PhD in Zoology

University of Cambridge

The Department of Zoology has a vibrant community of around 80 postgraduate students. Postgraduate students are based in a research group but quickly become part of a wider community, with additional academic and pastoral support offered by faculty members beyond their immediate research group. We go the extra mile to ensure our postgraduate students are well-supported during their time with us by offering frequent cohort-building events and training opportunities for students, all overseen by a dedicated deputy Head of Department for Postgraduate Education. The PhD degree requires a minimum of three years of full-time research with an individual Supervisor. At the end of their degree, students will produce a written thesis, which will be assessed by independent experts, and examined with a viva. This is the principal research degree offered in the Department of Zoology. Students are supervised by at least one member of the academic staff who is an expert in the student's field of study. Supervisors support students in developing an independent and novel project in their field of interest. Students will learn how to review relevant literature, phrase and answer scientific questions, and report their findings to the scientific community at conferences and through peer-reviewed scientific publications. We very much encourage PhD students to get experience in undergraduate teaching, which can be either as demonstrators during practical classes or supervisors teaching small groups. At the end of their first year of study, students are required to pass a first-year assessment based on a detailed progress report examined by viva by the student's thesis advisory committee. At the end of the second and third years, a brief report (without viva) is required to ensure satisfactory progress toward the timely completion of the PhD degree. Most candidates taking this course start in October to take advantage of Departmental and University induction programmes, but admission in January or April is also possible. Please note: part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed Supervisor before applying for this mode of study.