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Decision Making for Complex Systems is no longer accepting new applications.
Teaching
In their first year, research students will be expected to complete a series of 12 core and optional units from the Research Skills Programme. The units are ungraded and the number of contact hours varies. Attendance is recorded and a complete log is requested at the same time as the first-year report and thesis proposal.
Mandatory Research Skills Programme: in addition to the core units, all research students must select a further eight units from the selection of one- and two-hour topics throughout all years of their studies, or from classes offered by the Researcher Development Programme. Other courses are also available including foreign languages, small-group teaching (supervising undergraduates), and lecturing. The length of these courses will vary.
At the discretion of the supervisor and to provide additional technical background for the PhD research, students may also be allowed to audit one or more modules taken from the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science course.
| One to one supervision | The Degree Committee will appoint a supervisor and an academic adviser for each research student. In some cases, a secondary supervisor may also be appointed. Research students will have daily contact with the research group within which they are placed. In addition, they should expect a formal meeting with their supervisors at least once a month in term time. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
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| Seminars & classes | Research students are expected to attend research group seminars and discussion groups as well as regular Wednesday seminar series. With the permission of their supervisor, students may also attend classes offered by the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science, Part II and Part III of the Computer Science Tripos. |
| Small group teaching | PhD students are strongly encouraged to contribute to undergraduate and some postgraduate teaching in the department. This may include small group teaching (known as undergraduate supervisions), practical demonstrations, and undergraduate project supervision up to a maximum of 6 hours per week in term time. This may also include some technical supervision of masters' projects. Students will receive training, will be reimbursed for their time, and will receive a certificate detailing their contribution at the end of their studies. |
| Posters and Presentations | All research students will have the opportunity to present their research regularly throughout their studies in seminars, first-year and second-year mini-conferences, summer schools, and research conferences both in the UK and abroad. Students may apply for some funding to attend conferences and workshops. |
| Taught/Research Balance | Entirely Research |
Feedback
Regular feedback on progress is provided by supervisors once per term via the postgraduate supervision report system.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The PhD is assessed through the examination of a thesis, including an oral ("viva voce") examination. The length and format of the thesis should comply with the requirements of the department in which the student is registered for the PhD. The typical length of the PhD thesis will be 60,000 words.
Other
All candidates for the PhD Degree are admitted on a probationary basis and progression to the second year (and registration for the PhD) depends on successful probationary review.
At the end of the first academic year (or part-time equivalent), a formal assessment of progress is made. This takes the form of a written progress report and a formal oral examination with two assessors. Neither of the assessors should be the student's supervisor though one may be the student's academic adviser. The format of the report should comply with the requirements of the department in which the student is registered.