Teaching
The PhD course at the Bennett School is a research-based degree which involves independent work by the student under the guidance of a supervisor whose research expertise falls within the aims of the planned PhD research.
PhD students will be encouraged to develop their research skills, techniques, and thinking further, and will be expected to attend relevant training skills opportunities provided across the University.
| One to one supervision |
Every PhD student in the Bennett School is supported by a supervisor. Supervisors are experts in their field of study, and support students throughout the PhD, meeting with them regularly to discuss the progress of their research. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University's expectations regarding supervision. |
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| Seminars & classes |
The Bennett School holds regular seminars and events, and PhD students will be strongly encouraged to participate in these events, and the wider research culture of the School. |
| Posters and Presentations |
PhD students will be expected to give a short presentation on their research during their first and second years to members of the Bennett School. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Entirely Research
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Feedback
Students will receive feedback through the first-year review exercise, first-year and second-year student presentations, supervisions, and their supervisor's termly reports.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Successful completion of the doctoral programme involves the submission of a thesis not exceeding 80,000 words (including footnotes, references and appendices, but excluding bibliographies) and an oral examination (viva voce).
Other
All first-year students are required to participate in a review exercise at the end of their first year (third term). Part-time students will complete this review exercise at a proportionally later date, at the end of their third term.
The review exercise will involve the submission of a 10,000-word report which will be reviewed by two members of academic staff. Students and reviewers will meet to discuss the content of the report, their current progress and future research plans. The PhD first year review aims to consider general academic progress on the thesis, to help students plan their fieldwork, and to assess the intellectual standard of the report submitted for review. Following successful completion of the review exercise at the end of their probationary period, students will be formally registered for the PhD.