Primary Care Research at the University of Cambridge offers an innovative and comprehensive programme designed to equip students with advanced skills and knowledge necessary for impactful research in primary healthcare settings. This programme integrates rigorous academic coursework with practical research experience, fostering a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced in primary care environments. Students will explore a wide range of topics, including epidemiology, health services research, qualitative and quantitative methods, health policy, and patient-centered care. The curriculum is tailored to develop competencies in designing, conducting, and analyzing research studies that aim to improve outcomes for patients and populations in primary care. Faculty members are leading experts in their fields, providing mentorship and support throughout the course. The programme encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to work alongside clinicians, health policymakers, and researchers from various backgrounds. Through seminars, workshops, and hands-on projects, students gain practical skills in data collection, statistical analysis, and dissemination of research findings. The programme also emphasizes the importance of ethical research practices and effective communication of scientific results to both academic and non-academic audiences. Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in academic research, healthcare policy, clinical practice, and public health, contributing to the enhancement of primary care services locally, nationally, and internationally. The University of Cambridge's outstanding research environment and extensive network of healthcare institutions provide students with unparalleled opportunities for research placements and collaborative projects. Whether you are an early-career researcher or an experienced healthcare professional seeking to deepen your expertise, the Primary Care Research programme offers a transformative educational experience that aims to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes worldwide.

Michaelmas Term

This term focuses on epidemiological and biostatistical principles and procedures. Teaching sessions during this term will be shared with students from the MPhils in Epidemiology and Public Health course. The teaching in this term also includes training in basic data handling and analysis using the statistical package Stata. The three modules are:

• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Data handling and appraisal

During this term you will also complete an essay on the epidemiology of a chosen condition in a primary care population.  This essay is a formal part of the MPhil examination and will contribute to your final mark.  You should also begin to research an appropriate topic for your MPhil thesis. You should discuss this proposal with your Course Supervisor to assess the suitability of the topic and the availability of relevant data.

There will also be an assessment based on the epidemiological component of the first term.  This assessment is informal and does not count towards your degree.  The assessment provides your Course Supervisor and Course Directors with a guide to your progress.  A guideline answer sheet will be provided at the end of the assessment.

Lent Term

This term includes modular-based lectures and seminars in more advanced aspects of epidemiological research and public health which are shared with students from the MPhils in Epidemiology and Public Health, and specific modules on Primary Care Research not shared with other MPhil students. 

Modules shared with the MPhils in Epidemiology and Public Health

• Health Policy
• Social Science
• Chronic disease epidemiology
• Genetic epidemiology and Public health genomics
• Health Promotion

Primary Care Research modules

• Introduction to Primary Care Research         
• Use of routine data in Primary Care
• Designing, delivering and analysing surveys in primary care
• Qualitative research

Please note some modules may move from term to term.

During this term you will also complete a second essay which should take the form of a protocol for your thesis research.  This essay is a formal part of the MPhil examination and will contribute to your final mark.  Before starting your protocol, the title of your thesis should be agreed with your Course and Thesis Supervisor.  Both your Course and Thesis Supervisor should sign the thesis title form confirming the title.  All students must have a designated Thesis Supervisor (in some cases this individual may also be the Course Supervisor).

Easter Term

This term includes a small number of modular-based lectures and seminars again shared with students from the MPhils in Epidemiology and Public Health.

• Clinical Trials
• Health Economics
• Ethics and Law

The remainder of the term is dedicated to revision for the written examinations in June and thesis work.  The term ends on the last business day of July 2016 with the hand-in of the thesis.  If you leave the UK, you must be prepared to travel back to Cambridge for an oral examination, if required. 

Feedback

Students feedback is essential for continued development and evaluation of the programme. They will be asked to provide feedback on each lecture/module including rating of the sessions via Moodle.

Students can access online supervision reports via the Cambridge Graduate Supervision Reporting System. Students have regular supervision meetings to discuss progress as well as the feedback and marks from the two essays and thesis. There are three student presentation days throughout the course for the Michaelmas term essay, Lent term essay and the thesis. Students receive feedback from peers, course supervisors as well as the Course Directors. Progress meetings can be arranged with the Course Directors if needed.

Assessment

Thesis

A thesis not exceeding 20,000 words in length, including footnotes, but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

Essays

Two essays, each not exceeding 3,000 words in length, on subjects approved by the Degree Committee

Written examination

Two written papers, each of which may cover all the areas of study prescribed in the syllabus.

Other

The course components are completed by the end of July. However, to complete the course, students will be required to attend a viva in person on a date (to be announced) in late August or early September.

• 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
• Statement of Interests
• CV/Resumé 
• Personal Reference. 

The University of Cambridge offers diverse financing options for students enrolled in the Primary Care Research program. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's domicile status, with home students typically paying a lower rate compared to international students. For the academic year 2023-2024, the tuition fee for home students is approximately £10,000 per year, while international students pay around £25,000 annually. In addition to tuition fees, students should budget for living expenses, which the university estimates to be approximately £12,000 to £15,000 per year, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. The university provides a range of scholarships, bursaries, and funding opportunities to support students financially. These include the Cambridge Trust scholarships, which are highly competitive and available to both home and international students, offering full or partial tuition fee waivers and maintenance stipends. Other funding sources include departmental and college bursaries, some of which are specifically reserved for medical and health sciences students. Students are encouraged to explore external funding options, such as national research councils and health charities like the Wellcome Trust or the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), which may offer grants or scholarships for postgraduate research students. The university also offers loan schemes and financial advice services to help students manage their finances effectively during their studies. Prospective students are advised to apply early for scholarships and to review the specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines. It is important to note that funding availability and amounts may vary annually according to university budgets and external funding bodies' policies. Some students may also have access to part-time work opportunities within the university or local community to supplement their income during their studies. Overall, the University of Cambridge is committed to supporting its students financially through a robust package of scholarships, grants, and support services, ensuring that talented candidates regardless of financial background have the opportunity to undertake their Primary Care Research studies.

The Primary Care Research program at the University of Cambridge is a comprehensive postgraduate course designed to equip healthcare professionals and researchers with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct high-quality research in primary care settings. The program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice and aims to contribute to the improvement of healthcare delivery at the community level. Students in this program engage with a multidisciplinary curriculum that covers various aspects of primary care research, including study design, statistical methods, health services research, epidemiology, and patient-centered outcomes.

The course offers both taught modules and opportunities for independent research, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world issues faced by primary care providers. Participants may come from diverse backgrounds such as medicine, nursing, health sciences, or social sciences, fostering a collaborative learning environment. The program often includes workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by leading experts in primary care research, providing students with insights into current challenges and innovative solutions in the field.

The University of Cambridge’s primary care research program also aims to develop core competencies in research ethics, data management, and the dissemination of research findings. Students are encouraged to undertake a dissertation or research project as part of their studies, which often involves working with local healthcare organizations, community groups, or national health agencies. This hands-on experience is vital for developing practical skills and for fostering professional networks that can support future research endeavors.

Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue careers in academia, healthcare policy, or clinical research, with many going on to become primary care researchers, policy advisors, or academic clinicians. The university’s strong links with healthcare institutions and research organizations provide students with valuable opportunities for internships, collaborations, and employment after graduation. This program is part of Cambridge’s broader commitment to advancing healthcare through rigorous research, and it aligns with the university’s reputation for excellence in medicine and health sciences.

Overall, the Primary Care Research program at the University of Cambridge offers a rigorous academic and practical training platform for individuals passionate about improving primary healthcare through research. It fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to the field and ultimately enhance patient care outcomes across communities.