Oncology University of Cambridge

Overview

The Oncology course from the University of Cambridge students undertake a bespoke research project, which is agreed with their Principal Supervisor during the application process.

PhD students are initially on probation, with progression to the PhD being dependent on passing a formal First Year Assessment (FYA); this involves submission of a written progress report which is then assessed by oral examination conducted by two assessors. Full-time PhD students are on probation during their first year and must pass their FYA before they enter their second year of study. Part-time students are on probation for their first two years and must pass their FYA before they enter their third year of study.

Both full-time and part-time students are also required to produce regular written progress reports throughout the course of their degree.

At the end of their course, students produce a thesis of 60,000 words maximum, followed by an oral examination based on both their thesis and a broader knowledge of their chosen area of research.

Most research training is provided within the structure of the student’s research group and informal opportunities to develop research skills are available through mentoring by other members of staff and fellow students. All students are encouraged to attend scientific meetings, seminars and postgraduate courses relevant to their area of interest. They are also expected to participate in journal clubs and lab meetings and to take advantage of the numerous and varied training opportunities offered by the University.

Each student is assigned a Principal Supervisor who oversees their research project and an Adviser who provides additional support. Our Postgraduate Administrator acts as the first point of contact for any student with a query or difficulty not directly related to their scientific work. All student matters in the department are overseen by our Director of Postgraduate Education and the Cancer Biology Postgraduate Education Committee.

The PhD course provides students with:

• a period of sustained in-depth study of a specific topic.
• an environment that encourages originality and creativity in their research.
• skills to enable them 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 their 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.

At the end of their PhD 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.
• have developed the ability to critically evaluate current research and research techniques and methodologies.
• have self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.
• be able to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.
• have gained oral presentation and scientific writing skills.