Teaching
The course is exclusively by research
| 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, with day-to-day supervision provided by postdocs in the lab. It is the student's responsibility to book regular meetings with their supervisor. Students will appoint a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) in conjunction with their Principal Supervisor at the beginning of their second year, which will meet with them annually from year two to year four of their PhD. The TAC consists of the student's Principal Supervisor, an additional CRUK CI Group Leader and an external member from the wider University and its Partner Institutes, or further afield. The Principal 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 comments on their research project. An Academic Advisor will also be appointed as part of the supervisory team, who can act as a source of advice on matters relating to the research project and research environment, and provide supervisory cover if needed. |
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| Seminars & classes |
All postgraduate students are encouraged to participate in informal and interactive training opportunities at the Institute, aimed at enhancing their academic and research skills. The Postgraduate Training Programme has been designed in response to requests from our students and includes a range of sessions including:
In addition, the Institute hosts weekly Wednesday Lunchtime Seminars, the Quantitative Biology Seminar Series, and monthly Seminars in Cancer. Students are also invited to attend the CRUK Cancer Centre's weekly Lectures in Cancer Biology and Medicine. |
| 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 on a particular publication of interest, in collaboration with senior scientists. |
| 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 are asked to give presentations to the Institute as part of the Wednesday Lunchtime Seminar series. These serve to update their colleagues on their research progress and are a chance to interact with researchers outside their lab. In their first year, students will give a 5-minute presentation to introduce their research project, followed by a short Q&A. In their second year, students give a one-minute flash talk followed by a poster session; and in their third year, they give a 15-minute presentation with Q&A. Training on giving presentations, and on making a poster, is provided by the Postgraduate Training Programme. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Entirely Research
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Placements
Students occasionally have the opportunity to undertake short-term placements away from the Institute in the course of their PhD research. These must be agreed with their supervisor and the Academic Development Partner.
Feedback
Students will receive ongoing feedback from all members of their supervisory team, including members of their Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC). This may take place during one-to-one meetings, TAC meetings or lab meetings. In addition, students can expect to receive a termly online report prepared by their Principal Supervisor.
The Academic Development Partner is a point of contact to discuss progress, and is available for one-to-one meetings via a booking system, or ad hoc drop-ins.
The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
PhD students are expected to submit a thesis of no more than 60,000 words within three to four years of commencing full-time study, within five to seven years of commencing 60% part-time study, and within four years to 16 terms of commencing 75% part-time study. Post-submission, the student will be examined orally by two examiners, normally one internal from the University or its Partner Institutes, and one external, on the content of the thesis and on the wider research area.
For more information about PhD assessment, please visit the University's Requirements for research degrees page.
Other
All PhD students are admitted with probationary status in their first year and are required to undergo a formal First Year Assessment by written report and oral examination after nine months (or the part-time equivalent), which they must pass. Continuation into their second year of study (or the part-time equivalent) is dependent on passing this assessment.
Their two examiners will normally be from CRUK CI and the wider University, and will be keen to explore the student's suitability for PhD study and the viability of their project. As well as the content of their report, students will be examined on their understanding of the wider research field and their future research plans.
Having successfully passed the First Year Assessment, students move from probationary status to formal registration for the PhD degree. It is expected that they will be registered for the PhD by the start of their second year.