Medical Science (Medical Genetics)

One year of supervised laboratory-based research examined by thesis and an oral examination. This is not a taught course. Applicants are typically science postgraduates or clinically qualified doctors undertaking scientific training. Research is predominantly in the areas of cancer genetics and the genetics of rare disease and developmental disorders. The aim is to understand the cell biology of disease mechanisms using a wide range of disciplines including biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, bioinformatics and biostatistics. Specific research training relevant to your own project is provided in the laboratory in which you work. Further training is provided within the Addenbrooke's campus and elsewhere in the University, and includes postgraduate workshops on research techniques, research seminars, and postgraduate student education seminars on generic subjects such as intellectual property rights, statistics, bioinformatics, communication skills, writing a thesis or paper and entrepreneurship.

The course's main aims are:

• to give students with relevant experience at 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, and have the required funding in place for further study.

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November. 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.

Apply using the Applicant Portal 

Please make sure you read the terms and conditions of using the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal before proceeding with our application.

When you have completed the necessary preparation, and you are ready to begin your online application, you should take note of the following important information:

1. Go to the Course Directory and find the course you wish to apply for, then click the Apply Now button in the How to Apply tab.
2. All applications must be completed in English.
3. You can request your references in the Applicant Portal, and see when these have been received.
4. You must then submit all required supporting documentation at the same time as the rest of your application.
5. You can also apply for funding via the Applicant Portal.
6. There is an application charge of (GBP sterling) £75 per application (unless you are from a country which is eligible for fee waiver). The Postgraduate School of Life Sciences has a scheme which enables three applications to be made with payment of a single £75 application fee. A list of other eligible courses and further information can be found here. You can make the payment by providing your card details to our secure server when you submit your online application. More information about the application fee can be found on the Application Fee page.
7. You will need to submit a separate application, with separate supporting documents, for each course you wish to apply for. Unless the courses you are applying for is a part of the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences scheme, you will be charged the application fee for each application you make.
8. Your application will not be considered until all the supporting documentation, including references, has been provided.

Upload Supporting Documentation

Your application is not complete without the required supporting documentation which must be submitted through the Applicant Portal as part of your application. If the supporting documents, including references, are not provided your application will not be considered and your application will be withdrawn when the course deadline has passed.

Please check your course's entry to see what supporting documents you will be required to submit. For more information on what the specific requirements of each document are, and how to submit them, please see the section on Supporting Documentation.