Teaching
At the start of the doctoral journey, students participate in the Faculty's Pathways to Research programme which provides practical support for navigating Cambridge and their research. The sessions foster a vibrant learning community where students can connect with fellow researchers and established scholars.
Students will develop an individual programme of researcher development that draws on resources across the University of Cambridge and beyond, specific to their project's needs and their career aspirations. While the PhD is a research-focused degree and formal opportunities for students to develop their teaching practices are therefore limited, some opportunities exist within the University to engage with undergraduate supervision and teaching assistance.
Students are expected to attend the University in person for approximately 45 days each academic year, to receive supervision, attend the weekend seminars, and take part in other relevant activities.
| One to one supervision |
The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University's expectations regarding supervision. Students are expected to meet with their supervisors at regular intervals throughout their PhD, which they determine together. Students are also assigned an Academic Adviser as a second point of contact for more general academic advice. |
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| Taught/Research Balance |
Predominantly Research
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Feedback
Following their registration viva towards the end of the second year part-time, students receive written feedback from their adviser and a second independent assessor.
Throughout the PhD, formative feedback is provided through supervisions. At the end of each term, supervisors write an online report which can be viewed by the student via the Postgraduate Feedback and Reporting System.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The PhD is examined by a written thesis and a viva (oral examination), which all students must attend following the submission of a PhD thesis. The word limit for the PhD thesis is 80,000 words, excluding front matter, appendices, and reference list or bibliography.
Other
All PhD students are admitted with probationary status.
Towards the end of the second year of study, doctoral candidates complete a formal assessment known as the registration exercise. This process allows the Faculty to assess progress and consider the student for registration to a doctoral research degree.
As part of the registration exercise, students submit a written progress report outlining the research completed to date, reviewing relevant academic literature, and setting out how the PhD will develop over the remaining period of study (i.e. an extended research proposal).
The report is reviewed by two assessors and is examined through an oral examination, known as the registration viva. Progression and formal registration for the PhD depend on a successful outcome of this review. Students are only formally registered for the PhD once they have passed the registration viva and completed any required revisions to their report as specified by the assessors.