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Teaching
The PhD degree in surgery is exclusively research-based. The research area and supervisor will be confirmed during the application process. Students will conduct their research with both University and NHS specialists in their field of study and may be co-supervised by someone on the Addenbrooke's Hospital staff.
| One to one supervision | Students should expect to receive regular supervision from their principal supervisor, and to attend regular lab meetings, both on a weekly 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 encouraged to attend research lectures and seminars on a range of biomedical subject areas, both on campus and in the wider University of Cambridge. |
| Practicals | Students are expected to spend the majority of their study time pursuing basic and/or clinical research in the laboratories and in the department. Students undertaking clinical research projects 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. |
| Small group teaching | There may be an opportunity to participate in small-group teaching if this is relevant to the student's project. More general small-group teaching may be available. |
| Literature Reviews | Students are expected to undertake a literature review relevant to their chosen research project. |
| Posters and Presentations | There are relevant conferences in the UK and overseas throughout the year. If a student has developed their research to a sufficient level to coincide with a relevant conference, then there could be the opportunity to present a poster or deliver an oral presentation. In addition, there are periodic student-oriented events throughout the Biomedical Campus, including poster competitions in which students are encouraged to participate. |
Feedback
The supervisor will provide feedback to the student each term. The feedback will relate to the progress the student has made as well as specific comment 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. This is followed by an oral examination based on both the thesis and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research. 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.
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.