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Applications are coordinated by CRUK CI. Prior to submitting the University of Cambridge online application form, you are strongly advised to identify a group leader in the Institute who is willing to supervise you for MPhil study. At present, the Institute accepts only one or two MPhil students each year and so competition for places is particularly fierce.
The MPhil course lasts for 12 months, during which time the student is expected to complete a research project, and write and submit a thesis of not more than 20,000 words. The student will then be examined orally on the thesis and on the wider field of knowledge into which it falls.
Each student is supported by a principal supervisor who is normally the head of the research team. In addition, each student has an adviser and possibly also a second supervisor, who may work closely with the student to provide day-to-day guidance as required. Dr Ann Kaminski (Head of Scientific Administration) acts as the first point of contact for any student with a query or difficulty that is not directly related to their scientific work.
All student matters in the Institute are overseen by the CRUK CI Postgraduate Training Committee and the wider engaging Cancer Biology Postgraduate Education Committee, both of which have the well-being of our students at heart.
All students are encouraged to attend lectures of interest both in the Institute and in the wider University. They are also expected to participate in journal clubs and lab meetings and to take advantage of the numerous and varied opportunities including transferable skills training offered by both the Institute and the University. Students are encouraged to attend scientific meetings relevant to their course of study. All students in the Institute are members of the student-run Postgraduate Society which organises regular scientific and social events.
The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:
- to give students with relevant experience at a first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; and
- to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.
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
Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.
Continuation from MPhil to PhD study is dependent on the MPhil student participating in the Institute PhD recruitment process. This involves the applicant giving a short presentation on a past research project and being interviewed by three Group Leaders/senior research staff.
Open Days
The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.
See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.