MPhil in Biological Science (Zoology) by thesis

University of Cambridge

The Department of Zoology has a vibrant community of around 80 postgraduate students. Postgraduate students are based in a research group but quickly become part of a wider community, with additional academic and pastoral support offered by faculty members beyond their immediate research group. We go the extra mile to ensure our postgraduate students are well-supported during their time with us by offering frequent cohort-building events and training opportunities for students, all overseen by a dedicated deputy Head of Department for Postgraduate Education. The MPhil degree is a one-year (if full-time) course of research, culminating in the submission of a thesis after 11 months, followed by a viva voce examination. There are no taught components to this course, but students can attend appropriate lectures and courses including training and transferable skills. Students are supervised by at least one member of the academic staff who is an expert in the student's field of study. Supervisors support students in developing an independent and novel project in their field of interest. Students will learn how to review relevant literature, to phrase and answer scientific questions, and how to report their findings to the scientific community, at conferences and through peer-reviewed scientific publications. At the end of their degree, students will produce a written thesis, which will be assessed by independent experts during a viva. The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are: to give students with relevant experience at the 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. Most candidates taking this course start in October, in order to take advantage of Departmental and University induction programmes, but admission in January or April is also possible. Please note: part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study.

Department of Zoology