The MRC Cancer Unit is based on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and provides an outstanding environment for cancer research, supporting some 10 research groups and ~130 bench scientists.  The scientific mission of the Unit is to advance fundamental understanding of early steps in carcinogenesis and to translate this information to new approaches for early diagnosis, risk stratification or therapy that can be applied in the clinic.  We are investigating the genes and proteins involved in a range of cancers including breast, renal, lung, pancreatic and oesophageal cancer, in order to develop new diagnostic tools and treatments for patients.

PhD studies at the MRC Cancer Unit are focussed on developing the next generation of cancer researchers. Current research in the Unit spans a number of areas including genome evolution, cellular metabolism, microenvironmental interactions and transcriptional programmes as well as translational/clinical research on early detection, chemical biology and therapeutic approaches.  All graduate students In the Unit have the opportunity to acquire a range of research and other skills in a supportive scientific environment. 

Feedback

Students can expect to receive an online feedback report each term.

The University of Cambridge annual Code of Practice sets out the University's expectations regarding student feedback

Assessment

Thesis

The final thesis should be no longer than 60,000 words.

Other

All PhD students are probationary in their first year.  Towards the end of the first year, students are required to submit a report, the purpose of which is to provide evidence of their suitability for registration for a PhD.  The report should be 20-40 pages of A4 (including figures).  This report will be assessed at an oral examination by two examiners, and the student will need to pass in order to be formally registered for the PhD.

Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Online button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal, where you can create and submit your application, and request references.

An application is only complete when:

1. you have submitted your application via the Applicant Portal and paid the £50 application fee
2. you have uploaded the required supporting documents via the Applicant Self-Service
3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

There are two separate options for pursuing a PhD qualification at the MRC Cancer Unit:

1. Application for an MRC Doctoral Training Award (DTA).  PhD studentship positions (funded by the Medical Research Council) are advertised from October in Nature, on findaphd.com, on jobs.ac.uk and on the Unit website.  Full details of available positions and how to apply can be found in these locations.  Short-listed applicants will be called for interview in December/January.  After this process, successful applicants will be encouraged to complete the online application via the Applicant Portal for graduate entry to study at the University.
2. Direct contact with MRC CU principal investigator.  If you have applied for independent funding or are considering doing so and would like to study at the Cancer Unit, you should firstly consult the MRC CU website to determine which supervisor you would like to work with.  You should then make direct email contact with this supervisor, attaching your CV and explaining why you would like to join their research team. 

Selection Process

If applying for an MRC DTA Award, applications are considered as part of a gathered field after the closing date (usually the end of November).  Interviews will take place in December/January,  following which decisions will be made in January/February.

• 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

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