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The PhD in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, United Kingdom, is a fully funded doctoral research programme designed for graduates in biological sciences, clinical sciences, veterinary medicine, and related disciplines. Offered through the Department of Veterinary Medicine, the programme provides access to advanced research facilities, specialist laboratories, clinical patient groups, and strong collaborations with leading research institutes within the university.
Programme Overview
This PhD by research is completed over a minimum of three and a maximum of four years full-time, including a one-year probationary period. Each doctoral candidate is assigned a primary supervisor, who may appoint an advisor or supervisory team to provide additional academic guidance.
The department has established research strengths in disease dynamics, infection and immunity, and systems pathology. Students may undertake clinical research, laboratory-based investigations, field studies, or computational biology projects. Some projects may involve research conducted abroad or in collaboration with external institutes. Depending on the funding body, certain students may complete laboratory rotations during the first year.
At the end of the first year, students must submit a written report and pass a formal viva assessment to progress from probationary status to full PhD registration. A progress report is also required at the end of the second year. The final examination consists of submitting a doctoral thesis and completing a viva voce examination.
Research Environment and Training
The PhD in Veterinary Medicine is entirely research-based, with no formal taught coursework. However, students may attend relevant specialist training sessions in consultation with their supervisor. All doctoral researchers participate in the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences Researcher Development Programme, which provides professional skills training, research ethics education, and career development support.
Students are expected to engage actively in departmental seminars, journal clubs, and research days. A literature review is recommended within the first four months and forms part of the first-year assessment. Doctoral candidates present their work at departmental seminars and participate in biannual research days through poster presentations or short oral talks.
Supervision and Feedback
Each student receives close academic supervision tailored to their project and research progress. Formal supervision hours vary depending on the project and stage of study. Students receive structured online feedback reports once per term and detailed feedback following the first-year assessment. Informal guidance and mentoring are provided throughout the programme.
Assessment Structure
The doctoral thesis must not exceed 60,000 words, excluding tables, figures, appendices, and bibliography. In exceptional cases, a limit of 80,000 words may be permitted with special approval. The thesis is examined in a viva voce examination conducted by one internal and one external examiner.
Academic Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold a UK Good 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent. Suitable backgrounds include biological sciences, clinical sciences, veterinary medicine, mathematics, computer science, or related disciplines. A master’s degree may strengthen an application.
International applicants must meet English language requirements such as:
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IELTS Academic overall score of 7.0
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TOEFL iBT score of 100
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C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with specified minimum grades
Students requiring a UK visa must obtain an ATAS certificate after receiving an official offer.
Funding and Financial Information
Funding opportunities include research council support from BBSRC, MRC, the Wellcome Trust, university scholarships, and international funding bodies. Some supervisors may hold grant funding to support PhD students. Self-funded applicants are also eligible to apply.
Estimated annual costs for Home students include:
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University Composition Fee: £10,878
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Maintenance: £19,860
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Total estimated annual commitment: £30,738
Part-time study fees are calculated as a percentage of the full-time fee over an extended study period.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal. Admissions operate on a rolling basis.
Applicants must identify and secure a suitable supervisor before applying. Only candidates who meet the minimum academic criteria and have a willing supervisor in place will be invited to interview. Interviews typically take place within one month of receiving a complete application, with decisions communicated shortly afterward.
A complete application requires:
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Two referees
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Academic transcripts
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CV or resume
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Evidence of English proficiency (if required)
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Research proposal
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Confirmation of proposed supervisor
Applicants may also apply for competitive awards such as the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which requires additional documentation.
Security and Compliance
Offers of admission may be subject to security checks, particularly for research involving live animals, sensitive information, dangerous pathogens, or regulated laboratory environments. Where necessary, the university ensures that applicants are not unfairly disadvantaged during the clearance process.
How to Find a Supervisor
Prospective applicants must review the department’s research areas and contact potential supervisors whose expertise aligns with their interests. Initial contact should include a summary of research experience, proposed project ideas, funding information, and a CV. Applications without a confirmed supervisor cannot proceed to the interview stage.
The PhD in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge offers world-class research facilities, expert supervision, and strong links to clinical and biomedical research, making it a highly competitive and prestigious doctoral programme in veterinary and biomedical sciences in the United Kingdom.
