The MPhil in Developmental Biology at the University of Cambridge is a rigorous and research-intensive program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental processes that govern embryonic development, tissue formation, and organismal growth. This program aims to equip students with advanced knowledge in cell and molecular biology, genetics, and live imaging techniques, allowing them to explore the complex mechanisms underlying development in a variety of model organisms. Throughout the course, students will engage in cutting-edge research projects, gaining practical skills essential for careers in academia, biotechnology, conservation, or medicine. The program offers a unique opportunity to work alongside world-leading experts in the field, utilizing state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities available at the University of Cambridge. Students will also benefit from seminars, lectures, and workshops that foster critical thinking and scientific communication skills. With a tailored curriculum combining theoretical learning and hands-on experimentation, the Developmental Biology program prepares graduates to contribute significantly to our understanding of developmental processes and to address challenges in health, aging, and regenerative medicine. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from genetics, cell biology, and systems biology to provide a holistic view of development. Graduates will be well-equipped to pursue doctoral research or professional careers in biomedical research, academia, industry, or policy-making related to developmental sciences. The University of Cambridge’s rich academic environment and its collaborations with leading research institutes worldwide make this program an exceptional choice for aspiring scientists seeking to advance their knowledge and impact in developmental biology.

Core Course in Developmental Mechanisms: interactive seminar-based course with up to 8 modules, each comprising two 3-hour workshops, during the first 2 terms.

Experimental Approaches in Developmental Mechanisms: Up to eight 2-hour sessions covering a range of relevant approaches, from transgenesis to genomics, during the first 2 terms.

Impacts & Communications sessions: up to 6 sessions (each 1-2 hours long) in the third term.

Students learn scientific writing skills through writing 3 rotation reports, a review essay and a PhD Proposal (Critical Appraisal) which are all assessed for the MPhil Degree.

Feedback

MPhil - all written assessed work for the MPhil is marked by 2 assessors and formative comments given at the end of each term.

PhD - feedback is provided by the supervisor in the form of termly online reports.

Assessment

Thesis

Not required

Essays

The scheme of examination for MPhil in Developmental Biology shall consist of:

1. one essay, not exceeding 4,000 words in length;
2. a critical appraisal, not exceeding 8,000 words in length, including tables, figure legends, and appendices, but excluding bibliography, of a research project;
3. a report on each research placement, not exceeding 7000 words in length, including figure legends, but excluding words in tables and bibliography.

The examination shall include an oral examination of the critical appraisal (PhD Proposal).

• 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
• Personal Reference

The Developmental Biology program at the University of Cambridge offers a range of funding options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's nationality, with UK and EU students benefiting from the UK government’s fee arrangements, while international students are subject to higher rates. In addition to university-funded scholarships, students may be eligible for external funding sources such as research councils, charitable organizations, and international scholarship programs. The University of Cambridge provides several internal funding opportunities, including graduate scholarship competitions, studentship awards, and bursaries specifically targeted at students in biological sciences. Many students secure funding through rigorous application processes that assess academic excellence, research potential, and financial need. The College system also offers financial support, with various colleges providing scholarships, grants, and fee waivers to their members. Students are encouraged to explore external funding options, such as the Wellcome Trust, which offers studentships for research-based science programs, and the British Council, which supports international students through various scholarships. The university’s dedicated funding office provides guidance and assistance in identifying suitable sources of funding, preparing applications, and understanding the eligibility criteria. Furthermore, some students combine several funding sources to cover tuition, living expenses, and research costs during their program. It is important for prospective students to start their application processes early, as many funding opportunities have competitive and deadline-driven applications. The program also benefits from partnerships with research institutes and hospitals, which sometimes offer additional financial support to students engaged in collaborative research projects. Overall, the combination of university, college, and external funding options aims to make the Developmental Biology program accessible to talented students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder academic and research excellence.

Developmental Biology at the University of Cambridge offers students an in-depth exploration into the processes that govern the growth, development, and differentiation of organisms from the earliest stages of life. As a specialized field within biological sciences, this program combines theoretical coursework with practical laboratory research, enabling students to understand how genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms contribute to development in a variety of species, including humans.

The course curriculum encompasses a broad range of topics such as embryogenesis, gene regulation during development, tissue differentiation, developmental genetics, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine. Students gain foundational knowledge through lectures, seminars, and tutorials, while hands-on laboratory experience is integrated through research projects and experiments in state-of-the-art facilities.

The program is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, biotechnology, medical research, and related industries. It emphasizes critical thinking, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication skills, fostering a comprehensive understanding of developmental processes and their implications for health and disease.

Cambridge’s course structure encourages interdisciplinary learning, often collaborating with departments like Genetics, Biochemistry, and Zoology. Students also benefit from the university’s strong links with research institutes and hospitals, providing opportunities for internships and collaborative research projects. Throughout the course, students are mentored by leading experts in the field, many of whom are published researchers with active involvement in groundbreaking studies.

Graduates of the Developmental Biology program at Cambridge have proceeded to successful careers in scientific research, postgraduate study, healthcare, and industry. The program’s rigorous academic standards, combined with the university’s rich research environment, ensure that students emerge well-equipped to contribute to advances in developmental science.

The program is suitable for students with a background in biology, biochemistry, or related sciences, who are passionate about understanding the fundamental aspects of life development and wanting to participate in cutting-edge scientific discovery. Admission requirements typically include strong academic records and relevant scientific experience.

Overall, the University of Cambridge’s Developmental Biology program provides a comprehensive, research-focused education that prepares students for highly competitive science careers, equipping them with the knowledge, practical skills, and innovative mindset necessary to advance the understanding of developmental processes and their applications in medicine and biotechnology.