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The Department of Veterinary Medicine houses a wide range of skilled staff, facilities and equipment and has a wide clinical patient group to support students' research. It also has strong ties with world-class groups elsewhere in the University and its surrounding Research Institutes.
We have particular Research strengths in Disease Dynamics, Infection and Immunity, and Systems Pathology. We offer a wide range of potential research subjects, including clinical studies, laboratory work, field work and computational biology.
The PhD degree by research is carried out over a minimum of three and a maximum of four years (full-time), including a probationary period of one year. Each student is assigned a primary Supervisor, who will then assign an advisor or supervisory team to assist the student under their supervision.
Many research projects are carried out primarily within the department, but some of your studies may occur elsewhere or abroad. Depending on the funder, some courses include lab rotations in the first year. All students are expected to participate in the Postgraduate School of Life Science's Researcher Development Programme.
At the end of their first year of study, students are required to complete a satisfactory first-year report and assessment. A short report is also expected at the end of the second year, and students are expected to participate in departmental events such as Seminars, Journal clubs and Research Days. The final examination is by submission and a viva voce examination of a thesis.
Continuing
Continuation to the PhD from MPhil is possible although it is not automatic. All cases are judged on their own merits based on a number of factors, including evidence of progress and research potential, a sound research proposal, the availability of a suitable Supervisor, full funding and resources required for the research, and acceptance by the Head of Department and the Degree Committee.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.
We also welcome visits by interested candidates throughout the year: please contact potential supervisors to discuss a visit (see https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/study/postgrad/apply to find out how to make contact).