Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at University of Cambridge

The Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN) offers excellent opportunities and facilities for training in research, leading to the degree of PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). It is our aim to develop in our students the skills required to submit a satisfactory PhD thesis at the end of three or four years or part-time over five years at 0.6 FTE or four years at at 0.75 FTE. To achieve this, a student will have acquired the essential skills required to design and conduct experiments (including applying for ethics approval where necessary), analyse results, and communicate these both in writing and orally.

Faculty: School of Clinical Medicine  |  Department: Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience  |  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

Students attend a variety of seminars given by distinguished scientists and are also able to present their research by giving seminars at our annual symposium, usually in their first year and at our weekly seminar series in their third year. Full information on potential supervisors and research projects can be found on the Postgraduate Education page on the department website. Thesis / Dissertation Submission of a thesis of 60,000 words and oral examination on the dissertation and the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Career pathways

These skills will include those that can be transferred successfully to their choice of academic or other careers.

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