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Teaching
| One to one supervision | The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. 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. 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 and thesis committee and to prepare in advance to make the meetings as effective as possible. |
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| Seminars & classes | All postgraduate students are encouraged to participate in informal and interactive weekly training opportunities in the Institute aimed at enhancing their academic and research skills. The training programme is designed in response to requests from our students and in the past has included poster design, oral presentation skills, R training, entrepreneurship, collaborating with industry and careers advice. |
| Lectures | Two hours per week |
| Journal clubs | Twelve hours per term |
| Posters and Presentations | Each year, all students are expected to make a presentation to the Institute to update their colleagues on their research progress. In the first year, this takes the form of a brief oral presentation, to introduce their research projects. In the second year, students give a flash talk followed by a poster presentation. In the third and fourth years, students make a 30-minute oral presentation. Prior training is given on making all types of presentations. |
Feedback
The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.
Students should expect to receive ongoing feedback from all members of their supervisory team, including members of their thesis advisory committees. This could take place during one-on-one meetings, committee meetings or during lab meetings. In addition, students can expect to receive a termly online report prepared by their principal supervisor.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The student is expected to submit a thesis, of no more than 60,000 words, within four years of commencing study (full-time). Post-submission, the student will be examined orally by two examiners on the content of the thesis and on the wider research area.
Other
The student is expected to give a brief oral presentation (15–20 minutes) to the Institute within four months of commencing study. This allows the student to introduce themselves to all colleagues in the Institute and to engage them in their research project.
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.
Every student is expected to submit a first-year report within nine months of commencing study. The student is then examined orally on the content of the report and on their understanding of the wider research field and their future research plans. If successful, the student moves from being 'probationary' to being formally registered for the PhD and can proceed with their project.