The MPhil in Biostatistics at the University of Cambridge is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in statistical methods applied to health sciences and biomedical research. This course provides rigorous training in statistical theory, computational techniques, and their applications in areas such as clinical trials, epidemiology, genetic research, and public health. Delivered by world-leading experts from the Department of Medical Genetics and the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, the program combines theoretical foundations with hands-on experience, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry, or healthcare institutions.

Students engage in a broad curriculum that covers core subjects including statistical inference, regression models, survival analysis, Bayesian methods, and machine learning techniques. The program emphasizes the importance of data analysis, interpretation, and communication, ensuring graduates are well-versed in handling real-world biomedical data. Practical training includes coding in R and other statistical software, enabling students to implement complex analyses efficiently. Throughout the course, students have opportunities to participate in collaborative research projects, contributing to cutting-edge studies in biostatistics and epidemiology.

The MPhil in Biostatistics has a strong research component, encouraging students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This is complemented by seminars, workshops, and lectures by leading experts from the healthcare and research sectors. The program is suitable for students with a background in mathematics, statistics, or related disciplines who aspire to specialize further in biostatistics, enhance their research skills, or pursue doctoral studies. Career prospects for graduates include positions in medical research units, pharmaceutical companies, government health agencies, and academia.

Overall, the MPhil in Biostatistics at Cambridge offers an intensive, research-informed education that combines statistical theory with applied health sciences, fostering a new generation of statisticians capable of addressing complex questions in biomedical research and public health.

PhD studies within the multi-disciplinary MRC Biostatistics Unit include diverse training opportunities for all aspects of research and encourage the development of both academic and generic research skills.

Your primary supervisor will be responsible for your work, and for overseeing the general training elements of the PhD degree. In addition, you will have a second supervisor and/or a small advisory team. These individuals may be from a collaborating group or a group that does different research but is otherwise related to the group. They will advise you more generally about your PhD degree and be an independent point of contact in case of individual difficulties. You will be expected to meet with your supervisory team  at least once a term.

The aim of the academic part of the programme is to:

• gain experience in written and oral presentation of your work
• monitor the quality of your research project
• ensure that your PhD project is on track.

The presentations of your work also provide an opportunity to receive helpful feedback from members of the Unit and from scientists who are less closely involved with your research.

Feedback

Students should expect regular feedback from supervisors during their regular one to one meetings. Additionally, students should meet with their supervisory team once a term and the feedback from this is fed back to the students via the termly online reports (Cambridge Graduate Supervision Reporting System (CGSRS).

Assessment

Thesis

For the PhD degree, the thesis should not exceed 60,000 words (or 80,000 by special permission of the Degree Committee). This limit excludes figures, photographs, tables, appendices and bibliography. Formatting should be be double or one-and-a-half spaced and pages to be double or single sided.

Submission of the final thesis will be followed by an oral examination.

Other

All PhD students are required to undergo formal assessment (by written report and viva) at the end of their first year. If successful, the student moves from being 'probationary' to being registered for the PhD and can proceed with their project.

• 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
• CV/Resumé
• Research Proposal 
• Personal Reference

Funding options for the Biostatistics program at the University of Cambridge are diverse and designed to support both domestic and international students throughout their studies. Scholarship opportunities include university-funded bursaries, external grants, and competitive awards aimed at attracting talented students from around the world. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the Cambridge Trusts, Gates Cambridge Scholarships, and departmental-specific funding opportunities, which can significantly offset tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, students may have access to research council funding, such as from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which offers various grants for postgraduate studies in health sciences and related fields. The university also provides information about part-time work opportunities and placements that can help students finance their education while gaining practical experience. International students should consider applying for scholarships targeted at non-EU students, as these often provide full or partial financial support. It is important to note that funding application deadlines are often well in advance of the program start date, and applicants should carefully review eligibility criteria for each award. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance on available funding sources and assistance with preparing application materials. Many students utilize a combination of scholarships, internships, and personal savings to cover their educational costs, emphasizing the importance of early planning and comprehensive research. Overall, the Cambridge University Biostatistics program benefits from a robust funding ecosystem that aims to reduce financial burdens and make advanced education accessible to top-tier students worldwide.

The MPhil in Biostatistics at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive postgraduate training in statistical methods and their applications to medicine and health sciences. Designed for students with a strong quantitative background, the programme aims to equip them with advanced skills necessary for research in medical statistics, epidemiology, and data analysis. The course covers a wide range of topics including statistical inference, survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, Bayesian methods, clinical trial design, and advanced computational techniques. Students will have the opportunity to engage in practical exercises, using large datasets, and work on projects that simulate real-world challenges faced in biomedical research.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars, and supervised projects, fostering a rigorous learning environment. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and independent research skills, preparing them for both academic careers and roles in the healthcare industry. The University’s strong links with medical research institutes and hospitals provide students with access to diverse datasets and collaborative projects, enhancing their practical experience.

Graduates of the course often proceed to doctoral research, work in biostatistics consulting, or join research teams within healthcare organizations. The programme also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in medical research and promotes the development of communication skills, enabling graduates to effectively present statistical findings to non-statisticians.

The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary training means students may also explore connections with epidemiology, public health, and clinical sciences. Resources at the university, including well-equipped computer labs and access to statistical software such as R and STATA, support student learning and research. Entry requirements typically include a degree in a quantitative field such as mathematics, statistics, or related disciplines, and applicants should demonstrate proficiency in basic statistical methods.

The MPhil in Biostatistics is a one-year programme, beginning in October and concluding in September of the following year, with applications usually opening in the early part of the year. Successful completion leads to a Master of Philosophy degree, recognized internationally for its rigorous training and relevance to current research needs in health sciences.