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Department of Veterinary Medicine

Cambridge Veterinary School
 

MPhil in Veterinary Science - Course Code: VTVTM1

Our one-year full-time MPhil research programme leads to the degree MPhil in Veterinary Science. This is also available as a part-time option, taking two years. Students are based in a research group and undertake research on a topic agreed with the principal investigator. There is no examined course work but students can take part in a wide range of both knowledge-base and working skills training available to both Masters and PhD research students. Students write a dissertation, which is examined via an oral examination. 


PhD in Veterinary Medicine - Course Code: VTVT22  

(or  PhD in Biological Sciences at the Department of Veterinary Medicine - Course Code: VTVT221)

The Department offers a three-year full-time PhD  programme, also available via five-year part-time study. The student can select which course title they prefer and in most cases this won't change the availability of supervisors, however funder preferences should be considered.  Students are based in a research group and undertake a research project agreed with the principal investigator. Each student also has support from an advisor or a thesis committee. There is no examined course work but students take part in an individual programme of skills courses. There are a number of additional requirements, including a literature review in the first few months of the course and talks given to the Department at the start of second year and near the end of third year. Near the end of their first year students write a report, which is assessed in an oral examination. They are only registered for the PhD after satisfactory performance in this first year. In all years students can take part in events and competitions organised within the Graduate School of Life Sciences and the University. The three-year PhD is ideal for students who have already taken a Masters degree and do not wish to undertake a four-year programme.


Funded PhD Programmes: Course codes advised on application

The department participates in the following programmes, candidates apply directly to the programme:

BBSRC DTP:  http://bbsrcdtp.lifesci.cam.ac.uk/dtpprog  Applications usually open in October with deadline to apply1st December.   This 4 year  programme incorporates some generic researcher training and  two lab rotation projects in the first 6 months.  One of the rotation projects should be with your preferred supervisor and project. 

MRC DTP:  (3.5 yr studentship):   http://mrcdtp.medschl.cam.ac.uk/prospective-students/  Applications open from early October for entry in the following October, deadline to apply early December. 

Wellcome Trust (1+3 yr studentship): http://www.cimr.cam.ac.uk/study/phdprogrammes/infectionandimmunity/apply – applications open 1st October for entry the following October with deadline to apply early January.  First year (MRes) incorporates lab rotations and some taught components. 

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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (VetMD) - Course Code : VMD72

There are significant number of veterinarians carrying out research of a high standard in the course of their professional work for whom this degree provides an opportunity to present their work and obtain a formal degree.  Eligibility is restricted, as the candidate must have either a University of Cambridge degree and an approved veterinary degree or hold an appointment at the Cambridge Veterinary School in addition to an approved veterinary degree.

Research projects undertaken for the degree should be designed to build on candidates' veterinary expertise and professional experience.  The standard of work expected and the level of originality demanded is high, and the examinations procedure ensures that work is genuinely of doctoral standard.  Examination of the VetMD consists of the submission of a thesis of the research work and an oral examination on the subject of the thesis and the general field of knowledge within which it falls.  This thesis cannot be submitted until four years have elapsed since the date of the candidate's admission to their approved veterinary degree.

Note on fees: the total Fee for the course is the equivalent of one year's full time Postgraduate study payable in two instalments over the first two years only.   For example the total fees due for 2021-2022 would be £8844 split into two payments of £4422 over the first two years.

Potential applicants are strongly advised to make informal contact with members of the VetMD Committee prior to submitting a formal application.  Approval for registration is also strongly advised before embarking upon a body of work to ensure it is appropriate for the degree.   Informal inquires can be made to Fiona Roby, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES. Tel. 01223-760544, E-mail .