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We offer our MPhil degree full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months.
This is a research-based degree during which students undertake a research project and produce a thesis. Assessment is by oral examination based on the thesis and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research.
Each student is assigned a principal supervisor who oversees their research project and an adviser who provides additional support. Our postgraduate student administrator acts as the first point of contact for any student with a query or difficulty that is not directly related to their scientific work. All student matters in the department are overseen by our Director of Postgraduate Education and the Cancer Biology Postgraduate Education Committee.
Most research training is provided within the structure of the student’s research group and informal opportunities to develop research skills are available through mentoring by other members of staff and fellow students. All students are encouraged to attend scientific meetings, seminars and postgraduate courses relevant to their area of interest. They are also expected to participate in journal clubs and lab meetings and to take advantage of the numerous and varied opportunities including transferable skills training offered by the University.
The MPhil course is designed to produce postgraduates with rigorous research and analytical skills, who are exceptionally well equipped to go on to doctoral study, postgraduate research, or employment in industry and the public service.
The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge and aims to provide them with:
- relevant experience at a first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; and
- the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the degree course students will have demonstrated:
- a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
- 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;
- ability to critically evaluate current research, research techniques and methodologies;
- self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.
Continuing
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.
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.