Program Overview

Introduction to the Clinical School MBPhD Programme

The MB/PhD Programme is designed for medical students interested in academic or research careers, enabling them to integrate a three-year period of research with their clinical education. This programme leads to the MB, BChir and PhD degrees.

Programme Structure

The clinical component of the curriculum is designed to equip students for a lifetime of medical practice in a changing world, with an emphasis on the acquisition of clinical skills by direct patient contact. At the start of the programme, students follow the Standard Course Year 4 curriculum up to and including the Year 4 Student Selected Component (SSC). After Part 1 of the Final MB examinations, and subject to satisfactory progress, a three-year period of full-time research follows, combined with regular clinical education, including weekly clinical supervisions and monthly clinical seminars.

Research Component

During the research component, students are based mainly in the laboratory or department of their choice at the Addenbrookes complex or at one of the University sites in central Cambridge, or at a University-affiliated research institute.

Educational Aims

Detailed Educational Aims are outlined on the Course website.

Eligibility and Application

• Students must have already been interviewed and accepted on to the MB/PhD programme and completed the first year of the Clinical course before submitting an application.
• The application process is only for students who have already applied and been accepted on to the MB/PhD Programme and are in year 4 of the Clinical Course.

Open Days and Events

• The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October, providing an opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and find out more about courses, the application process, and funding opportunities.
• Other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits, and international events, can be found on the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages.

Key Information

• Duration: 3-4 years full-time
• Study Mode: Research
• Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
• Faculty: Faculty of Clinical Medicine
• Departments: School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Medicine

Dates and Deadlines

• Applications Open: September 3, 2025
• Application Deadline: January 7, 2026
• Course Starts: October 1, 2026
• Funding Deadlines:
  • Course Funding Deadline: January 7, 2026
  • Gates Cambridge US round only: October 15, 2025

Programme Details

The programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in both clinical medicine and research, preparing them for careers in academic medicine or research. The clinical component provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a lifetime of medical practice, while the research component allows students to develop their research skills and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge.