Course summary
This is a research-based course. Students receive training in scientific laboratory skills and methods appropriate to the PhD project. Students undertake a specific research project of three to four years' duration and submit a thesis which is examined for the PhD. In principle, the research project can be in any area of interest to principal investigators based in the IMS-MRL. View the Principal Investigators page on the IMS-MRL website for details. Between them, groups encompass skills in genetics, cell biology, cell signalling, neuroendocrinology, bioenergetics, human and animal physiology, as well as experimental medicine and clinical trials. Postgraduate students at the IMS-MRL are expected to attend regular weekly Hot Topics and Technical sessions, seminars by local, national and international speakers and are encouraged to attend appropriate training courses provided by the University Postgraduate School of Life Sciences to widen their experience further. Our students receive expert training in state-of-the-art technologies, through our core research facilities and also have diverse opportunities to communicate their research findings and develop collaborative networks at, for example, the IMS-MRL research retreat and the Cambridge Metabolic Network . Students also arrange a student symposium each year, which gives valuable experience in all aspects of organising a scientific meeting, including managing budgets, arranging catering, scheduling the day and marketing the event. Students wishing to apply for a PhD in Clinical Biochemistry at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), should investigate opportunities via the Study at CIMR page on the CIMR website.
Assessment method
Thesis / Dissertation The student is expected to submit a thesis not to exceed 60,000 words within four years of starting study (or part-time equivalent). Post-submission, two examiners will examine the student orally on the content of the thesis and on the wider research area. Other All PhD students are probationary in their first year and are required to undergo formal assessment (by written report and viva) at the end of their first year, which they must pass. Students are expected to submit the written report within nine months of commencing study (or part-time equivalent). The student is examined orally on the content of this report and their understanding of the wider research field and future research plans. If successful, the student moves from 'probationary' to being formally registered for the PhD and can proceed with their project. During the Summer of their first year, students are required to present a poster on their work at the annual Student Symposium. During the Summer of their second year, students give a short oral presentation at the same symposium. In their penultimate year before thesis submission, students are required to submit a Thesis Planning document to the Postgraduate Education Committee for approval.
Entry requirements
Upper 2nd Class Honours degree or overseas equivalent; applicants whose 1st language is not English must demonstrate competence in English (IELTS 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each element; or other acceptable test).
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Cambridge
The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1TN