This is a four-year PhD programme in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) whereby students spend two years at Cambridge and two years at the NIH.
This innovative programme was established in 2002. Its aim is to train outstanding students in biomedical research, taking advantage of the excellent research environments available in Cambridge and at NIH laboratories in the US. Students work on collaborative projects organised by co-supervisors in Cambridge and the NIH, spending two years at each institution. Students have access to all NIH facilities and are paid a stipend by the NIH, which also pays the University fees, plus flights and insurance. In Cambridge they have access to all the University resources. The PhD is awarded by the University of Cambridge.
Learning outcomes
Students develop a collaborative PhD research project, guided by their Cambridge supervisors and by the NIH mentor.
At the end of their PhD course, 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 their application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
- Have developed the ability to critically evaluate current research and research techniques and methodologies;
- 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
The standard for continuers to commence this PhD course is subject to the host department's own admission criteria and separate enquiries should be made.
Those who wish to progress to a 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; and subject to successful application through the NIH programme selection process.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options.
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars
Practical, step-by-step information about preparing a strong application for postgraduate study. Find out more on the Discover Cambridge webpage.
Virtual Postgraduate Open Days
The November Open Days focus on subject and course information. Webinar recordings are available until May.
Events for international students
Join us for Q&A webinars, funding webinars or get in touch with our regional managers. Find out more about events for international students.
For more information about all upcoming events visit our events pages.
Departments
This course is advertised in the following departments:
- Department of Biochemistry
- Department of Pathology
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience
- Department of Zoology
- Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Wellcome Sanger Institute
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences
- Department of Genomic Medicine
- Department of Medicine
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Department of Oncology
- Department of Psychiatry
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care
- Department of Surgery
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit
- Department of Engineering