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Teaching
The MPhil in Medical Science course is pursued exclusively by research. The project and supervisor are determined during the application process. In addition to the Principal Supervisor, it is likely that the student will also be appointed a day-to-day supervisor who is able to provide hands-on assistance. Given the interdisciplinary nature of some of the projects, students will also be expected to seek guidance from other colleagues including postdocs and Core Facilities staff. Students will participate in the Institute's weekly seminar programme, lab meetings, journal clubs and training courses.
| One to one supervision | The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. The amount of supervision you require may vary depending on your prior knowledge and on your particular research experience. Formal supervision is likely to be around one hour per week, plus also day-to-day supervision in the lab. It is the student's responsibility to book regular meetings with their supervisor. The supervisor will provide written feedback to the student each term with progress reports submitted online. The feedback will relate to the progress the student has made and include a specific comment on their research project. This will be discussed with the student in advance of the submission of the report to the University. |
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| Seminars & classes | All postgraduate students are encouraged to participate in informal and interactive weekly training opportunities at the Institute, aimed at enhancing their academic and research skills. The training programme has been designed in response to requests from our students and includes a range of sessions including:
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| Lectures | Students are encouraged to attend the weekly Wednesday Lunchtime Seminars (internal), and the Lectures in Cancer Biology and Medicine run by the CRUK Cambridge Centre. |
| Journal clubs | Journal clubs are set up for students within our Research Groups and by the student society, GradSoc. The frequency varies and students are in addition invited to organise one-off events, in collaboration with senior scientists, on a particular publication of interest. |
| Literature Reviews | There are no formal literature review requirements, but students are expected to read around their research topic both independently and as advised by their supervisor. |
| Posters and Presentations | Students will give a 15-minute presentation to introduce their research project around month five of their MPhil, which is followed by a short Q&A. Training on delivering a public talk is provided as part of the Postgraduate Training Programme. |
| Taught/Research Balance | Entirely Research |
Feedback
Students should expect to receive ongoing feedback from the members of their supervisory team. This could take place during one-to-one meetings, or during lab meetings. In addition, students will receive a termly online report prepared by their Principal Supervisor.
The Academic Development Partner is also a point of contact to discuss students' progress with them, and is available for individual one-to-one meetings via a booking system.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The course is examined by thesis and oral examination. The thesis must be no longer than 20,000 words, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices; and must satisfy the examiners that the candidate can design and carry out an original investigation, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place their work in a wider subject perspective.
Students will be examined on the content of their thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which their research is placed.