The MRC Cancer Unit is based on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and provides an outstanding environment for cancer research, supporting some 10 research groups and ~130 bench scientists.  The scientific mission of the Unit is to advance fundamental understanding of early steps in carcinogenesis and to translate this information to new approaches for early diagnosis, risk stratification or therapy that can be applied in the clinic.  We are investigating the genes and proteins involved in a range of cancers including breast, renal, lung, pancreatic and oesophageal cancer, in order to develop new diagnostic tools and treatments for patients.

The MPhil course is a one year laboratory-based course, which will give students a solid foundation in cancer research.  Students will underake a defined original project, acquiring both scientific and other skills.  At the end of their course, MPhil students are required to submit a written thesis of 20,000 words or less.  The student will then undergo an oral examination based on both their thesis and a broader knowledge of their chosen area of research.

The course is laboratory based, and undertaken exclusively by research.  The project will be determined during the application process through discussion with the supervisor.  The student should expect to receive support and advice from senior scientific colleagues and have regular meetings with their supervisor, during the course of their studies.

Feedback

Students should expect to receive regular feedback on their project to ensure that this is progressing at a pace appropriate for a one year course.  Feedback may be gained from discussion of experimental data with scientific colleagues, and from supervisor's comments on their thesis and other presentations. Formal progress reports, accessible to students, are uploaded towards the end of each term by the Principal Supervisor.

Assessment

Thesis

Examination for the MPhil degree involves submission of a written dissertation of not more than 20,000 words. This is followed by an oral examination based on both the dissertation and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research.

• 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 

• Global Education
• Gates Cambridge Scholarships