Doctoral studies are carried out by science graduates, 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 a Second Supervisor.

The PhD course provides:

• a period of sustained in-depth study of a specific topic;
• an environment that encourages the student’s originality and creativity in their research;
• skills to enable the student 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 the student’s 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 paediatric 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.

Graduate training is very different from undergraduate courses. 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 others' work. You will be required to attend seminars and you will have the opportunity to go to 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 which 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 Graduate School, but Paediatrics has its own series of seminars.

Feedback

The supervisor will provide feedback to the student each term via an online reporting system which is accessible to the student..  The feedback will relate to the progress the student has made as well as specific comment on their research project.  This will be discussed with the student in advance of the submission of the report to the University.

Assessment

Thesis

Examination for the PhD degree involves submission of a written dissertation of not more than 60,000 words (excluding figures, tables, footnotes, appendices and bibliography), on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. This is followed by an oral examination based on both the dissertation and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research.

The oral examination is conducted by two Examiners, one from the University of Cambridge and one external to the University of Cambridge, neither of whom may have any direct involvement with the student or the work being examined. The dissertation should provide evidence to satisfy the Examiners that the student can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspectives of the subject.

Other

All PhD students are probationary in their first year.  Towards the end of the first year, students are required to submit a report, the purpose of which is to provide evidence of their suitability for registration for a PhD.  This report will be assessed at an oral examination by two examiners, and the student will need to pass in order to be formally registered for the PhD.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.0
• TOEFL Internet Score 100
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Statement of Interests
• Personal Reference

• Global Education
• Gates Cambridge Scholarships