The MB, BChir in Medical Science at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous academic program designed to prepare students for the complexities and challenges of modern medicine. This course combines foundational scientific knowledge with practical clinical skills, fostering a deep understanding of human biology, health, and disease. Throughout the program, students explore a wide range of topics including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, and pathology, providing a solid grounding in medical sciences. The curriculum is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, and clinical placements, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, research methodology, and evidence-based medicine, equipping graduates to make informed decisions in healthcare settings. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning and promotes skills in communication, teamwork, and professionalism, preparing students for careers in medicine, research, or academia. Students benefit from close interaction with leading experts in medical sciences and access to state-of-the-art facilities at the university. The course also offers opportunities for exploration beyond core medicine, including special modules in emerging fields such as medical technology and global health. Designed for students with a strong interest in science and medicine, the program fosters intellectual curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates are well-positioned to apply for clinical training or pursue further research, contributing to advancements in healthcare and medical research. The university's supportive academic environment, combined with its rich history of excellence in medical education, makes this program an ideal choice for aspiring medical scientists and future healthcare professionals.

The basic programme design is 1+3 years, with the first year consisting of 3 laboratory-based projects, each the subject of a 10-week lab-based mini-project with parallel core topic discussion sessions held twice a week, led by a PI faculty member on the programme. Within the first year there is additional training in key areas including information technology, bioinformatics, statistical analysis, computation, confocal and electron microscopy, flow cytometry, DNA sequencing and genotyping, and principles of translation and drug design.

Training in transferable skills will involve: communication skills – oral and written presentations; report, thesis and paper writing; grant application writing, project planning, grant costing and management; interviewing skills and team management; critical analysis of papers and grant applications.

Students select their mini-projects following presentations by supervisors at the start of the year and each term if requested. During each mini-project the student spends 10 weeks in the laboratory of their chosen supervisor. At the end of this period, project outcome and student progress are assessed by means of oral presentation in terms 1 and 2 to all students and faculty, together with a poster presentation in term 3. The projects in terms 1 and 2 also require a written report that is assessed by an independent examiner, and each poster is also assessed by an independent examiner.

Feedback

At the end of the rotations in terms 1 and 2 students are required to submit a written report and at the end of the 3rd rotation a poster. Independent examiners review the students' work and their reviews are shared with the student at the end of each rotation. In addition during the first year termly reports will be written by the director.

During the main part of the PhD students receive feedback regarding their progress in the form of written termly reports from their supervisor, which are available online.

Moreover,  during all four years,  verbal feedback will be provided frequently by the project supervisor as part of the day-to-day supervision.

Assessment

Thesis

The PhD thesis should not exceed 60,000 words (or 80,000 by special permission of the Degree Committee). These limits exclude figures, photographs, tables, appendices and bibliography. The PhD thesis is examined according to the existing structures of the University of Cambridge. 

No thesis is required for the MRes degree.

Other

The timescales, assessment and management follow the existing structures of the University of Cambridge.  Before students can enter the 2nd year, they are examined for an MRes (Master of Research). Award of the MRes degree and decision to proceed on the PhD programme involves evaluation of all written reports, a formal project grant proposal and viva voce examination by an internal examiner together with an external university examiner. The examiners provide a report on the outcome of the assessment, their recommendation on registration/progression, and any feedback they wish to provide for the student and supervisor.

All PhD students are required to undergo formal assessment (by written report and viva) at the end of their first year in the PhD stage of the programme. 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
• Personal Reference

The Medical Science undergraduate program at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in medicine, biomedical research, and related fields. Financing studies for this program involves several options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees for UK students are set annually by the university and are typically reviewed each year; for the most current fees, students should refer to the official university website. International students usually pay higher tuition fees, which also vary by year of study and specific program components. In addition to tuition fees, students must budget for living expenses, including accommodation, food, study materials, personal expenses, and health insurance. The university provides a range of financial assistance options, such as scholarships, grants, and bursaries, aimed at reducing financial burdens. There are numerous scholarships available, including prestigious awards based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific fields of interest related to medical sciences. Students are encouraged to apply early and explore all available funding opportunities through the university’s dedicated financial aid office. Some students may also be eligible for external funding sources, such as government-sponsored loans, private scholarships, or sponsorships from organizations interested in promoting medical research and healthcare. Cambridge offers a Payment Plan scheme allowing students to spread tuition payments over the academic year, easing financial planning. Furthermore, work-study opportunities and part-time roles within the university can provide additional income for students while studying. It is important for prospective students to carefully consider all aspects of financing their education and to seek personalized advice from university financial advisors. Overall, the university strives to make Medical Science accessible to talented students from diverse backgrounds by offering a robust support system for funding their studies and ensuring that financial barriers do not impede access to world-class education in medicine and biomedical sciences.

The Medical Science program at the University of Cambridge is a pioneering undergraduate course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles underlying human health and disease. This program integrates various disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physiology, and genetics to equip students with a robust scientific foundation essential for pursuing careers in medicine, research, or related health sciences. The course offers a balanced curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, including laboratory work, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving exercises, to prepare students for complex real-world medical challenges.

Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to explore various aspects of human biology, such as cellular and molecular mechanisms, neurobiology, pharmacology, and pathology. The program emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and experimental design, fostering an analytical approach necessary for research and clinical practice. Additionally, students gain insights into contemporary issues in medicine like personalized medicine, health informatics, and ethical considerations in medical sciences.

The teaching methodology at Cambridge includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, and laboratory sessions, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Students are encouraged to participate actively in discussions, independent research projects, and interdisciplinary collaborations, which enhance their learning experience and prepare them for further specialization or professional training. The program also offers optional modules allowing students to tailor their studies towards specific interests within Medical Science.

The course duration is typically three years for the undergraduate degree, with options for intercalation or extended research placements that can add an additional year or more. Graduates are well-positioned for entry into medical training programs or postgraduate research degrees, owing to the rigorous training and exposure to cutting-edge scientific developments provided by Cambridge. Overall, the Medical Science program aims to cultivate skilled, knowledgeable, and innovative individuals capable of advancing healthcare and medical research globally.