Program Overview

PhD in Psychiatry

The Department of Psychiatry is an internationally leading centre for research and teaching in psychiatry, with a particular focus on the determinants of mental health conditions, their treatments and the promotion of mental health through innovative translational research. The department's senior staff support several research groups, covering various aspects of mental health and disorder throughout the life course.

Course Overview

A doctorate in Psychiatry from the University of Cambridge is primarily a research degree and involves minimal formal teaching; students are integrated into the research culture of the department and the Institute in which they are based. Each student conducts their PhD project under the direction of their principal Supervisor, with additional teaching and guidance provided by an advisor, to increase access to staff members and accommodate a diversity of viewpoints.

Learning Outcomes

The PhD course enables the students to significantly develop their analytical and research skills, and is intended as preparation for further research. The PhD programme provides:

• a period of a sustained, in-depth study of a specific topic
• an environment that encourages the student's originality and creativity in their research
• skills to enable the student to critically examine the background literature relevant to their specific research area
• the opportunity to develop skills in making and testing hypotheses, in developing new theories, and in planning and conducting experiments
• the opportunity to expand the student's knowledge of their research area, including its theoretical foundations and the specific techniques used to study it
• the opportunity to gain knowledge of the broader field of research in psychiatry
• an environment in which to develop skills in written work, oral presentation and publishing the results of their research in high-profile scientific journals through constructive feedback of written work and oral presentations

Course Structure

The subject of the research project is determined during the application process and is influenced by the research interests of the student's Supervisor; students should apply to study with a group leader whose area of research most appeals to them. To broaden their knowledge of their chosen field, students are strongly encouraged to attend relevant seminars, lectures, and training courses, including transferable skills training provided by the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences.

Assessment

Following the successful completion of a research report and viva and pass at the end of the first year, students are registered for the PhD. At the end of the course, the examination for the PhD degree involves submitting a written thesis, followed by an oral examination based on both the thesis and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research.

Duration and Study Mode

• 3-4 years full-time
• 4-7 years part-time
• Study Mode: Research
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Department of Psychiatry

Key Information

Dates and Deadlines:

• Lent 2026 (Closed)
  • Applications open: Sept. 4, 2024
  • Application deadline: Oct. 2, 2025
  • Course Starts: Jan. 5, 2026
• Easter 2026
  • Applications open: Sept. 4, 2024
  • Application deadline: Jan. 14, 2026
  • Course Starts: April 17, 2026
• Michaelmas 2026
  • Applications open: Sept. 3, 2025
  • Application deadline: May 14, 2026
  • Course Starts: Oct. 1, 2026
• Lent 2027
  • Applications open: Sept. 3, 2025
  • Application deadline: Oct. 1, 2026
  • Course Starts: Jan. 5, 2027
• Easter 2027
  • Applications open: Sept. 3, 2025
  • Application deadline: Jan. 14, 2027
  • Course Starts: April 17, 2027

Funding Deadlines

• Course Funding Deadline: Dec. 3, 2025
• Gates Cambridge US round only: Oct. 15, 2025

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