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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 academic adviser, 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. |
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| 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
Examination for the PhD degree involves submission of a written thesis of not more than 60,000 words in length, exclusive of figures, photographs, tables, appendices and bibliography. The thesis should provide evidence that the student can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspectives of the subject.
Thesis submission is followed by an oral examination (viva) based on both the thesis and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research. The viva is conducted by two examiners, at least one of whom will be external to the University.
Other
All PhD students are probationary in their first year. In the 10th month of the first year (or part-time equivalent), 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.