Photos of university / #cambridgeuniversity

Description Contents Requirements Funding

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 3-4 years duration, and submit a dissertation which is examined for the PhD. In principle, the research project can be in any area of interest to Principal Investigators based at the Metabolic Research Laboratories, at the Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science. 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.

Graduate students at the Metabolic Research Laboratories also attend regular weekly seminars by local, national and international speakers, and are encouraged to attend appropriate training courses provided by the University Graduate School of Life Sciences to widen their experience further.

Our students have opportunities to present their work at group meetings and seminars within the Metabolic Research Laboratories as well as at conferences and symposia. Students also organise 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.


One to one supervision	The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. Students are expected to have regular meetings with their supervisor. In addition, all students are assigned a second supervisor who is usually not directly involved in the research project but takes an interest in general progress and can be a useful source of mentoring. Students are also invited to meet once a term with the Director of Graduate Education and Senior Research Manager for impartial advice and guidance.

One to one supervision

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.

Students are expected to have regular meetings with their supervisor. In addition, all students are assigned a second supervisor who is usually not directly involved in the research project but takes an interest in general progress and can be a useful source of mentoring. Students are also invited to meet once a term with the Director of Graduate Education and Senior Research Manager for impartial advice and guidance.

Feedback

The project supervisor provides feedback on performance during the project itself and students can expect to receive an online feedback report each term.

Assessment

Thesis

The PhD thesis is examined according to the existing structures of the University of Cambridge. The student is expected to submit a thesis, of less than 60,000 words, within 4 years of commencing study. Post-submission, the student will be examined orally by two examiners on the content of the thesis and on the wider research area.

Other

Every student is probationary in their first year and expected to submit a First Year Report within 9-12 months of commencing study. The student is then examined orally on the content of the report and on his/her understanding of the wider research field and his/her future research plans. Subject to a satisfactory examination, the student is then fully registered for PhD study.

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
CV/Resumé
Personal Reference

Selection Process

Offers made to places on this course are conditional on clearing any security checks the University deems necessary. Security checks are routinely required for all individuals involved in research activities that include working with sensitive information; working with children and vulnerable adults; working with live animals or with tissues supplied from live animals or working in an environment in which such work is pursued by others; working with dangerous pathogens or in a category 3 containment laboratory; or working with some other sensitive technologies. Where necessary the University will ensure that applicants are not disproportionately impacted by the requirement for any security checks by allowing new students to take up places and start appropriate areas of their work prior to a check in other areas being completed.