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Teaching
The PhD degree is essentially a full-time research course, and there are no formally assessed lecture courses.
First-year PhD students are expected to attend an induction programme and a number of short courses covering research skills. Student journal club and presentation sessions operate weekly during the term. The total number of course and journal/presentation hours involved is approximately 40 in the first year of the PhD.
Acquiring knowledge of research in a broad range of astrophysics is an integral part of the PhD. In addition to specific PhD-related talks and discussions, students are expected to attend two weekly seminars or colloquia during the term.
| One to one supervision | The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
|---|---|
| Journal clubs | First-year PhD students are expected to attend a weekly Journal Club session during term time. |
| Posters and Presentations | First-year PhD students are expected to attend a weekly Presentation Practice session during term time. |
Feedback
Students can expect to receive an online feedback report each term and have the opportunity to submit a self-evaluation report annually.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The PhD degree is awarded primarily on the quality of a thesis of not more than 60,000 words, constituting a substantial contribution to original research. The thesis is assessed critically by two examiners who then conduct an oral examination of the subject of the thesis and the general field within which it falls.
Other
Formal registration for the PhD degree occurs at the end of the first year. Students complete a report of no more than 10,000 words describing their work during the year and a proposal for the research to be undertaken during the second and third years. Two assessors examine the report, including a viva examination with the student. Following submission and examination of a satisfactory report, students are formally registered for the PhD degree, backdated to the date they began their research.
As an aid to progressing with PhD research, students also submit short reports on their work in each subsequent year. On each occasion, students meet with two assessors to discuss progress and review plans for future research.