Modern genetics has today evolved beyond its traditional boundaries to become a fundamental part of biology and medicine. The Department reflects this pervasiveness, with research interests encompassing several high impact themes, including functional genomics and systems biology, developmental genetics, epigenetic Inheritance, evolution and population genetics, microbial genetics, and cell biology. The Department of Genetics hosts between 50 and 65 postgraduate students across 25 research groups, researching a wide range of biological problems, from population genetics and ecology, to the detailed analysis of genome sequence. The Department is based in a historic building on the Downing Site but has research groups located in the Gurdon Institute, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre and Sainsbury Labs as well as an impressive range of local, national and international collaborations.

MPhil students in the Department will undertake a 1-year project under the supervision of one of our Group Leaders, where they will develop an original research question and address this through laboratory or computer based research. They will receive training in appropriate research methods and in literature research skills to prepare them for writing an MPhil thesis within the year. The MPhil course also includes research skills training and could be seen as preparation for a further research degree.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

•  a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
•  demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical
• understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
• shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
• demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Candidates wishing to progress to the PhD degree after successful completion of an MPhil will be considered by the Departmental Graduate Education Committee on a case by case basis. Candidates will be expected to have identified a suitable research group to host the PhD research and identify an appropriate source of funding. 

The course is exclusively by research.  The project and supervisor are determined during the application process. The student should expect to receive one to one supervision 2-4 times a month.

Feedback

Students will receive termly feedback from the Supervisor via Camsis in addition to formal  feedback via an advisor at 6 weeks.

Assessment

Thesis

Thesis required of not more than 20,000 words in length, excluding figures, tables, footnotes, appendices and bibliography.  The examination will include an oral examination on the thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

• 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
• Personal Reference. This is only required if you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

• Global Education
• Gates Cambridge Scholarships