Molecular and Cellular Medicine

You will develop your research skills through a range of research training in your first year, including compulsory attendance at our fundamentals in biomedical research lectures in your first week and a selection of four specialist modules throughout year 1 (one half-day module available every month). During the first term you will develop, in consultation with your supervisor, a clear study design for your project.

You will be required to attend and present at postgraduate seminars, not only to develop your presentation skills but also to benefit from the feedback, support and interaction from your University peers and senior academics. In addition the department runs regular seminars by internal and external speakers on various topics related to chronic inflammatory conditions, which will provide further opportunity for you to broaden your knowledge in the field. Attendance at a weekly journal club is also expected.

You are also strongly encouraged to attend skills training courses run by the Medical Sciences Division.

Your progress will be monitored and assessed regularly via:

1. completion of a termly report by you and your supervisor(s) through Graduate Supervision Reporting (GSR);
2. completion of a 5,000-word transfer report and viva before the end of the fourth term;
3. completion of a 3,000-word literature review by the end of the seventh term (students based in the Kennedy Institute only)
4. confirmation of your status by the end of the ninth term; and
5. submission of your DPhil thesis (the final stage), which will be assessed by viva.

Stages 2, 4 and 5 will be assessed by independent senior academics.

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the department's website (see Further Information and Enquiries) to help them identify the most suitable research topic and related supervisors. Projects are available in both basic and translational science covering a variety of areas related to musculoskeletal and chronic inflammatory conditions.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of Medical Sciences and the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside Medical Sciences and NDORMS.

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 that they have additional support.

The department follows alumni to establish the career paths of graduates. The majority of graduating students go on to pursue research careers in academic institutions or industry. Graduates also pursue careers in management, consulting, teaching, with science funding organisations, charities, and in scientific publishing/editing. A number of graduates have set up their own businesses (eg in editing).

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. 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 sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify the most suitable course and supervisors.

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

Courses suggested by the department

Biomedical and Clinical Sciences DPhil
Genomic Medicine and Statistics DPhil
Clinical Medicine DPhil
Interdisciplinary Bioscience (BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership)
Biomedical Sciences (NIH OxCam) DPhil
Cardiovascular Science DPhil

All graduate courses offered by the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences

Molecular and Cellular Medicine DPhil

Molecular and Cellular Medicine MSc by Research

Musculoskeletal Sciences DPhil

Musculoskeletal Sciences MSc by Research

Musculoskeletal Sciences MSc

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Entry Requirements