The course will equip its graduates with a wide range of skills and knowledge.  They will receive training in research and the ability to conduct independent research. They will have gained research experience through having planned, executed and evaluated an original investigative piece of work through a major dissertation.  They will develop the ability to critically appraise scientific literature and to present research data at conferences and seminars.  They will cultivate their intellectual skills and develop their transferable skills.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired excellent skills, experience and knowledge to undertake post doctoral work (research and/or teaching) or another related profession outside the University.

The course is exclusively by research.  The supervisor is determined during the interview process.  Students are integrated into the research culture of the Department by joining a research group.  Students are expected to take part in their research group's weekly meetings.  Most research training is provided within the group structure and overseen by their research supervisor.  Students are expected to attend the Department's research seminars and also graduate courses and skills training offered by the Graduate School of Life Sciences relevant to their training.  All students are allocated a mentor.

Placements

Placements may form part of the PhD.

Feedback

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

Assessment

Thesis

The word limit for the PhD dissertation is 60,000 words.  Two copies of your soft-bound PhD dissertation must be submitted to the Student Registry.  This must be accompanied by two copies of the title page, three copies of a summary/abstract, the Addresses for Examination Purposes Form, the signed Declaration Form and a completed Deposit and Copying of Dissertation Declaration Form.  A viva will be carried out.

Essays

None.

Written examination

None.

Practical assessment

None.

Other

On-going assessment by the Supervisor.

• 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 University of Cambridge offers a variety of funding options for students pursuing a degree in Pathology. Tuition fees vary depending on the course and the student's status as a UK, EU, or international student. For UK students, the standard annual tuition fee for postgraduate courses is approximately £13,287, while international students can expect fees around £30,000 per year. These fees are subject to annual increases and may differ for specific programs or research projects.

In addition to tuition fees, students should consider living costs, which include accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Estimated living costs for Cambridge are approximately £12,000 to £15,000 per year, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices. The university provides detailed budgeting advice to help students plan financially.

Funding opportunities for Pathology students include scholarships, bursaries, and grants. The Cambridge Trust offers numerous scholarships for international students, some of which are specifically aimed at students in medical or biomedical sciences. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is highly competitive and covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs for exceptional applicants from outside the UK. Other funding sources include college-specific scholarships and external funding bodies such as the Wellcome Trust, which supports health-related research training.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding options, including government loans and sponsorships from healthcare organizations. UK students may also be eligible for student loans provided by the Student Loans Company, which can cover tuition fees and living costs.

The university also provides financial aid services to assist students in navigating funding options and applying for external bursaries. Work opportunities during the course, such as teaching or research assistantships, are limited but may be available for eligible students to help offset expenses.

Overall, financing a Pathology degree at Cambridge requires careful planning and the pursuit of various funding avenues. Prospective students are strongly advised to consult the university’s official financial aid offices and scholarship pages for the most current and comprehensive information to support their studies.

The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous program in Pathology designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the mechanisms of disease, diagnostic techniques, and the scientific basis of pathology. This program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating aspects of molecular biology, histopathology, immunology, and clinical sciences to equip graduates with the skills necessary for a career in medical research, diagnostic laboratories, or clinical practice. Throughout the course, students undertake a combination of lectures, laboratory rotations, and research projects, fostering advanced analytical and problem-solving skills. The curriculum covers molecular and cellular pathology, disease mechanisms, diagnostic investigations, and recent advances in the field, preparing students for both academic and clinical roles. The program also encourages participation in cutting-edge research, often in collaboration with hospitals and research institutes, fostering an environment of innovation and discovery. Graduates are well-prepared for further training or research in biomedical sciences, or for careers in clinical pathology, laboratory medicine, or related areas. The program is characterized by its emphasis on scientific rigor, practical laboratory experience, and critical thinking, all delivered by world-renowned faculty members. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities and research resources provide an ideal environment for students to develop their expertise. Overall, the Pathology program at Cambridge aims to produce highly skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to understanding disease processes, improving diagnostic accuracy, and advancing medical science globally.