项目介绍

2021年7月29日

About the course

This DPhil programme is for basic science graduates, clinical students and trainee clinicians who want to undertake advanced study in the field of cancer research. The programme provides a solid grounding in the study of oncology and cancer biology through the provision of advanced level seminars in the first year and subject specific training in your host department.

As a doctoral student on the programme, you will carry out research in a single laboratory for three to four years on a full-time basis. There is no period of rotation between laboratories. All doctoral students develop their skills through a range of research training and skills development in their first year of full-time study, by attending compulsory and optional courses and lectures in laboratory techniques and generic skills, including scientific writing and statistics, while also carrying out your research project.

You will be encouraged to attend lectures and seminars related to your programme of research and make the most of the doctoral training and research methods provision available across the University. The aim is to tailor this training to individual needs and bring all students up to an advanced level in background knowledge. Later training is focused on the skills required for a successful career in independent research and for clinicians, to successful re-integration into clinical training.

This course has three different tracks and your application will be considered for the track that is most appropriate to your previous study and/or employment. Clinical trainees (track 1) and medical undergraduates (track two) will enrol on a three-year programme. Non-clinical/fundamental scientists (track three) will enrol on a four-year programme. Students are admitted directly to work under the supervision of a Principal Investigator who is formally appointed as the DPhil supervisor. Students are based in a research group/laboratory to undertake one of the research projects advertised.

Students begin the DPhil in Cancer Science programme as a probationary research student (PRS). Before the end of their fourth term, students are required to write a report prior to transfer to DPhil status. Progress is evaluated by two academic assessors, who are not directly involved in the student’s supervision. Continuation on the DPhil programme is subject to passing the Transfer of Status assessment in year two or three. The doctoral work will culminate in a thesis that will be defended in an oral examination (viva voce). Students are expected to submit their thesis between the ninth and twelfth terms from being admitted as a PRS.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Medical Sciences Doctoral Training Centre and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Medical Sciences Doctoral Training Centre.

Students on the DPhil in Cancer Science Programme are from a diverse range of backgrounds and specialisms, and study an assortment of subjects across many different departments and institutes. As such, every student-supervisor relationship is tailored to the specific needs of each. Students can expect to meet with their supervisors between every one to four weeks for input and guidance, although this may change throughout the programme as students accumulate more experience. Independent mentorship and supervision will be provided centrally form the programme and will meet one to two times per year.

Assessment

Students begin the DPhil in Cancer Science programme as a probationary research student (PRS). Before the end of their fourth term, students are required to write a report prior to transfer to DPhil status. Progress is evaluated by two academic assessors, who are not directly involved in the student’s supervision. Continuation on the DPhil programme is subject to passing the Confirmation of Status assessment in year two or three. The doctoral work will culminate in a thesis that will be defended in an oral examination (viva voce). Students are expected to submit their thesis between the ninth and twelfth terms from being admitted as a PRS.

Graduate destinations

DPhil in Cancer Science was a new course for entry in 2020, but historically, postgraduate cancer research students follow a wide variety of career paths, including all branches of biomedical research, clinical medicine, teaching, health administration and commerce. Further information about alumni destinations for cancer research students can be found on the Cancer Research UK Oxford Centre  website.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic (including Covid-19), epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Proven and potential academic-experience

The degree-level qualifications that are required for this course vary according to the application type:

Degree-level qualifications for clinical trainees (Application type 1)

The requirements below apply to qualified doctors at all stages of training from the foundation training to higher specialist training. 

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant discipline such as biology, biochemistry, or medicine.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

A previous master’s degree is not required.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

Degree-level qualifications for medical undergraduate students (Application type 2)

The requirements below apply to medical undergraduate students.

Medical students who are currently undertaking a primary medical qualification (MBBS, MBChB or equivalent)

At entry (with the exception of Medical students currently at Oxford, see below), applicants should provide evidence of successful completion of at least the first two years of a primary medical qualification and should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant discipline such as biology, biochemistry, or medicine.

Medical students currently at Oxford

Medical students currently at Oxford should have successfully completed the Pre-clinical Course (First BM) and hold or be predicted to achieve:

• a first class or strong upper second-class BA Honours in Medical Sciences.

All medical undergraduate students

Entrance is expected to be very competitive and it is anticipated that most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

A previous master’s degree is not required.