| Postgraduate Study

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology offers PhDs in Chemical Engineering or Biotechnology. Research within the department covers a wide and exciting array of activities ranging from quite fundamental research in biology through to the traditional fields of chemical engineering, and the specifics of any project will dictate the activities of the student.

Please consult our Research Groups page for further information.

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.

The BHF 4-year PhD programme aims to train the next generation of researchers to develop innovative approaches for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of illness and death worldwide. Preventing these conditions before they develop is one of the most effective ways to improve health. However, doing this requires new approaches that combine insights from biology, population health and data science.

This PhD programme will train a new generation of researchers to tackle cardiovascular disease prevention by equipping a new generation of cross-disciplinary researchers to work at the intersection of three frontiers:

Population health – analysing large-scale health data from diverse populations to understand disease risk and prevention
Systems biology – studying the biological processes underlying disease across multiple levels, from cells to whole organisms
Artificial intelligence and data science – developing computational methods to integrate and interpret complex biomedical data.

The programme brings together leading scientists from the Universities of Cambridge, Edinburgh, Imperial College London and Oxford, working in partnership with our academic or industry partners, including EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Sanger Institute, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, Genomics Ltd, Owlstone Medical, ThermoFischer Scientific and Flagship Pioneering.

The programme is designed to prepare students to work in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments, recognising that many of the most important advances in disease prevention occur where different scientific fields meet.

A key aim of the programme is also to advance research that benefits diverse and previously under-studied populations, helping to generate new knowledge that can reduce inequalities in cardiovascular health.

By combining interdisciplinary training with real-world collaboration, the programme seeks to equip students with the expertise and networks needed to become leaders in cardiovascular disease prevention research.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of cardiovascular disease prevention and the biological, behavioural and environmental factors that influence cardiovascular health.
Understand how insights from population health, systems biology and data science/AI can be integrated to address complex health challenges.
Critically evaluate large-scale, multimodal biomedical data and the strengths and limitations of different analytical approaches.
Understand the ethical, societal and translational implications of data-driven research in health.

Research skills

Design and conduct high-quality, original research addressing important questions in cardiovascular disease prevention.
Analyse and interpret complex datasets using appropriate statistical, computational and machine-learning methods.
Integrate data across multiple sources and scales, including biological, clinical and population-level information.
Apply reproducible research practices, open science principles and responsible data stewardship.

Interdisplinary training

Work effectively in cross-disciplinary teams, communicating across fields such as epidemiology, biology, clinical science, engineering and data science.
Engage with collaborators across academia, healthcare, industry and policy to translate research findings into practical applications.

Professional and leadership skills

Communicate research clearly to academic, clinical, policy and public audiences through written, oral and digital formats.
Demonstrate leadership, project management and collaborative skills in complex research environments.
Identify opportunities for innovation and translation, including engagement with industry and entrepreneurial pathways.

Impact and translation

Develop research that contributes to improving cardiovascular disease prevention and population health.
Understand how scientific discoveries can be translated into real-world interventions, policies or technologies.

Continuing

Students who wish to continue to a PhD must complete an MPhil at the level of a pass and 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.

Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments:

The Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Cambridge Centre is a dynamic collaboration of academic researchers, clinicians, and the pharmaceutical and biotech industries based in the Cambridge area. We combine world-class science and technology with excellent patient care to pioneer new ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. By working together across different disciplines, we are breaking down the barriers between the laboratory and the clinic, enabling patients to benefit from the latest innovations in cancer science.

The CRUK Cambridge Centre has an innovative MRes/PhD programme, with the aim of training the cancer research leaders of the future across the widest possible range of disciplines working together to make meaningful progress in this challenging and rewarding area.

At the end of the MRes/PhD programme, candidates will be prepared for further postdoctoral training to produce the cancer research leaders of the future.

The first year of this programme, the MRes in Cancer Biology, has research elements as well as additional training elements.

The overall MRes programme is designed to give students a broad understanding of both the basic biology as well as clinical management of the whole spectrum of malignant diseases. It also allows students to develop their own skills in experimental science as well as in project design and management.

The first-year MRes degree comprises two research rotations, a weekly 'Lectures in Cancer Biology and Medicine' series, together with a short intensive teaching period in genomic medicine, and a short placement in a patient-facing clinical setting. The placement will enable insight into the rewards and challenges of cancer research and development of diagnostics and treatments. Project write-ups, group presentations and the formation of a PhD proposal are also integral to the programme.

The MRes programme aims to introduce students to research skills and specialist knowledge as well as a more general grounding in cancer biology. Its main aims are:

to give students with relevant experience at the first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focussed 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;

to give students a broad grounding in both the theory of cancer genomic medicine and also more insight into the practicalities of clinical cancer treatment and care.

Successful completion of the one-year MRes programme will lead to a three-year PhD, usually in one of the rotation project host laboratories, which will allow in-depth study of a particular area of cancer biology.

PhD students are probationary during their first year. Full PhD registration occurs after the successful completion of a report and viva at the end of their first year of the PhD stage. The PhD itself is examined by thesis and viva.

Learning outcomes

Students should leave the MRes year with an overview of the basic biology of cancer and of diagnosis, treatment and research frontiers across the range of different tumour types covered by the CRUK Cambridge Centre. Students should also obtain a better understanding of the practical treatment and management of cancer from a patient perspective.

By the end of the MRes programme, students will have:

An understanding of the molecular basis of cancer formation.

Insight into clinical issues related to cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

Experience of research in two different cancer-related laboratories.

Written two research reports describing their research placements.

Written a PhD proposal that will form the basis of their PhD in the CRUK Cambridge Centre, the expected next destination for the vast majority of this MRes cohort.

Students will also acquire enhanced technical skills from their rotation project and a broad appreciation of the literature and scientific methods and techniques applicable to their own projects. They will have developed their ability to critically evaluate research methodologies and outcomes. They will also have developed their project planning and management skills and should be able to formulate their own research questions.

At the end of their PhD, students should additionally:

have a thorough grasp of the literature and research methodologies pertinent to their own research project;

show the ability to undertake planning and execution of a research project independently;

demonstrate originality in their ability to create and interpret new knowledge; and

have gained skills in oral and written presentation.

Continuing

The three written components of the work portfolio for the MRes: two research reports and a PhD proposal, and an oral examination of the PhD proposal and the general field of knowledge within which it falls, will form the basis for the external and internal examiners' recommendations.

For continuation from the MRes to a probationary PhD, an overall mark of at least 70% is required across the three pieces of work: two research reports and a PhD proposal. The PhD proposal and oral defence thereof must be at the level of distinction (75%).

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 contact Carmen Neagoe for information regarding this programme.

Learning outcomes

Please contact Carmen Neagoe for information regarding this programme.

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day takes place at the end of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Cambridge Judge Business School also hosts Experience Days throughout the year. Please see Cambridge Judge Business School wide-events page for further information.

Please contact Carmen Neagoe for information regarding this programme.

Learning outcomes

Please contact Carmen Neagoe for information regarding this programme.

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day takes place at the beginning of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Cambridge Judge Business School also hosts Experience Days throughout the year. Please see Cambridge Judge Business School wide-events page for further information.

The MSt in Building History, devised in collaboration with English Heritage (now Historic England), is unique in its combination of British architectural history with practical tuition in interpreting building fabric. It provides an overview of architectural evolution and an awareness of the principal approaches to the exploration of architectural evidence. It also sets out to train students in the rigorous and effective use of primary sources, preparing them for careers in historic building research, recording, assessment and curation, or in suitable cases for progression to doctoral-level research.

The course is aimed at applicants with professional interests and ambitions in architectural history, buildings archaeology, historic building conservation and heritage management, and is specifically intended to be compatible with in-service career development as well as with embarking on a new career while continuing to work. It is aimed particularly at:

· students from a wide variety of backgrounds – particularly archaeology, architecture, art history and history – who wish to become building historians or to apply building history skills in a broad range of heritage-related fields;

· existing historic environment professionals wishing to formalise or extend their historical understanding of the built environment;

· particularly able candidates hoping to proceed to doctoral research on a related topic.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have acquired the type of research training required to carry on to the PhD, or if conceived as a standalone degree, will have acquired the skills to specialise and enhance their professional prospects.

Knowledge and understanding

The students come with a wide range of different skills and knowledge. The course aims to provide them with:

1) A clear understanding of the history and development of the buildings and the built environment (including landscapes and infrastructure) In Britain from the early Middle Ages to the present day.

2) A clear understanding of the policy and legislative framework surrounding the heritage and conservation of historic buildings and landscapes.

3) A clear grasp of the philosophy and theory behind building conservation.

Skills and other attributes

Students graduating from the course should have the acquired the following skills

1) The ability to visually assess the age and significance of the built environment

2) A clear knowledge of the sources and resources available for understanding and studying the history of the built environment

3) The ability to record and assess historic fabric and landscape context and a clear understanding of the techniques and philosophy underlying such assessments

Continuing

To continue to read for the PhD degree following the course, MSt in Building History students must achieve an overall total score of at least 70%. Continuation is also subject to Faculty approval of the proposed research proposal, and the availability of an appropriate supervisor. Each application is considered on its own merit.

Open Days

In addition to the University-wide Postgraduate Open day, we run our own online day on a day in November. Contact the Course Administrator to be added to the circulation list for information nearer the time.

Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments:

Faculty of Architecture and History of Art

Professional and Continuing Education

The course is hosted by the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and is supported by the School of Clinical Medicine. Students will benefit from a wide range of world-leading experts, including via seminars, journal clubs and social events. The course provides the ideal foundation for a future PhD or industry position. Its main aims for students are:

Comprehensive Knowledge: Equip students with a broad understanding of neurological and neuro-oncological disorders, including the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system.
Cutting-Edge Research: Equip students with the skills and knowledge to engage in cutting-edge research in clinical neurosciences. This includes developing innovative therapeutic strategies, and contributing to the understanding of neural mechanisms underlying neurological and neuro-oncological disorders.
Research Competence: Foster the ability to design, conduct, and critically appraise research, encouraging evidence-based practice and innovation in the field.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Promote teamwork and collaboration across various neuroscientific and medical specialties to provide holistic patient care.
Ethical Practice: Instil a strong sense of ethics and professionalism, ensuring that students are prepared to handle the complexities of research work with integrity.
Research Training: To acquire transferable knowledge and expertise in the design, analysis and critical appraisal of research as well as communication and team building in a research environment.
Lifelong Learning: Encourage a commitment to continuous learning and professional development to keep pace with advancements in the field.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme students will:

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and the pathophysiology of neurological disorders.
Understand the role of the immune system in neurological diseases and be able to apply this knowledge in research settings.
Develop the ability to design, conduct, and critically appraise clinical research, contributing to evidence-based practice in neurosciences.
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, integrating knowledge from various neuroscientific disciplines.
Exhibit a strong understanding of ethical principles in clinical research.
Be knowledgeable about cutting-edge treatments and technologies in neurology and neuro-oncology, and understand the neurobiological mechanisms behind those treatments.
Enhance their ability to communicate effectively with research peers.
Be prepared to address health challenges in diverse healthcare settings, understanding the global context of neurological diseases.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, staying updated with advancements in the field.

Continuing

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to apply for the course 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. Further information on continuing can be found here.

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 consult our Research Groups page for further information.

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.

The MPhil in Biotechnology is a unique programme that draws on world-leading academics and industry champions to deliver a multidisciplinary curriculum at the interface of biology with the physical sciences and technology. Providing state-of-the-art education and research training in cutting-edge areas, the programme was designed to respond to major talent needs and skills gaps in the biotech sector.

In the programme, students acquire foundational and advanced knowledge in biotechnology, and gain practical and research skills for wet-lab and computer-based work. The programme also promotes the development of transferable skills and business competences that are relevant to biotechnology research and industry practice.

Overall, the programme aims to produce graduates who have the fundamental understanding of biotechnology and skills all the way from the lab bench to the market place, who will go on to become leaders in the fast-growing biotech sector and its satellite fields.

The programme offers students the possibility of tailoring their studies to their interests, educational needs and career goals.

Learning outcomes

The MPhil in Biotechnology equips students with the knowledge and the skills that are necessary to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, agritech, or bioenergy sectors, or in other areas where bioprocesses are important, either in academic or industry settings.

At the end of the programme, students will demonstrate foundational and advanced knowledge of biotechnology. They will have received a technical grounding in core topics, explored current trends and looked at the latest technologies in biotechnology. Upon conclusion of the programme, students will also show proficiency at practical work in biotechnology, and be aware of modern bioanalytical techniques and their limitations.

With a strong research component, the programme will prepare students to undertake a research project that requires understanding of a wide range of techniques and published literature, originality in the application of knowledge, and self-direction.

The programme promotes the development of diverse transferable skills. In particular, graduating students will be able to communicate by formal reports and oral presentations at a high standard, effectively manage tasks and work to deadlines, and collaborate as part of a team. Additionally, they will be aware of the best practices in research data management and understand the scientific publishing process as well as the need to be able to communicate science in outreach contexts. The successful students will also demonstrate a degree of business awareness that is important for roles in the biotechnology sector, allowing them to effectively communicate and interact with a range of stakeholders. In particular, they will understand the process of transforming new technologies and ideas into marketable products, have an idea of the main issues in translational research, and be acquainted with intellectual property and bioethics key concepts.

Continuing

This is a stand-alone MPhil programme, which cannot be counted as the first year of a PhD degree. Strong students on the programme can apply for a PhD place at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology or at other departments in the University.

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.

Beyond the Open Day, prospective students are welcome to get in touch by email at any time of the year if they wish to request further information about the programme.

The MRC Biostatistics Unit is an internationally recognised research department of the University of Cambridge specialising in statistical modelling with application to medical, biological or public health sciences.

Our PhD students are registered with the University of Cambridge. Students belong to one of the University's Colleges and are trained at our Unit at the University Forvie Site on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus at Addenbrooke's Hospital.

We maintain strong links with the University of Cambridge Statistical Laboratory, Alan Turing Institute and other mathematical departments (who are based in the Centre for Mathematical Sciences on the West Cambridge site).

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.

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Departments

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Departments

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Continuing

Open Days

Postgraduate Admissions Office

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