feedback report from their supervisor once per term. Feedback will also be available following the examination of the first-year report. More informal feedback from a supervisor will be provided as required.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

This course is examined by thesis and viva. The thesis must be no longer than 60,000 words (or 80,000 by special permission of the Degree Committee). These limits exclude figures, photographs, tables, appendices and bibliography.  The thesis is examined at a viva, usually by one internal examiner and one external examiner.

Other

All PhD students are required to undergo formal assessment (by written report and viva) at the end of their first year, which they must pass. If successful, the student moves from being 'probationary' to being registered for the PhD and can proceed with their project.  A less formal report on progress and plans is required at the end of the second year.

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Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Veterinary Medicine

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Oct. 4, 2023
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Jan. 15, 2024
Course Starts
April 17, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
May 16, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Oct. 2, 2024
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Jan. 15, 2025
Course Starts
April 17, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 4, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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