PhD

Medical Science — MRC Epidemiology Unit

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 26.5 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 50.2 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jul 22, 2025
6 place StudyQA ranking:4285 Duration:4 years

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The MRC Epidemiology Unit is a research department in the School of Clinical Medicine at the University of Cambridge and investigates the causes and prevention of obesity and diabetes.

Our PhD students have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research under the supervision of senior scientists supported by postdoctoral researchers and a large team of fieldworkers, data managers, statisticians, study coordinators, technical and administrative staff.

PhD students are registered with the University of Cambridge under the subject heading ‘Biological, Medical and Veterinary Sciences’. Students belong to one of the University’s colleges and are trained at the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The general framework of the PhD training programme is outlined by the Graduate School of Life Sciences.

   
One to one supervision

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

The Director of Graduate Education will set out expectations for the frequency of your supervision. This will include expectations for formal opportunities for you to gain feedback on your work and progress. Most students have regular weekly/fortnighty supervison meetings but the frequency of supervision may vary according to the research project and the stage of study.

Feedback

The Director of Graduate Education will ensure that all research students in our Faculty/Department (or University Partner Institution) have the opportunity to provide feedback on the content, delivery and administration of their course, and will ensure that this input is taken into account. He or she will oversee and coordinate periodic strategic reviews of the course. Similarly,  at the end of each term throughout your course, your supervisor will provide formal feedback on your progress, which you may access online through the Cambridge Graduate Supervisor Reporting System.

Assessment

Thesis

The PhD is examined by dissertation (maximum of 60,000 words) and viva.

Other

All PhD students are required to undergo formal assessment (by written report and viva) at the end of their first year. If successful, the student moves from being 'probationary' to being registered for the PhD and can proceed with their project.

  • 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
  • Covering Letter
  • 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.

Enroll in the course

  • Global Education
  • Gates Cambridge Scholarships
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