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

The primary aim is for our students to develop the skills required to submit an excellent MPhil thesis.

To that end, our students design and conduct robust and high quality experiments and then analyse the results of these experiments. Alternatively, students may apply sophisticated analyses to existing ‘big data’ sets from large cohort studies. In both cases, an important aim is for our students to learn to communicate their findings both in writing and orally to academic or lay audiences. 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, our experience is that an excellent MPhil results from asking a good question and the expertise of our supervisors in combination with the dedicated enthusiasm of our students.

Learning Outcomes

An important outcome is that our postgraduates will develop the research and technical skills required to be able to design and conduct robust, high quality experiments, implement appropriate analyses of results, and learn to communicate findings both in writing and orally. Another important outcome is for our students to be fluent and practiced in contemporary open science principles and methods. We furthermore endeavour to train our students in a broad range of transferable skills that will help ensure rewarding and successful careers in the profession of their eventual choosing - whether this is in academia, industry, policy, or clinical practice.

Continuing

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after successfully 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). They would need 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 end of October. 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.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.