Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

Postgraduate Study

 

During this three-year research programme (which does not include a one-year master’s degree), students undertake a period of supervised research and are expected to submit a thesis for examination within their fourth year at the latest. Students also attend relevant lectures and seminars and participate in skills development activities.

The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:

  • to give students with relevant experience the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under supervision; and
  • to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

In addition to the research training provided within the Department, as part of the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences students, will have access to courses to widen their experience and to enable them to acquire generic skills.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Students are based in a research group and undertake a research project under the supervision of a principal investigator. A wide range of generic and specific skill courses are available. Students attend induction and safety training run by the Department.

There is no examined coursework but student progression is dependent upon the first-year assessment process where students are required to submit a first-year report and undertake a viva voce examination. Students are only registered for the PhD upon satisfactory performance in the first-year assessment.

In their second year, students present their work as a poster at the Departmental Annual Symposium. Third year students are expected to present their work as part of the Postgraduate Seminar Series and students approaching submission are asked if they would like to present in the Department-wide Valedictory Seminar Series.

Assessment for the PhD is by a written thesis and an oral examination.

The course will equip its postgraduates with a wide range of skills and knowledge. They will receive training in research and the ability to conduct independent research. They will have gained research experience through having planned, executed and evaluated an original investigative piece of work through a major thesis. They will develop the ability to critically appraise scientific literature and to present research data at conferences and seminars. They will cultivate their intellectual skills and develop transferable skills.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired excellent skills, experience and knowledge to undertake postdoctoral work (research, teaching or both) or another related profession outside academia.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Course closed for this cycle: Past and Future Climates is no longer accepting applications for this cycle. It is expected to re-open for new applications in early September.

This MPhil offers a 10-month programme of advanced study and research into the natural and anthropogenic causes of past, present and future climate variability. The course is intended for students with a strong first degree in in Physical Geography, Earth Science or related fields.

The curriculum will:

  • enable students to acquire a critical and well-informed understanding of the accepted and contested academic understanding of climate change through Earth's history;

  • provide a comprehensive background of climate variability on different time scales, in order to reconcile climate model simulations from a quantitative perspective;

  • give students the opportunity to acquire advanced subject expertise, and transferable skills, relevant to their research interests and career goals;

  • equip students for dealing with complex social, political and scientific issues, in the presence of incomplete data, and communicate their positions to specialist and non-specialist audiences;

  • provide the prerequisite exposure and familiarity with the many physical tools and techniques used in climate science and palaeoclimatology to prepare students for either pursuit of a Doctoral degree or professional position.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Students will acquire:

  • a comprehensive understanding of Earth’s climate history and variability;
  • a proficiency in applying the many analytical and numerical tools used to acquire climatic and paleoclimatic data, as well as the skills to make objective interpretation of results and communicate findings in a scholarly manner;
  • the practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to advance knowledge in this field;
  • the ability to critically evaluate current research and methodologies and, where appropriate, propose new hypotheses to build upon previous knowledge.

Skills and other attributes

Students will obtain:

  • the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions cogently to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
  • proficiency in a range of analytical and numerical tools, IT resources, experience in survey methods, statistical methods, and a range of climate, paleoclimatic and environmental concepts.

Continuing

Admission to the PhD following the MPhil is not automatic and if you wish to be considered for the PhD in Geography you must:

  • apply for and meet the criteria for admission to the PhD via the normal University admissions process
  • obtain a good pass level in the MPhil and in your dissertation
  • demonstrate your suitability to undertake a PhD, and submit a suitable research proposal
  • have the pre-agreement of an available and suitable supervisor to supervise your PhD research proposal

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Please visit the Department of Geography website to sign up for programme specific Q&A sessions.

Doctoral studies are carried out by science postgraduates, medical students combining clinical training with the PhD, and clinically qualified doctors undertaking scientific training. Each student conducts their PhD project under the direction of their principal Supervisor, with additional teaching and guidance provided by their wider supervisory team.

The PhD course provides:

  • a period of a sustained, in-depth study of a specific topic
  • an environment that encourages originality and creativity in research
  • skills to enable a student to critically examine the background literature relevant to their specific research area
  • the opportunity to develop skills in making and testing hypotheses, developing new theories, and planning and conducting experiments
  • the opportunity to expand a student's knowledge of a research area, including its theoretical foundations and the specific techniques used to study it
  • the opportunity to gain knowledge of the broader field of paediatric research
  • an environment in which to develop skills in written work, oral presentation and publishing research results in high-profile scientific journals through constructive feedback

Postgraduate training is very different from undergraduate study. It is based on individual needs and abilities, is designed to help you to think clearly, originally and practically, and to prepare you for leadership in science.

Most research groups have weekly or fortnightly meetings in which all members discuss each other's work. You will be required to attend seminars and have the opportunity to attend scientific meetings. These bring you into direct contact with prominent and active scientists in your field from around the world. You will also give scientific talks yourself. You will be expected to attend courses, either directly related to your research or those that teach you related skills, such as how to write a scientific paper, use databases, interact with the media, and so on. Many of these courses are run by the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences, but Paediatrics has its own series of seminars.

Cambridge is an amazing place in which to learn how to do cutting-edge research and benefit from interaction with visiting speakers and collaborators from all over the world.

Learning outcomes

During the course, PhD students will be expected to:

  • read and assimilate relevant background information;
  • formulate a clear and well-defined hypothesis;
  • design an experimental strategy to address the hypothesis;
  • acquire the necessary skills and carry out laboratory work;
  • interpret experimental data appropriately and draw sound conclusions;
  • and write a suitably detailed and formatted thesis.

Continuing

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


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The PhD in Oncology is a research based course offered over 3 to 4 years full-time, or over 4 to 7 years part-time. It is designed to produce postgraduates with rigorous research and analytical skills, who are exceptionally well equipped to go on to doctoral study, postgraduate research, or employment in industry and the public sector.

Students undertake a bespoke research project, which is agreed with their Principal Supervisor during the application process.

PhD students are initially on probation, with progression to the PhD being dependent on passing a formal First Year Assessment (FYA); this involves submission of a written progress report which is then assessed by oral examination conducted by two assessors. Full-time PhD students are on probation during their first year and must pass their FYA before they enter their second year of study. Part-time students are on probation for their first two years and must pass their FYA before they enter their third year of study.

Both full-time and part-time students are also required to produce regular written progress reports throughout the course of their degree.

At the end of their course, students produce a thesis of 60,000 words maximum, followed by an oral examination based on both their thesis and a broader knowledge of their chosen area of research.

Most research training is provided within the structure of the student’s research group and informal opportunities to develop research skills are available through mentoring by other members of staff and fellow students. All students are encouraged to attend scientific meetings, seminars and postgraduate courses relevant to their area of interest. They are also expected to participate in journal clubs and lab meetings and to take advantage of the numerous and varied training opportunities offered by the University.

Each student is assigned a Principal Supervisor who oversees their research project and an Adviser who provides additional support. Our Postgraduate Administrator acts as the first point of contact for any student with a query or difficulty not directly related to their scientific work. All student matters in the department are overseen by our Director of Postgraduate Education and the Cancer Biology Postgraduate Education Committee.

The PhD course provides students with:

  • a period of sustained in-depth study of a specific topic.
  • an environment that encourages originality and creativity in their research.
  • skills to enable them to critically examine the background literature relevant to their specific research area.
  • the opportunity to develop skills in making and testing hypotheses, in developing new theories, and in planning and conducting experiments.
  • the opportunity to expand their knowledge of their research area, including its theoretical foundations and the specific techniques used to study it.
  • the opportunity to gain knowledge of the broader field of cancer research.
  • an environment in which to develop skills in written work, oral presentation and publishing the results of their research in high-profile scientific journals, through constructive feedback of written work and oral presentations.

Learning outcomes

At the end of their PhD course, students should:

  • have a thorough knowledge of the literature and a comprehensive understanding of scientific methods and techniques applicable to their own research.
  • be able to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field.
  • have developed the ability to critically evaluate current research and research techniques and methodologies.
  • have self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.
  • be able to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.
  • have gained oral presentation and scientific writing skills.

Continuing

Continuation from the MPhil to the PhD degree is possible, but not automatic. Each case is considered on an individual basis and is dependent on a number of factors, including:

  • obtaining a minimum of a 'pass' in a relevant research based MPhil degree.
  • evidence of progress and research potential.
  • a sound research proposal.
  • availability of a suitable Principal Supervisor.
  • availability of resources required for the research.
  • approval by the Departmental Director of Postgraduate Education, Clinical School Degree Committee, College and University Student Registry.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has two broad areas of research activity. The first covers the use of large population sample and data sets to identify key predictive features associated with human pregnancy, such as intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labour and perinatal death.

The second major area focuses on the cellular and molecular aspects of the growth of the placenta and its interaction with the endometrium. This includes a detailed investigation of the immune dialogue occurring between the fetal and maternal compartments. Genetic and epigenetic modulation of placental function is also a key area within this field. Modern genomic methods are utilised in both human samples and in genetically manipulated animal models.

This interdisciplinary work involves complex teams of molecular and cellular biologists, anatomists, mathematicians, bioinformaticians, statisticians and clinician-scientists.

The aim of the PhD is to carry out a research project which contributes new knowledge to the field.

The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:

  • to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; and
  • to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

Learning outcomes

During the course of this study, programme students will be expected to:

  • read and assimilate relevant background information;
  • formulate a clear and well-defined hypothesis;
  • design an experimental strategy to address the hypothesis;
  • acquire the necessary skills and carry out laboratory work;
  • interpret experimental data appropriately and draw sound conclusions; and
  • write a suitably detailed and formatted thesis.

Continuing

Applicants currently taking the MPhil in Medical Science (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) and applying to continue to a PhD will be required to pass the MPhil satisfactorily and in a timely manner.

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


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Course closed for this cycle: Obesity, Endocrinology and Metabolism is no longer accepting applications for this cycle. It is expected to re-open for new applications in early September.

Obesity and its metabolic consequences are major and growing threats to public health. Although obesity is not a “new” disease, its prevalence has been increasing dramatically in developed and developing countries. Current projections from the World Obesity Federation and International Diabetes Federation predict that by 2030, 1 billion people will be living with obesity and 642 million will be living with diabetes across the world.

The design of successful management strategies for obesity and related metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes depends on better understanding the fundamental mechanisms of appetite and energy balance, and how obesity leads to adverse downstream metabolic consequences. Indeed, we are currently witnessing a surge in the development of new and effective therapies based on dramatic advances in our mechanistic understanding of energy balance regulation.

The Institute of Metabolic Science is offering a full-time taught MPhil in Obesity, Endocrinology & Metabolism, with an overarching goal of providing students with in-depth cutting-edge knowledge of the physiology and pathophysiology of energy balance and metabolism, and both current and future therapeutic opportunities. Students will also undertake a 32-week research project in a world-leading laboratory. Research projects available to students will span the full range of expertise at the Institute of Metabolic Science including molecular and cell biology, mouse models, human physiology, genomics, computational biology, and state-of-the-art technologies.

The main educational aims of the course are to:

  • to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; and
  • to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students will be able to:

  • demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the underlying causes and consequences of obesity and associated endocrine and metabolic disorders, through attendance at and engagement with the lecture series;
  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the background to their selected research project including the research methods and methods of data analysis used;
  • demonstrate a broad understanding of modern research techniques applicable to metabolic research from a series of technical lectures;
  • demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical approaches relevant to their specialisation and training in critical thinking in the area, assessed by the written and oral presentations;
  • analyse critically research literature and contemporary topics in the areas of their specialisation, and present such analyses in written and oral formats;
  • demonstrate expertise in research methods, data analysis and statistics, and application of the methods to interpret the data collected during the research project;
  • demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with the practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field, obtained through undertaking the prolonged research project;
  • demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving approaches to experimental data;
  • participate in scientific discourse through written material, oral and poster presentations;
  • explain the importance and impact of topics in their area of specialisation to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
  • have a broad overview of research in medical science as well as career opportunities both in research and industry.

Continuing

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


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Course closed for this cycle: Nuclear Energy is no longer accepting applications for this cycle. It is expected to re-open for new applications in early September.

The MPhil programme in Nuclear Energy, offered by the Department of Engineering in collaboration with the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre is a one-year full-time nuclear technology master's programme for engineers and scientists who wish to make a difference to the problems of climate change and energy security by developing nuclear power generation.

This programme was created in response to the emerging nuclear renaissance in the UK and around the world. In order to realise significant nuclear ambitions, a growing workforce of nuclear-skilled people is required. As well as a thorough education in technical aspects of nuclear energy, the course includes a grounding in the wider policy environment in which nuclear energy sits. It is also a highly flexible course, so that students may tailor the degree to suit their backgrounds, needs and preferences. Some students choose to focus entirely on engineering, while others choose options with greater weight on policy, economics, management or finance. This flexibility reflects the wide and varied needs of the nuclear industry.

The course is designed to cater not only to students wishing to enter the nuclear and energy industries, but also to those considering career paths in areas such as nuclear proliferation prevention, radiological protection, nuclear governance, nuclear medicine and health physics. While the prime focus of the course is to equip students for roles in industry, there is also a substantial research element in the course which would prepare students for a PhD programme.

Learning outcomes

The course will equip its graduates with a wide range of skills and knowledge, enabling them to fully engage in the nuclear sector.

Graduates will have developed a knowledge and understanding of nuclear technology. They will have received a thorough technical grounding in nuclear power generation, beginning with fundamental concepts and extending to a range of specialist topics. They will also be equipped with an appreciation of the wider social, political and environmental contexts of electricity generation in the 21st century, with a firm grounding in considering issues such as climate change, energy policy and public acceptability.

The programme will cultivate intellectual skills allowing graduates to engage with the technical, business and policy issues that the development and deployment of nuclear energy poses. These include skills in the modelling, simulation and experimental evaluation of nuclear energy systems; critically evaluating and finding alternative solutions to technical problems; applying professional engineering judgment to balance technological, environmental, ethical, economic and public policy considerations; understanding business practice in the areas of technology management, transfer and exploitation.

The programme will also develop transferable skills enabling graduates to work and progress in teams within and across the nuclear sector, including the management of time and information, the preparation of formal reports in a variety of styles, the deployment of critical reasoning and independent thinking.

Finally, graduates will gain research experience, having planned, executed, and evaluated an original investigative piece of work through a major dissertation.

Students will be able to develop and demonstrate the knowledge and understanding, skills and other attributes as follows:

Knowledge and understanding

  1. Fundamental concepts and trends in nuclear energy power generation.
  2. Understand the underlying technology background to nuclear energy power generation systems including reactor technology, the interaction of radiation with matter, nuclear safety and the nuclear fuel cycle.
  3. Understand the framework and wider issues relating to nuclear energy power generation (including issues such as climate change, energy policy, public acceptability).
  4. A broad knowledge of nuclear systems in the areas of e.g. reactor technology, waste and decommissioning, materials, safety assessment, technology policy etc.
  5. Familiarity with a range of specialist topics, e.g. radiation detection and protection, nuclear safety, radioactive waste management, the nuclear fuel cycle and proliferation, and future nuclear energy systems.
  6. Good research practice based on university research programmes and the ability to report research outcomes in an appropriate way for the intended audience.
  7. Understanding business practice and tools in the areas of technology management, technology transfer and exploitation with particular emphasis on the nuclear power industry.

Intellectual skills

  1. Be able to apply generic skills in modelling, simulating and experimentally evaluating nuclear energy systems.
  2. Be capable of critically evaluating technical problems and examining alternative approaches and technologies to solve them.
  3. Take an holistic approach in solving problems and designing systems by applying professional engineering judgment to balance technological, environmental, ethical, economic and public policy considerations.
  4. Be able to act as a change-agent within an organisation, manage change effectively and respond to changing demands.
  5. Be able to deal with complex research issues both systematically and creatively, make informed judgements in the absence of complete data and in unpredictable situations.
  6. Be able to understand commercial exploitation routes for nuclear energy based technologies and evaluate options for technology transfer and/or implementation.
  7. Plan, execute and critically evaluate an original and individual investigative piece of work through a major dissertation.

Transferable skills

  1. Prepare formal reports in a range of styles (e.g. journal paper, conference paper, oral and poster presentations, literature review, an extended project report).
  2. Reason critically, think creatively and demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought and communicate ideas.
  3. Manage time and work to deadlines, work effectively both independently and in groups, and assess the relevance and importance of the ideas of others.
  4. Ability to find information and learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development and in a wider context throughout their career.

Continuing

Students wishing to apply for continuation to the PhD would normally be expected to attain an overall mark of 70%.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in the autumn each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Course closed for this cycle: NeuroAI and Intelligent Systems is no longer accepting applications for this cycle. It is expected to re-open for new applications in early September.

This programme is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in the core principles of NeuroAI, combining theoretical depth with hands-on technical training. Students will develop skills in computational modelling, coding, and algorithm design, while pursuing independent research in a 32-week project. The course also fosters scientific communication skills and provides access to world-class facilities and expert supervision within Cambridge’s vibrant academic community.

The educational aims of the course are to:

  • Provide students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in this emerging interdisciplinary field under close supervision;
  • Give students the opportunity to acquire or develop technical skills and expertise relevant to their research interests in both neuroscience and AI.

The course will also:

  • Provide a strong foundation in the core principles of NeuroAI - exploring topics such as neural networks, connectionist theory, dynamical systems, state-of-the-art AI approaches including transformers and state-space models;
  • Enable hands-on technical training in computational modelling, coding, and algorithm implementation;
  • Allow flexibility for students to explore their specific research interests via a substantial 32-week research project;
  • Train students in academic scientific writing and presentation.

As a student in our programme, you will benefit from Cambridge's vibrant academic community in both neuroscience and AI. You will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities including advanced computational resources and high-performance computing clusters.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding:

  • Advanced knowledge of AI, neural computation, and algorithmic approaches at the intersection of neuroscience and AI;
  • Proficiency in implementing computational models and algorithms through hands-on coding experience;
  • In-depth knowledge of the background to their selected research project including research methods and data analysis techniques;
  • A broad understanding of modern research techniques applicable to NeuroAI from the technical lecture series;
  • Knowledge of theoretical approaches relevant to their specialisation and critical thinking in the area;
  • Expertise in research methods, computational modelling, data analysis, and statistics;
  • Originality in applying knowledge with practical understanding of how research and inquiry create and interpret knowledge in this interdisciplinary field.

Students will also acquire the following skills and attributes:

  • Ability to analyse critical research literature and contemporary topics in their specialisation areas;
  • Proficiency in explaining complex topics to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
  • Demonstration of technical coding skills and algorithm implementation;
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving approaches to different types of data;
  • Participation in scientific discourse through written materials, code, oral and poster presentations.

Continuing

If you wish to undertake a PhD following completion of this MPhil, you must be on course to achieve a minimum of a ‘Pass’ and must submit a PhD application in advance of the early December deadline. If shortlisted, you will be invited to a PhD interview in early to mid January. Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will also be required to satisfy their potential Supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Course closed for this cycle: National Institutes of Health Oxford/Cambridge Programme is no longer accepting applications for this cycle. It is expected to re-open for new applications in early September.

This is a four-year PhD programme in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) whereby students spend two years at Cambridge and two years at the NIH.

This innovative programme was established in 2002. Its aim is to train outstanding students in biomedical research, taking advantage of the excellent research environments available in Cambridge and at NIH laboratories in the US. Students work on collaborative projects organised by co-supervisors in Cambridge and the NIH, spending two years at each institution. Students have access to all NIH facilities and are paid a stipend by the NIH, which also pays the University fees, plus flights and insurance. In Cambridge they have access to all the University resources. The PhD is awarded by the University of Cambridge.

Learning outcomes

Students develop a collaborative PhD research project, guided by their Cambridge supervisors and by the NIH mentor.

At the end of their PhD course, students should:

  • Have a thorough knowledge of the literature and a comprehensive understanding of scientific methods and techniques applicable to their own research;
  • Be able to demonstrate originality in their application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • Have developed the ability to critically evaluate current research and research techniques and methodologies;
  • Have self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems;
  • Be able to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of research; and
  • Have gained oral presentation and scientific writing skills.

Continuing

The standard for continuers to commence this PhD course is subject to the host department's own admission criteria and separate enquiries should be made.

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree; and subject to successful application through the NIH programme selection process.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Eligible candidates interested in the programme may have an opportunity to meet current and new scholars during orientation visits organised by the NIH. For more information contact Grace Carter.


Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments: