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Postgraduate Study

Infection and Immunity represent an incredible challenge to global health and wealth and this programme offers exceptional training in this subject area. Recent advances in genomics and proteomics have emphasized how the pathogen:immune interface shapes the host environment and identified both host and pathogen genes implicated in disease. By studying these interactions, and the autoreactive potential of the immune response, we aim to improve our knowledge and understanding of the pathogenesis of immune and infectious disorders, and develop therapeutic strategies to benefit human health. No single student can be experienced in all these areas, but by providing rigorous training in a well-resourced scientific environment this programme will equip the next generation of scientists with the necessary skills and broad academic insight to bring novel and innovative approaches to the study of immunity and infection.

The aim of the four year PhD Programme in Immunity and Infection is to provide students with the training, cutting-edge skills and broad academic insight and expertise to bring novel and innovative approaches to the study of immune and infectious disorders. The 2019 opening of The Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID) provides a new and unique opportunity for postgraduate student training in immunity and infection - CITIID combines clinical and scientific expertise with state-of-the-art flow cytometry, proteomic, imaging and CL3 facilities.

The Programme is offering three fully funded studentships at the Home fee rate, for projects commencing in October 2025. International students may apply to the Programme, but will need to obtain funding and should therefore also apply to the University’s funding competition, by the relevant deadline. In addition to excellent research facilities, students will have access to a wide variety of training and researcher development activities, many of which are offered through the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences and the wider University.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of their PhD, students should: have a thorough knowledge of the literature and a comprehensive understanding of scientific methods and techniques applicable to their own research; be able to demonstrate 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; have self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems; be able to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of research; and have gained oral presentation and scientific writing skills.


Continuing

Those who wish to progress to this PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.


Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes 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.

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Key Information


3-4 Years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Medicine

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Jan. 7, 2025
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2025

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

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 7, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 16, 2024

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.


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