Cambridge Institute for Medical Research

4 Year PhD Programme in the CIMR

Summary of Programme and Assessments

The CIMR 4 Year PhD Programme is one of the 1+3 Programmes offered by the Graduate School of Life Sciences. The first year of the programme forms the basis for an MPhil in Medical Sciences. The assessment for the MPhil is based on the reports and presentations produced at the end of each mini-project, and also an oral assessment towards the end of year 1, subject to the approval of an external examiner. Please note it is not intended for the MPhil to be undertaken as a stand alone qualification; the MPhil is integrated as part of the 4 year programme.

Year 1

End of Autumn Term

  1. Mini-project report prepared in standard scientific paper format; reviewed by supervisor and assessor orally and in writing in format of standard referee’s report on paper (transferable skills training).
  2. Oral presentation by student.

End of Spring Term

  1. Mini-project report prepared in standard scientific paper format; reviewed by supervisor and assessor orally and in writing in format of standard referee’s report on paper (transferable skills training).
  2. Oral presentation by student.

End of Summer Term

  1. Poster presentation of 3rd rotation project, (or Mini-project as above) reviewed by supervisor and Programme Director. 
  2. Choice of main project and supervisor.

July / August

  1. Preparation of research proposal for PhD project in form of mock project grant application (transferable skills training).
  2. Oral assessment of mini project reports and research proposal by Programme Director, internal assessor (usually the Head of one of the participating departments) and external assessor. This will determine whether you have met the criteria for the award of an MPhil in Medical Science.

Year 2

End of Summer Term

  1. Preparation of the upgrading 1st year report (up to 10,000 words includig literature review and account of 1st year’s work on main project in standard scientific format)
  2. Presentation on project work at summer symposium
  3. 1st year oral examination
  4. The main project supervisor will send their assessment report to the Board of Graduate Studies through Cam Grad for the upgrading to the PhD status by the appropriate Degree Committee

Year 3

End of Summer Term

  1. Presentation on project work at summer symposium

Year 4

End of Summer Term

  1. Presentation of work at summer symposium
  2. Preparation of thesis for submission (by 30th September)
  3. Final Viva in October / November (following standard University of Cambridge procedures)