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 TTPS students throughout the four-years of the PhD. In the first year, all students will complete a 16-week foundational training programme at University of Oxford combining core skills and advanced technical skills needed in data-driven pharmaceutical research. Students will then undertake two 11-week rotation projects, one of which will be then expanded to become the doctoral project.
All students on 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. Visit the Researcher Development page on the PSLS website for more information (https://www.postgradschl.lifesci.cam.ac.uk/GSLSRD)
| One to one supervision |
All students will be appointed an academic Supervisor and a GSK Supervisor for their PhD project who will give advice, encouragement and constructive criticism to research students. You will meet with your supervisor regularly throughout your PhD; on average students can expect to receive at least one hour of supervision per week. This will, of course, vary by Department and over the duration of the course, with more supervision typically being given in the early stages of the research, and prior to submission. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
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| Journal clubs |
Some divisions or labs may run their own journal clubs. |
| Literature Reviews |
Students are expected to provide a first-year report including a brief literature review and project proposal. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Entirely Research
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Placements
All students will undertake a 3-month internship at GSK to gain work experience in a commercial context, with students encouraged to undertake these in groups to foster cohort cohesion.
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
All PhD students are required to undergo formal assessment (the 'First Year Assessment') by written report and oral assessment within 12 months after starting their PhD project (in the 5th term of study). If successful, the student moves from being 'probationary' to being registered for the PhD and can proceed with their thesis project.