The MPhil course is designed to produce graduates with rigorous research and analytical skills, who are exceptionally well-equipped to go onto doctoral study, post-graduate research, or employment in industry and the public service.

The course aims to provide:

• a period of sustained in-depth study of a specific topic;
• an environment that encourages the student’s originality and creativity in their research;
• skills to enable the student to critically examine the background literature relevant to their specific research area;
•  the opportunity to develop skills in making and testing hypotheses, in developing new theories, and in planning and conducting experiments;
• the opportunity to expand the student’s knowledge of their research area, including its theoretical foundations and the specific techniques used to study it;
• the opportunity to gain knowledge of the broader field of cancer research;
• an environment in which to develop skills in written work, oral presentation and publishing the results of their research in high-profile scientific journals, through constructive feedback of written work and oral presentations.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of their MPhil course, students should:

• have a thorough knowledge of the literature and a comprehensive understanding of scientific methods and techniques applicable to their own research;
• be able to demonstrate 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;
• the ability to critically evaluate current research and research techniques and methodologies;
• demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems;
• be able to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of research; and
• have developed skills in oral presentation, scientific writing and publishing the results of their research.

Continuing

The MPhil in Medical Sciences (Oncology) degree is designed for students who only have one year available to study, or who have only managed to obtain funding for one year, i.e. it is not intended to be a probationary year for a three-year PhD degree. However, it is possible to continue from the MPhil to the PhD in Oncology (Basic Science) course via the following 2 options:

(i) Complete the MPhil then continue to the three-year PhD course:

If the student has time and funding for a further THREE years, AFTER completion of their MPhil they may apply to be admitted to the PhD course as a continuing student.  The student would be formally examined for the MPhil and if successful, they would then continue onto the three year PhD course as a probationary PhD student, i.e. the MPhil is not counted as the first year of the PhD degree; or

(ii) Transfer from the MPhil to the PhD course:

If whilst studying for their MPhil degree the student finds time and funding for an additional TWO years, they can apply for permission to change their registration from the MPhil to probationary PhD; note, transfer must be approved BEFORE completion of the MPhil.  If granted permission to change registration, the student will undergo a formal probationary PhD assessment (submission of a written report and an oral examination) towards the end of their first year and if successful, will then be registered for the PhD, i.e. the first year would count as the first year of the PhD degree.

Please note that continuation from the MPhil to the PhD, or changing registration is not automatic; all cases are judged on their own merits based on a number of factors including: evidence of progress and research potential; a sound research proposal; the availability of a suitable supervisor and of resources required for the research; acceptance by the Head of Department and Degree Committee.

The MPhil course is a full time research course. Most research training is provided within the structure of the student’s research group and is overseen by their Principal Supervisor. However, informal opportunities to develop research skills also exist through mentoring by fellow students and members of staff. To enhance their research, students are expected to attend seminars and graduate courses relevant to their area of interest.  Students are also encouraged to undertake transferable skills training provided by the Graduate School of Life Sciences.  At the end of the course, examination for the MPhil degree involves submission of a written dissertation, followed by an oral examination based on both the dissertation and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research.

Of the 13 Academic staff in the department, five are Clinical Lecturers, five are Clinical Academics and there are three Academics. Also, of the 18 Postdoctoral staff, we have 15 Research Associates and three Senior Research Associates.

Feedback

The student will receive the following feedback on their progress:

• One month after starting the course, the student is required to submit a preliminary dissertation plan. The Principal Supervisor will meet with the student to assess the plan and to provide direction and constructive input. 
• Throughout the course, the Principal Supervisor and student should meet formally about once a month to discuss how the research is progressing (meetings  may be more or less frequent, depending on how well the research project is going).
• An online feedback report is provided each term by their Principal Supervisor.
• Three months before the end of the course, students are required to produce a final dissertation plan and meet with their Principal Supervisor, who is expected to provide constructive input. 
• There is also oversight of student progress by our local Cancer Biology Graduate Education Committee, which operates within the policies directed by Graduate School of Life Sciences and the Board of Graduate Studies.

Assessment

Thesis

Examination for the MPhil degree involves submission of a written dissertation of not more than 20,000 words in length (excluding figures, tables, footnotes, appendices and bibliography), on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. This is followed by an oral examination based on both the dissertation and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research.

The oral examination is conducted by two Examiners, one from the University of Cambridge and one external to the University of Cambridge, neither of whom may have any direct involvement with the student or the work being examined. The dissertation should provide evidence to satisfy the Examiners that the student can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspectives of the subject.

• 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. 

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