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Teaching
One to one supervision | The number of regular one-on-one meetings with your supervisor varies considerably between students and throughout the course study. Normally, it is expected that you see your supervisor at least twice a term to review your progress. At the start of your course, you should agree with your supervisor how often you meet, who initiates meetings and how you are expected to prepare. However, group research is common at the department and a supervisor, their students and postdoctoral researchers will frequently work alongside each other on a daily basis. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. The supervisor will provide written feedback to the student each term with progress reports submitted online. The feedback will relate to the progress the student has made and include a specific comment on their research project. This will be discussed with the student in advance of the submission of the report to the University. |
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Seminars & classes | Students are likely to attend research group meetings where research results are presented and discussed. |
Lectures | Students are expected to attend the weekly Radiology Forum lecture. |
Practicals | Students may be involved in the recruitment of patients onto trials and help to monitor their progress. Depending on their training, students may also undertake some basic procedures, such as sample collection. |
Posters and Presentations | There are radiology conferences in the UK and overseas throughout the year, and when their research is sufficiently developed they could be presenting research talks and posters. |
Taught/Research Balance | Entirely Research |
Placements
If a student has sponsorship from an external funder it is possible that they will spend time at one of the funder's R&D facilities.
Feedback
The supervisor will provide written feedback to the student each term, with progress reports submitted online. The feedback will relate to the progress the student has made as well as specific comments on their research project. This will be discussed with the student in advance of the submission of the report.
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, 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.