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 home to a community of researchers from a great diversity of disciplines, ranging from cell and developmental biology to field ecology and conservation. Evolutionary biology is a major focus of our work. We share an interest in whole organisms, and in how systems interact across different levels of organisation to generate the complexity of form, function and behaviour that is observed in the living world. Much of our work is underpinned by questions about evolution and an appreciation of the importance of the interactions between living organisms and their environments.
We offer both research MPhil and PhD degrees.
Zoology - PhD
The Department of Zoology is home to a community of researchers from a great diversity of disciplines, ranging from cell and developmental biology to field ecology and conservation. Evolutionary biology is a major focus of our work. We share an interest in whole organisms and how systems interact across different levels of organisation to generate the complexity of form, function and behaviour observed in the living world. Much of our work is underpinned by questions about evolution and an appreciation of the importance of the interactions between living organisms and their environments.
We offer both research MPhil and PhD degrees.
5 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, Land Economy, Plant Sciences, Zoology, Earth Sciences, Geography and Scott Polar Research Institute, Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science and Technology.
Biological Sciences - PhD - Closed
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.
Medicine MRC DTP iCASE - PhD - Closed
From the Faculty of Clinical Medicine
The Cambridge Medical Research Council's Doctoral Training Programme will be offering five Industrial MRC CASE (iCASE) studentships for doctoral study, to start in October 2025, and these can be based in either the School of Clinical Medicine, or the School of Biological Sciences.
Each studentship is fully-funded for four years, to include a stipend, all course fees, plus a research training support grant.
National Institutes of Health Oxford/Cambridge Programme NIH Ox/Cam - PhD - Closed
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 - Closed
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.