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Doctoral studies are carried out by science postgraduates, medical students combining clinical training with the PhD, and clinically qualified doctors undertaking scientific training. Each student conducts their PhD project under the direction of their principal Supervisor, with additional teaching and guidance provided by their wider supervisory team.
The PhD course provides:
- a period of a sustained, in-depth study of a specific topic
- an environment that encourages originality and creativity in research
- skills to enable a student to critically examine the background literature relevant to their specific research area
- the opportunity to develop skills in making and testing hypotheses, developing new theories, and planning and conducting experiments
- the opportunity to expand a student's knowledge of a research area, including its theoretical foundations and the specific techniques used to study it
- the opportunity to gain knowledge of the broader field of paediatric research
- an environment in which to develop skills in written work, oral presentation and publishing research results in high-profile scientific journals through constructive feedback
Postgraduate training is very different from undergraduate study. It is based on individual needs and abilities, is designed to help you to think clearly, originally and practically, and to prepare you for leadership in science.
Most research groups have weekly or fortnightly meetings in which all members discuss each other's work. You will be required to attend seminars and have the opportunity to attend scientific meetings. These bring you into direct contact with prominent and active scientists in your field from around the world. You will also give scientific talks yourself. You will be expected to attend courses, either directly related to your research or those that teach you related skills, such as how to write a scientific paper, use databases, interact with the media, and so on. Many of these courses are run by the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences, but Paediatrics has its own series of seminars.
Cambridge is an amazing place in which to learn how to do cutting-edge research and benefit from interaction with visiting speakers and collaborators from all over the world.
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 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:
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Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
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Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.