Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry at University of Cambridge

Programme overview

Students are based in a research group and undertake a research project agreed with the principal investigator (supervisor). Each student also has additional mentorship support from an academic advisor and a Postgraduate Thesis Panel. Although no formal, examined coursework exists, the student's progress is assessed at various stages.

Faculty: School of the Biological Sciences | Department: Department of Biochemistry | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time | Study mode: full-time | Intake: January 2027, April 2027, October 2027, January 2028, April 2028 | Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The most important is the First-Year Assessment, which comprises submitting a thesis report and an oral examination assessed by two examiners. Students will also belong to a Peer Research Group, composed of other postgraduate students, within which workshops, student research projects, and scientific literature are presented and discussed. The examination is a thesis report (up to 6,000 words), which should be written and presented in a formal scientific report style, and an oral examination.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a Good II.i Honours Degree. Before submitting your application, you must secure the support of a group leader/supervisor within a laboratory. Although this does not guarantee an admission offer, you cannot submit your application without it. English language: IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall (Listening 7.0, Writing 7.0, Reading 6.5, Speaking 7.0). International applicants needing a visa require ATAS clearance after an offer.

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

International applicants: GBP 42,546 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

Intake: January 2027, April 2027, October 2027, January 2028, April 2028

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time

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

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