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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

During their PhD the students are based in a research group, supported by their primary supervisor and the CIMR Postgraduate Education Committee. There is no taught and examined course work, but students are expected to take part in core topic discussion sessions held once a week by PIs in CIMR. Along with the specific research training provided in the laboratory in which the student works, students receive further training within the CIMR in the form of postgraduate workshops concentrating on research techniques, research seminars both on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and elsewhere in the University, and postgraduate student seminars dealing with generic skills such as intellectual property rights, writing a thesis or paper, and entrepreneurship.

One to one supervision

Students are supervised on a day-to-day basis either by their Primary Supervisor or a designated supervisor.  The number of hours of supervision will vary from supervisor to supervisor.

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.

Seminars & classes

Students can attend a variety of core topic sessions, seminars, talks and workshops within CIMR, the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences and elsewhere in the University.

Small group teaching

Regular lab meetings within the research group.

Journal clubs

This varies according to the lab the student has chosen.

Posters and Presentations

In their second year students are required to present a poster and throughout their PhD they will give research talks within CIMR and at the Research Retreat.

Feedback

Students receive feedback regarding their progress in the form of on-line termly reports from their supervisor.

Additional verbal feedback will be provided frequently by the project supervisor as part of the day-to-day supervision and in regular lab meetings.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

The word limit for PhD thesis is 60,000, although students may request an extension up to 80,000 words. The thesis is examined by viva with two examiners.

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.

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

In their second year, students are required to present a poster, which is assessed by their postgraduate adviser and a CIMR PI. 

In their third year, students are required to present a talk on their research at the CIMR Summer Symposium

Throughout their PhD, students will give research talks within CIMR and at the Research Retreat. In addition, they can take part in events and competitions organised within the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences and the University.

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Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Cambridge Institute for Medical Research This course is advertised in multiple departments. Please see the Overview tab for more details.

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Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Oct. 4, 2023
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2024

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

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Jan. 15, 2024
Course Starts
April 17, 2024

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

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
May 16, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

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

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Oct. 2, 2024
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2025

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

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Jan. 15, 2025
Course Starts
April 17, 2025

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

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 4, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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