Teaching
This is a research-based programme and there is no formal teaching requirement, though students will be expected to engage fully with the training and events programme provided for BioSCaPe students throughout the four-years of the PhD.
The project and supervisor are determined prior to the application process. The student will receive one-on-one supervision for all aspects of their project and will have access to bespoke programmes, you’ll develop the entrepreneurial mindset and strategic thinking needed to lead in a fast-evolving sector.
All students in this programme will be members of the University's Postgraduate School of Life Sciences (PSLS), which offers a wide variety of core skills and professional development training. For more information, visit the PSLS website's Researcher Development page.
| One to one supervision |
Students can expect to have regular lab meetings with their supervisor and other lab members. The regularity with which postgraduate students meet with their supervisor varies throughout the year, but meetings are likely to be more frequent to start with, during the planning stages, and during the writingup phase. All students should have the opportunity to seek formal feedback from their supervisor, and supervisors should have the opportunity to give such feedback. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
|---|---|
| Taught/Research Balance |
Entirely Research
|
Placements
As part of the BioSCaPe Programme, each student must complete a 3-18 months Industry Placement with the partner company.
PhD Students will also have an optional Professional Internship for PhD Students (PIPS). The objective of the PIPS is to give students an opportunity to experience working in a non-academic professional environment and to learn how the skills they have developed during their PhD can be used in a variety of different careers. For students wishing to remain in academia, it provides a chance to understand complementary industries such as scientific publishing, biotech or public policy, which can help them improve the impact of their research, as well as making them aware of alternative career options.
Not all research students do PIPS, but they are required to spend between 3-18 months on placement with the partner company.
Feedback
The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding feedback.
Students will receive feedback from their Supervisor and other group members throughout the course, including regular oral feedback and advice from the supervisor about student performance and research direction. Students can also expect to receive termly formal feedback reports via the online feedback and reporting system.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The PhD is assessed via a PhD thesis and a subsequent viva. Thesis word limits and requirements are set by individual Degree Committees. Further information can be found here: Postgraduate study | Cambridge students
Other
Each student has their own Personal Committee to mentor them through their studies, and there is a system of formal reviews and assessments throughout their study to ensure continued advancement towards a successful final examination.
All PhD students are required to undergo formal assessment (by written report and viva) within 12 months after starting their PhD project (the 'First Year Assessment'). If successful, the student moves from being 'probationary' to being registered for the PhD and can proceed with their thesis project.
Student progress is also assessed by the filling in annual Self-Assessment forms.