Postgraduate degrees offered within the ICM are MRes, MRes/PhD, PhD, MD, MPhil
MRes
The MRes is a research-based qualification with a taught component that is of an equivalent standard to an MSc. It provides training in contemporary medical and molecular biosciences through subject-knowledge modules, professional and key skills training and a 24-week laboratory-based research project.
These programmes offer the opportunity to study in specialised subject areas, taught mainly by Institute staff.
Find out more about the full range of MRes Programmes.
MRes/PhD or PhD
An application for PhD (three years) or MRes/PhD (four years) will get conditional approval. The MRes component is some taught modules and a 24-week research project in the first year. Candidates need to achieve at least a merit in their MRes degrees to proceed onto the PhD. During the first year assessment of the PhD (at eight months) a large piece of work is assessed. Students are also interviewed about their work-to-date and plans for the future. Following satisfactory progress, the student is upgraded to full PhD programme.
The PhD award follows after completion of at least three years’ full time original research, successful submission of a written thesis and a satisfactory oral examination. Students should submit a thesis within 12 months of the end of the programme.
MD
An MD is a doctoral degree awarded after at least two years’ full-time original research, successful submission of a written thesis and satisfactory performance in an oral examination.
MD projects usually involve clinical research or a combination of clinical and laboratory work. The quality criteria used to award an MD are identical to PhD. MD students can access the same level of support during their studies.
Only graduates with an MB BS primary degree are eligible to register for an MD. These students should be able to cope with a higher workload and a lesser degree of supervision.
Although we operate a rolling admission process, there are certain advantages to starting a PhD in September. These include Graduate School, training and development workshops and ICM induction events.
All MRes and MRes/PhD programmes begin at the start of the new academic year.
Figure is a slightly modified version of one from Elaine McColl in IHS – thank you.