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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

The PhD in Paediatrics is exclusively research-based.  We welcome informal dialogue to identify a suitable research area and Supervisor prior to your application.

One to one supervision

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University's expectations regarding supervision.

The amount of supervision you require may vary depending on your prior knowledge and your particular research project. Every student will be allocated a supervisory team comprising a principal Supervisor and an advisor, at minimum.

The Supervisor will provide written feedback to the student each term, with progress reports submitted online. The feedback will relate to the student's progress and include a specific comment on their research project. This will be discussed with the student in advance of the report's submission to the University.

Seminars & classes

Students will attend research group meetings where research results are presented and discussed. They will also be expected to attend journal clubs and research seminars within the University.

Lectures

Students may attend University lectures relevant to their area of research.

Journal clubs

Students are encouraged to attend the various journal clubs available throughout the research institutes in which they are based.

Posters and Presentations

Students are encouraged to present their research locally, nationally, and internationally, as and when appropriate. Opportunities to present locally are provided by the student's institute, the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences, the annual EBI-Sanger-Cambridge PhD Symposium and the annual Building Bridges in Medical Sciences conference.

Feedback

The Supervisor will provide feedback to the student at their regular meetings. The feedback will relate to the progress the student has made and specific comments on their research project. Following this, a termly report will be submitted to the University. These reports are accessible online to students.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

The examination for the PhD degree involves submitting a written thesis of not more than 60,000 words, followed by an oral examination based on both the thesis and the wider field of knowledge.

The oral examination is conducted by two examiners, usually one from the University and one external to the University of Cambridge.

Other

All PhD students are probationary in their first year. In the 10th month of the first year, students are required to submit a report, the purpose of which is to provide evidence of their suitability for registration for a PhD. This report will be assessed at an oral examination (viva) by two examiners, and the student will need to pass in order to be formally registered for the PhD and continue their studies.

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

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Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Paediatrics

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

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. 14, 2025
Course Starts
April 17, 2025

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

Michaelmas 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
May 16, 2025
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2025

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

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Oct. 2, 2025
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2026

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

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Jan. 14, 2026
Course Starts
April 17, 2026

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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