The Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) is one of the leading research institutions in the UK. The Institute’s mission is to determine the molecular mechanisms of disease in order to advance human health, and the working environment emphasises collaboration between basic and clinician scientists, meaning the students can learn from multiple different approaches to biomedical problems. There are 24 research groups working across three research themes (protein folding and quality control, membrane trafficking and organelle biology) and three disease areas where these fundamental processes are disturbed (rare genetic disease, neurological disease, and intracellular infection).

Students at CIMR benefit from a wealth of seminars, core topic sessions and workshops held in CIMR by outstanding world-leading researchers, providing a broad scientific education. Our students receive expert training in state-of-the-art technologies through our core research facilities, and also have diverse opportunities to communicate their research findings and develop collaborative networks at, for example, the annual CIMR Research Retreat. There are also opportunities for training and involvement in public engagement with research, which is a particular area of focus.

CIMR welcomes applications from postgraduates to undertake research towards an MPhil in any of the labs based in CIMR. We admit those applicants who meet the academic admissions criteria and whose research interests match those of an available member of the academic staff who is willing to act as the student's supervisor. We believe that research is most effective when it reflects the widest possible diversity of ideas and inspiration, so we welcome applications from individuals from groups that are traditionally under-represented in scientific research. Applicants are required to contact potential supervisors directly in the first instance, to discuss their application and funding possibilities. A list of CIMR PIs can be found on the CIMR website.

The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:

• to give students with relevant experience at a first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; and
• to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of their MPhil, students will have:

• a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
• demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
• shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
• demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Continuation from MPhil to PhD is possible although it is not automatic. All cases are judged on their own merits based on a number of factors, including evidence of progress and research potential; a sound research proposal; the availability of a suitable supervisor and of resources required for the research; and acceptance by the head of department and the degree committee.

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Days usually take place at the beginning of November. 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.

Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments: