The Wellcome Trust/University of Cambridge 4-Year PhD Programme in Developmental Mechanisms has a "1+3" structure: the first year is an integral "MPhil in Developmental Biology" after which students progress on to the PhD (Years 2-4 of the Programme). Around 45 developmental biology laboratories participate in the Programme, across four University departments (Physiology, Development & Neuroscience [PDN], Biochemistry, Genetics, and Zoology) including members of these Departments who are based at the Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute. Interdisciplinary projects at the interface between the physical sciences and developmental biology are encouraged, with co-supervisors available in the Departments of Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Physics.

The MPhil (Year 1) is offered by the Faculty of Biology as a full-time period of research and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge in Developmental Biology.
Its main aims are:

• to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focussed research in the discipline under close supervision; 
• to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests. It includes a range of courses (see Teaching & Learning section) and three laboratory rotations. All candidates submit written work (three rotation reports, a review essay and a PhD proposal ["Critical Appraisal"]) for examination for the MPhil in Developmental Biology (course code BLPNM2) which can only be taken as an integral part of this Programme.

After completing the MPhil, students undertake research for their PhD, and continue to participate in Programme-related activities e.g. an annual symposium. (Applicants wishing to do a stand-alone PhD or a one-year research course with a specific developmental biology laboratory in PDN should follow the application procedures for the courses BLPN22 and BLPNM1 respectively. Contact potential supervisors in the first instance, sending your CV and the names of two referees.)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
• demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field;
• shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies.

Continuing

Following successful completion of the MPhil Degree, candidates move straight on to Probationary PhD Status.

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

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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