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The PhD in Oncology is a research course undertaken full-time in 3 to 4 years, or part-time in 5 to 7 years.
Each student undertakes a bespoke research project, which is agreed with their Principal Supervisor during the application process. The Principal Supervisor is responsible for providing oversight of the project, with the majority of research training provided within the structure of the student’s research group. Informal opportunities to develop research skills are available through mentoring by other members of staff and fellow students.
All students are encouraged to attend scientific meetings, seminars and postgraduate courses relevant to their area of interest. They are also expected to participate in journal clubs and lab meetings and to take advantage of the numerous and varied training opportunities offered by the University.
At the end of the course, examination for the PhD degree involves submission of a written thesis of up to 60,000 words, followed by an oral examination based on both their thesis and their broader knowledge of their chosen area of research.
| One to one supervision | The °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï publishes an annual which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. The Principal Supervisor will provide written feedback to the student each term with online progress reports. The feedback will relate to the progress the student has made and include a specific comment on their research project. The amount of supervision a student requires may vary depending on their prior knowledge and research experience. Formal supervision is likely to be around one hour per week, plus day-to-day supervision in the lab. It is the student's responsibility to book regular meetings with their Principal Supervisor and to prepare in advance to make the meetings as effective as possible. |
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| Seminars & classes | Attendance of relevant seminars, lectures and training courses, as advised by their Principal Supervisor. |
| Lectures | No set lectures. Students are expected to attend relevant lectures and seminars (on average two hours per week). |
| Practicals | No set practicals. Students are expected to study for a minimum of 40 hours per week for at least 44 weeks of the year. |
| Journal clubs | Students are encouraged to attend the various journal clubs available throughout the research institutes in which they are based. |
| Literature Reviews | There are no formal literature review exercises, but the first and second year reports and final thesis include a literature review. |
| Posters and Presentations | Students are encouraged to present their research locally, nationally and internationally, as and when appropriate. Opportunities to present locally are provided by the student’s institute, the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences and various University related symposia and conferences. |
| Taught/Research Balance | Entirely Research |
Feedback
The °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï publishes an annual which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.
Students should expect to receive ongoing feedback from all supervisors involved in their research project. This could take place during one-on-one meetings and lab meetings. In addition, students can expect to receive a written online report each term.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Students produce a thesis of maximum 60,000 words in length, excluding figures, photographs, tables, appendices and bibliography. They will then undergo an oral examination based on their thesis and a broader knowledge of their chosen area of research.
Other
Students for the PhD are reviewed on a regular basis.
Full-time students:
- After one month, students submit a Preliminary PhD project plan. This is assessed by their Principal Supervisor and the departmental Director of Postgraduate Education.
- In the third term, students undergo a PhD Registration Assessment (PRA). This involves submission of a First Year PhD Registration Report, followed by oral examination by two assessors based on their report and broader knowledge of their area of research. Students are required to pass their PRA in order to be registered and progress to their second year of study.
- During their sixth term, students produce a brief Second Year Progress Report, which includes a timeframe for completion of their degree. This progress report is assessed by their Principal Supervisor and the departmental Director of Postgraduate Education.
- Six months before their PhD end date, students produce a Thesis Completion Plan. This is assessed and approved by their Principal Supervisor and the departmental Director of Postgraduate Education.
- Students submit a progress logbook of their research activity at the end of each academic year.
Part-time students:
- After one month, students submit a Preliminary PhD project plan. This is assessed by their Principal Supervisor and the departmental Director of Postgraduate Education.
- In their sixth term, students undergo the PhD Registration Assessment (PRA). This involves submission of a First Year PhD Registration Report, followed by oral examination by two assessors based on their report and broader knowledge of their area of research. Students are required to pass their PRA in order to be registered and progress to their second year of study.
- For subsequent years, students are required to submit a brief progress report at the end of each calendar year and make a joint report in their progress log with their Principal Supervisor; progression to the next year of study is dependent on satisfactory progress and attendance and confirmation from the Principal Supervisor that the research topic remains viable as a contribution to learning.
- Six months before their end of registration date, students produce a Thesis Completion Plan. This is assessed and approved by their Principal Supervisor and the departmental Director of Postgraduate Education.
