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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

One to one supervision

Students are expected to have regular meetings with their Supervisor. In addition, students are assigned an adviser who is a second point of contact regarding academic advice. Students should expect to receive online supervision reports at least termly and will have regular meetings with their Supervisor, who will provide feedback and advice.

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University's expectations regarding supervision.

Seminars & classes

Students are expected to attend weekly departmental seminars. Students also undertake transferable skills training as part of the Researcher Development Programme organised through the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences.

Lectures

During the first year, students are expected to consult their Principal Supervisor and select ~ 10 IMS-MRL lectures to attend. They are welcome to attend further lectures throughout their studies.

Posters and Presentations

Students participate in and present their data at regular lab group meetings and at the annual IMS-MRL Student Symposium. They may also give 'internal' presentations as part of the regular IMS-MRL seminar series.

All students are expected to attend local and national meetings, where they will also have the opportunity to present posters or give a short talk on their research. Most students also have the opportunity to attend at least one international conference during their PhD.

Taught/Research Balance Entirely Research

Feedback

All students should receive regular feedback on performance from their Supervisor during the project itself and can expect to receive an online feedback report each term.

The Supervisor will provide written feedback to the student each term, with progress reports submitted online. The feedback will relate to the student's progress and include a specific comment on their research project.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

The student is expected to submit a thesis not to exceed 60,000 words within four years of starting study (or part-time equivalent). Post-submission, two examiners will examine the student orally on the content of the thesis and on the wider research area.

Other

All PhD students are probationary in their first year and are required to undergo formal assessment (by written report and viva) at the end of their first year, which they must pass. Students are expected to submit the written report within nine months of commencing study (or part-time equivalent). The student is examined orally on the content of this report and their understanding of the wider research field and future research plans.

If successful, the student moves from 'probationary' to being formally registered for the PhD and can proceed with their project.

During the Summer of their first year, students are required to present a poster on their work at the annual Student Symposium. During the Summer of their second year, students give a short oral presentation at the same symposium.

In their penultimate year before thesis submission, students are required to submit a Thesis Planning document to the Postgraduate Education Committee for approval.

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Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Clinical Biochemistry

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Oct. 2, 2025
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2026

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Jan. 14, 2026
Course Starts
April 17, 2026

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Michaelmas 2026

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
April 15, 2026
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2026

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Oct. 1, 2026
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2027

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Jan. 14, 2027
Course Starts
April 17, 2027

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 2, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas , Lent and Easter .


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