PhD in Medical Science (CRUK CI)

The decision to undertake a PhD at Cambridge is a life-changing one. It demonstrates a motivation to tackle the most difficult scientific problems. Pursuing a Cambridge PhD at the CRUK Cambridge Institute implies an additional commitment to addressing fundamental problems in cancer biology that will ultimately impact on the lives of patients. While we expect a very strong commitment from you, you should also expect from us a commitment to foster your development as an independent scientist.

We endeavour not just to train students to be good scientists, but to equip them with additional skills that will enhance a career in academia or provide opportunities to apply their training in other areas. Postgraduate students have the opportunity to attend numerous courses run by the Institute, the University and the School of Clinical Medicine.

We expect our students to take ownership of their project, driving it forward with assistance from other members of the Institute, which encourages each student to develop the skills they need to become a successful independent researcher. Within four years of commencing study, students are supported to submit their thesis, and to prepare their research findings for publication in scientific journals.

Learning Outcomes

Our goal is to train the scientific leaders of tomorrow, but this does not presuppose that such leadership must be exercised in academic science or even through the practice of science. We explicitly recognise the value of rigorous postgraduate training not only for the pursuit of a career in academia, but also for what that brings to careers in industry, public policy, law, and communications, to name only a few.

Obtaining a PhD from Cambridge is a tremendous accomplishment, and we endeavour to make obtaining a PhD from CRUK CI a rich and valuable experience.

Our students will gain the following skills:

Establishing a hypothesis and identifying the most appropriate experimental techniques and design to test it.

Designing and carrying out suitably controlled experiments, followed by data analysis and interpretation.

In discussion with their research team, reading and critically evaluating scientific papers in their field of interest and using this as a basis to identify a crucial question suitable for PhD study.

Precisely documenting their experimental aims, details and results, and presenting their findings to colleagues at weekly lab meetings.

Developing the ability to present their research effectively in public.

Understanding the principles of research integrity and its paramount importance in the research environment.

In addition to the necessary scientific skills, acquiring proficiency in collaboration, communication and time management.

Continuing

Those who wish to progress to a CRUK CI PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, the Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

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