Doctor of Medicine in MD (Doctor of Medicine) at University of Cambridge

Programme overview

The MD degree – on a par academically with the PhD – is aimed at medically-qualified clinicians working in Cambridge who hold suitable research appointments within Cambridge University Health Partners (CUHP, i.e. the University of Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, and Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust). Research projects, allied to the area in which the candidate is currently employed, can be undertaken across the whole spectrum of medical science from basic biology to clinical therapies and should relate to the science, art, or history of medicine.

What you will study

If accepted, a University supervisor will be appointed and the candidate will be expected to work on the project part-time (usually alongside their clinical commitments within CUHP), and to submit their thesis within a maximum of six years. Like the PhD, the MD is examined by thesis and viva. The requirements for the thesis follow those for the PhD: maximum of 60,000 words.

Career pathways

This is available for medically qualified candidates who are not employees of CUHP, have a primary degree from the University of Cambridge, and whose research and supervision will be outside of Cambridge.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a Medical Degree. The medical degree must give entitlement to provisional or full registration with the UK General Medical Council. You must also hold an appropriate contract of employment with a member institution of Cambridge University Health Partners, which normally allows for a minimum of two-years' part-time research, plus time to write up the thesis. You are expected to be at ST1 grade or above. English language: IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall (Listening 7.0, Writing 7.0, Reading 6.5, Speaking 7.0).

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,208 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

International applicants: GBP 11,208 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

Intake: October 2027, January 2028, April 2028

Duration: 6 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcmmdmed/apply

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