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Description Contents Requirements Funding

A PhD degree by research over a minimum of three and a maximum of four years, including a probationary period of one year;
Research subjects run the gamut from mathematical studies through small and macromolecules, cells, tissues and model organisms to clinical patients. Examination is by submission and viva voce examination of a thesis;
Each student is assigned a primary supervisor and they will then assign an advisor or supervisory team to assist the student under their supervision;
Training is available in transferable and specialist science skills. Transferable skills are taught under a credit system - students are required to take a minimum of ten days per year of this type of training;
Many research projects are carried out primarily within the Department, but part of your studies may occur elsewhere or even abroad;
Depending on the funder, some courses include lab rotation in the first year.

Continuing

Although students are recruited into three or four year programmes they must pass an assessment at the end of their first year to progress to subsequent years.

There is no formal teaching as this is a research-only degree.


One to one supervision	The student is assigned a primary supervisor and an advisor. The number of hours of formal supervision will vary depending on the student, supervisor and project as well as varying over the course of the PhD. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University's expectations regarding supervision.
Seminars & classes	The student is expected to attend journal clubs and departmental seminars. Other classes are decided by student and supervisor and the number of hours is not set.
Practicals	None except research project work.
Small group teaching	The number of hours is not set, except that there is a minimum requirement for generic skills training.
Journal clubs	There is a Departmental Graduate Journal Club once per month. Student may also be expected to attend individual lab group journal clubs.
Literature_reviews	Recommended to complete in first four months of arrival.
Posters	Student is expected to present at the weekly seminar slot to the Department at the end of their first year. They are also expected to participate in the bi-annual Departmental research days at least once during the course of their PhD by presenting posters and/or short oral presentations.

Placements

Depending on the funder, some courses include a three month industrial placement.

Feedback

Students can expect to receive a formal online feedback report from their supervisor once per term. Feedback will also be available following the examination of the first year report. More informal feedback from supervisor will be provided as required.

Assessment

Thesis

This course is examined by dissertation and viva. The thesis must be no longer than 60,000 words (or 80,000 by special permission of the Degree Committee). These limits exclude figures, photographs, tables, appendices and bibliography. The dissertation is examined at a viva by one Internal Examiner and one External Examiner.

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
Personal Reference

Selection Process

Applications are accepted and considered on a rolling basis.

All candidates that submit an official application will be interviewed. We would aim to interview within one month of receiving the application and notify the candidate within one week of the outcome of the interview. However at peak times or in exceptional circumstances this make take longer.

If accepted by the Department the application would then move on for consideration by other offices in the University.

Offers made of places on this course are conditional on clearing any security checks the University deems necessary. Security checks are routinely required for all individuals involved in research activities that include working with sensitive information; working with children and vulnerable adults; working with live animals or with tissues supplied from live animals or working in an environment in which such work is pursued by others; working with dangerous pathogens or in a category 3 containment laboratory; or working with some other sensitive technologies. Where necessary the University will ensure that applicants are not disproportionately impacted by the requirement for any security checks by allowing new students to take up places and start appropriate areas of their work prior to a check in other areas being completed.