About the Department of Zoology
The Department of Zoology consists of around 250 people, including graduate students, research staff, assistant staff and University Lecturers, Readers and Professors.
The Department occupies 10,000m2, mostly on the New Museums site in Central Cambridge. The majority of this is in one building, which fronts on to Downing Street and includes the Museum of Zoology.
Four of the Department's research groups are accommodated in the Wellcome/CR UK Gurdon Institute, on Tennis Court Road. This is an inter-departmental Institute, which also contains members of the Departments of Genetics, Biochemistry, Pathology and Physiology.
The Sub-Department of Animal Behaviour in Madingley village, 5 miles from Cambridge, plays a leading role in the study of behaviour and its relationship to the natural environment.
2 courses offered in the Department of Zoology
Biological Science (Zoology) by thesis - MPhil
The Department of Zoology is a thriving community of researchers, united by a fascination with the living world. Our mission is to understand how life evolves, how it functions, and how we can conserve it for the future. We disseminate this new knowledge through local, national and global networks of influence, to confront the greatest challenges of our time: restoring and protecting biodiversity, enhancing food security and improving human health.
We offer both research MPhil and PhD degrees.
Zoology - PhD
The Department of Zoology is a thriving community of researchers, united by a fascination with the living world. Our mission is to understand how life evolves, how it functions, and how we can conserve it for the future. We disseminate this new knowledge through local, national and global networks of influence, to confront the greatest challenges of our time: restoring and protecting biodiversity, enhancing food security and improving human health.
We offer both research MPhil and PhD degrees.
4 courses also advertised in the Department of Zoology
Antarctic Studies - PhD
From the British Antarctic Survey
This PhD course takes place under the joint supervision of a research scientist at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and a University supervisor. Students may be based at BAS but will be registered for their degree with one of the partnering departments: Archaeology, Plant Sciences, Zoology, Earth Sciences, Geography and Scott Polar Research Institute, Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science and Technology.
BAS welcomes enquiries from those interested in higher degrees in earth science subjects, physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology and related areas.
Biological Sciences - PhD
From the School of the Biological Sciences
The Cambridge Biosciences DTP is a four year fully-funded PhD programme that aims to create highly skilled and employable people. The programme offers training across 23 University Departments/Institutes and 3 Partner Institutes providing access to a wide range of research areas related to the strategic themes of the BBSRC. We offer three types of DTP studentships:
- DTP Standard
- Targeted
- iCase
During the programme, DTP Standard and Targeted students will undertake two ten-week rotations in different labs before commencing their PhD. They will receive training in a variety of areas including but not limited to statistics, programming, ethics, data analysis, scientific writing and public engagement. Students will also undertake a 12-week internship (PIPS).
iCase students are not required to undertake rotations but may do so if they feel that this training would be useful. They must undertake a placement with their Industrial Partner for a minimum of three months and a maximum of 18 months.
Students will be expected to submit their thesis at the end of the fourth year.
Part-time study, whilst not the norm, may be viable, depending on the project, and will be considered on a case by case basis so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study.
National Institutes of Health Oxford/Cambridge Programme NIH Ox/Cam - PhD
From the Department of Medicine
This innovative programme was established in 2002 as a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US. Its aim is to train outstanding students in biomedical research, taking advantage of the excellent research environments in Cambridge and the US. Students work on collaborative projects organised by co-supervisors in Cambridge and the NIH, spending two years at each institution. Students have access to all NIH facilities and are paid by the NIH. The PhD is awarded by the University of Cambridge.
Planetary Science and Life in the Universe - MPhil
From the Institute of Astronomy
The MPhil in Planetary Sciences and Life in the Universe is a 10-month cross-departmental programme delivering outstanding postgraduate level training in the search for life’s origins on Earth and its discovery on planets beyond Earth.
The course structure has been designed by leading scientists to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and transferable skills required to undertake world-leading research in Planetary Sciences and Life in the Universe. Graduating students will be equipped with the discipline specific-specialisations and skills of a masters course, whilst gaining understanding in how the core areas that bridge PSLU fields form the cross-disciplinary foundation of this exciting new frontier.
Graduates of the course will gain valuable skills rooted in the study of the physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology of planetary science and life in the universe. Transferrable skills training is delivered through the three group-based projects running over the year: these provide a unique opportunity for students to gain experience of leadership, collaboration, and written and oral communication. The training provided will be an outstanding foundation for PhD research in planetary science, exoplanetary science, Earth system science, planetary astrophysics, astrobiology and allied disciplines, or for the wide range of careers where analytical skills, excellent communication, and experience of leading collaborations are key.