MPhil in Medical Science (MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit)

The primary aim is for our postgraduate students to develop the skills required to submit an excellent MPhil thesis. Our students design and conduct robust and high quality experiments, analyse the results of these experiments, and learn to communicate those findings both in writing and orally. Students also implement sophisticated analyses of existing ‘big data’ sets from large cohort studies. We also aim for our students to be fluent and practiced in open science principles and methodologies. While there is no "standard" route or model for an excellent MPhil, our experience is that it always results from the combined expertise of our supervisors and the dedicated enthusiasm of our doctoral students. Beyond research, we endeavour to equip students for rewarding and successful careers in their chosen profession, whether this is in academia, industry, policy, or clinical practice. 

Learning Outcomes

An important outcome is that our postgraduates will develop the skills required to be able to design and conduct robust, high quality experiments, analyse results, and learn to communicate those findings both in writing and orally. Another important outcome is for our students to be fluent and practiced in open science principles and methods. More broadly, we endeavour to equip students with the transferable skills that will help ensure rewarding and successful careers in the eventual profession of their choosing - whether this is in academia, industry, policy, or clinical practice.

Continuing

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil would ordinarily be required to submit an application for a PhD in Medical Sciences by the early December application deadline (or earlier October deadline for Gates US applicants).

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.