Postgraduate research: PhD/MD study
Research degree structure
Postgraduate students entering the Cancer Studies Research Group to study for the degree of PhD and MD are under the direct guidance of an appointed supervisor(s) and are also allocated an advisor, with whom they meet regularly to review and record progress, set new targets and identify any assistance required.
Training programme
In addition to the specific research project undertaken, students participate in a structured graduate training programme of lectures and workshops. They also attend sessions on:
- Statistics and data handling (project dependent)
- Safety (compulsory)
- Innovation (compulsory)
- Animal usage (compulsory if using animal models)
- Ethics (compulsory if using human tissue)
Seminars and presentations
To further enhance the training programme, there is a monthly series of cancer biology master classes, which allows senior researchers throughout the Research Group to explain the "what", the "how" and the "why" of their area of research. Postgraduates are also required to participate in regular research meetings within their group and to attend seminar series that include presentations by national and international speakers, which runs throughout the year in the Paterson Institute, Christie Hospital and The University of Manchester.
Individual students build up credits for attendance at lectures, workshops, meetings and research seminars over the three to four years of study.
Assessment and care
All projects are assessed and approved by the Cancer Studies Research Group Education Committee to ensure that the work will form the basis of a stimulating and intellectually challenging postgraduate programme. The Education Committee - a body made up of senior scientists, postdoctoral fellows and student representatives - continually assess students throughout their three to four years of study and ensure, along with their supervisors and advisors, that they achieve their goal of a first-rate degree.
Assessment follows Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences guidelines and is through written reports at three months (literature review), one year (transfer report) and two years (short report or manuscript) and short talks at similar times. At one, six, nine, 22 and 34 months, students self-assess their performances with input from their supervisors and advisor.
Feedback
All students have the opportunity to give written feedback on any aspect of their degree programme using an annual questionnaire each year, the results of which are published. Students can ask advice of any member of the Education Committee or use their student representatives. All students are automatically members of the Cancer Studies Postgraduate Association, an independent student body at the Institute and Christie Hospital.
Communication and development
Good communication skills are extremely important in most careers. Throughout your research programme you be expected to practise and improve your scientific writing and speaking skills. Therefore all students are offered advice and training in poster, written and oral communication.
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English language courses
New students whose first language is not English may be asked to attend university English language courses prior to the start of their programme and should allow up to 8 weeks prior to their start date for this. - Research presentations
All postgraduates are expected to present their research at group, education committee, national or international scientific meetings including the annual Paterson Colloquium (all 2nd year students). - Time abroad
Students are encouraged to spend a short time in another laboratory often in Europe or the USA, normally at the end of the 2nd year, or the beginning of the third year. - Personal development record
Course units taken, seminars attended, feedback from the Education Committee on various student assessment talks and meetings with supervisors and advisors are recorded in a Personal development record called the Postgraduate Handbook issued by the University to each student on first registration. This is an audited account of progress and achievement throughout their years of study. Workshops are held at the University in the first week of study and at the end of each year covering different skills including communication and exploring future career pathways. For further details, see: Communication and presentation (Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences website)
Student life
In the few hours when our students are not working, our student representatives are busy organising a programme of activities outside of the laboratory. All students will be invited to the Simon social to meet other new postgraduates. In previous years, this has taken the form of an extended pizza-tasting followed by an "architectural and cultural" tour of the many new bars in central Manchester, a coach trip to the seaside and an evening dog racing. Each year sees a diverse range of activities including sports, dining and cultural events.
After the degree
Ninety-nine percent of our students in the past seven years have found employment after graduation, while some find during their first year that research isn't their best career option. Over 60% of our PhD students gain a postdoctoral fellowship, half of these are in American or European laboratories, while 20% continue to progress in their clinical career in the NHS and other students have rapidly progressed in financial and technology careers.