The Medical Science — CIMR program at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles underlying human health and disease. This interdisciplinary course combines foundational biomedical sciences with cutting-edge research, preparing students for careers in medicine, biomedical research, or related health sciences. Throughout the program, students explore a wide range of topics, including molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, genetics, and biochemistry, providing a broad yet detailed perspective on the mechanisms that sustain life and contribute to disease processes. The program emphasizes critical thinking, laboratory skills, and independent research, enabling students to translate scientific knowledge into innovative solutions for healthcare challenges. Taught within a vibrant academic community at the university, the program benefits from world-class faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories, and collaborative projects that mirror real-world biomedical research environments. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiments, data analysis, and research projects, fostering skills essential for future academic or professional pursuits. The curriculum is designed to develop not only scientific expertise but also communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Graduates of the Medical Science — CIMR program are well-prepared to continue their studies in medicine, undertake doctoral research, or embark on careers in biomedical industries and healthcare sectors. The program also encourages international collaboration and provides a global outlook, reflecting the university’s commitment to advancing healthcare through scientific discovery. With its combination of rigorous academics, practical research experience, and a focus on innovation, the Medical Science — CIMR program offers an exceptional foundation for students aspiring to make meaningful contributions to medicine and health sciences in the future.

During their MPhil the students are based in a research group, supported by their primary supervisor and the CIMR Graduate Education Committee. There is no taught and examined course work, but students can take part in core topic discussion sessions held once a week by PIs in CIMR. Along with the specific research training provided in the laboratory in which the student works, he/she receives further training within the CIMR in the form of graduate workshops concentrating on research techniques, research seminars both on the Addenbrooke's site and elsewhere in the University, and graduate student seminars dealing with generic skills such as intellectual property rights, writing a thesis or paper, and entrepreneurship.

Feedback

Students receive feedback regarding their progress in the form of written termly reports from their supervisor. 

Moreover, verbal feedback will be provided frequently by the project supervisor as part of the day to day supervision.

Assessment

Thesis

The MPhil in Medical Science is examined by dissertation and viva. The dissertation must be no longer than 20,000 words and must satisfy the internal and external examiner that the candidate can design and carry out an original investigation, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspective of the subject.

• 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. This is only required if you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

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.

Enroll in the course

The Medical Science — CIMR program at the University of Cambridge offers a diverse range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Funding opportunities include a combination of scholarships, bursaries, studentships, and external funding sources. The program and the university actively encourage applicants to explore available financial aid schemes to help mitigate the costs associated with their education.

University scholarships for medical and related sciences are often awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Prospective students can apply for the Cambridge Bursaries Scheme, which provides financial support to students from lower-income backgrounds. Additionally, the university offers specific scholarships for international students, which may cover tuition fees, maintenance grants, or a combination of both.

Funding from external organizations is another avenue available to students. Various government grants, research councils, and charitable foundations support students pursuing medical sciences. For example, UK students may be eligible to apply for funding from the Medical Research Council (MRC) or the Wellcome Trust, which offer research training grants and fellowships for postgraduate students. International students can often access external funding through their home country’s government scholarships or overseas research awards.

Students are encouraged to seek financial advice early and to consult the university’s official funding pages for the most current opportunities and application procedures. Additionally, some students may choose to secure part-time employment or research assistant positions within the university to support their studies financially.

The university’s commitment to accessible education means that many of these funding opportunities are competitive, and applicants are advised to prepare well-documented applications demonstrating academic excellence and financial need where appropriate. It is also important to note that tuition fees vary depending on the student’s residency status and the specific course components. As such, prospective students should consult the university’s official fee pages to obtain accurate and up-to-date fee structures.

In summary, financing studies at the University of Cambridge for the Medical Science — CIMR program involves a combination of internal scholarships, external funding, and personal financial planning. Students are advised to proactively explore all available options and seek guidance from university financial aid services to ensure comprehensive financial support throughout their course duration.

The MPhil in Medical Science — CIMR at the University of Cambridge is a prestigious postgraduate program designed to provide students with comprehensive training in the field of medical sciences, with a particular focus on cancer immunology and translational research. This program aims to prepare graduates for careers in research, healthcare, or further doctoral study by equipping them with advanced knowledge and practical skills in biomedical sciences. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework, laboratory research, and seminars led by leading experts in the field. Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge scientific investigations, typically working within the facilities of the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research or related departments.

The program often emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, integrating insights from molecular biology, immunology, genetics, and clinical research. Although specific details about module content may vary from year to year, students generally study topics such as cellular signalling, disease mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and innovative treatment approaches. Practical laboratory training is a core component, encouraging students to develop competencies in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Students enrolled in the program benefit from Cambridge’s vibrant academic community and access to world-class resources and networks in the biomedical sciences. Collaborations with hospitals, research institutes, and industry partners provide a rich environment for knowledge exchange and career development. The program also offers opportunities for conference presentations, publishing research findings, and obtaining mentorship from leading scientists.

Graduates of the MPhil in Medical Science — CIMR are well-positioned for PhD study, roles in biotech or pharmaceutical industries, or positions within healthcare organizations. The program’s emphasis on research excellence and practical skills aims to foster innovative thinking and scientific rigour essential for advancing medical science. Applications are typically evaluated based on academic merit, research interests, and relevant experience, with an emphasis on applicants’ motivation to contribute to biomedical research and healthcare improvements. The program duration is usually one year full-time, with some options for part-time study, accommodating diverse applicant needs. Admission requirements include a strong academic record in life sciences or related disciplines, relevant research experience, and a clear statement of purpose aligning with the program’s goals. Overall, this program offers a rigorous, research-oriented pathway for students committed to advancing understanding and treatment of diseases through innovative scientific inquiry.