项目介绍

2021年8月4日

About the course

This programme aims to train the next generation of leaders in translational oncology research by applying state-of-the-art techniques to address fundamental biology of cancer and how to optimise treatments for patients.

The Department of Oncology employs multidisciplinary approaches from physics, biology, chemistry and mathematical modelling to investigate DNA biology and epigenetics, cell and environmental biology of tumour tissue and both systemic and local immunological responses in cancer. This programme focuses on expanding scientific knowledge with a particular focus on therapies involving drug discovery or action and combination therapies with radiotherapy.

The DPhil in Oncology is a three-to-four year DPhil programme and is based on the conduct of a specific research project conducted in a single research group or laboratory. Applications are accepted from both basic scientists and clinicians.

Students will be admitted directly to a particular research area, within a research group/laboratory lead by a Principal Investigator who will be formally appointed as their DPhil supervisor.

Examples of recent projects include:

• Investigating the relationship between BRAF status and melanoma response to anti-angiogenic therapy
• Proteomic profiling of metastatic matrisome reveals citrullination as a marker of colorectal liver metastasis
• Expression of factors within tumours to reverse immune suppression

As a graduate student you will have access to a wide range of resources offered by the department, the Medical Sciences Division and the wider University, to obtain the sills you need to become an outstanding researcher. There is also a wide range of courses and workshops which you can attend to acquire skills that will be necessary for the pursuance and presentation of your research, as well as your professional development as a research scientist. Please note there are no taught elements for the DPhil in Oncology. 

Supervision

For this course, the allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Department of Oncology and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences if incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Oncology.

Information about research groups and supervisors connected with this course can also be found on the Department of Oncology website.

The University has a code of practice for supervision of research under which supervisors must:

• Advise, guide and support the student in all aspects of their research project
• Identify a clear plan of research
• Draw up a timetable for research
• Have regular meetings, at a minimum once every two weeks
• Report on the student’s progress
• Identify the student’s training needs
• Encourage the student to participate in the wider Oxford community

In the case of students who require specific help to adjust to an academic programme or to a new range of skills, the supervisor will work with them to ensure they have additional support.

Assessment

All students are initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). Within a maximum of four terms candidates are expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status.

A successful transfer of status assessment will require satisfactory attendance, submission of a thesis outline and presentation to the assessors. Students who are successful at transfer will then be expected to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status within nine terms of admission, to show that their work continues to be on track.

Both milestones normally involve a presentation and an interview with two assessors.

To be successfully awarded a DPhil candidates are required to attend a viva voce to defend their thesis (up to 50,000 words) to two appointed examiners, of which one is from the University and one is external from another institution.

Graduate destinations

After completion of their doctoral training, graduates of the Department of Oncology progress to postdoctoral research positions in Oxford, elsewhere in the UK or internationally (around 50%), to study medicine (around 25%), or to employment in medical charities and other professional organisations (around 25%).

Research students are expected to leave the DPhil in Oncology equipped with the scientific knowledge and cutting-edge technical skills that enable them to become the scholars, teachers and researchers of the next generation, both in the UK and globally.

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.

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