Program Overview

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Introduction to the Doctor of Medicine Program

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree is a research-based program aimed at medically-qualified clinicians working in Cambridge. It is academically equivalent to a PhD and is designed for individuals who hold suitable research appointments within Cambridge University Health Partners (CUHP).

Program Overview

The MD program allows candidates to undertake research projects across the spectrum of medical science, from basic biology to clinical therapies. These projects should relate to the science, art, or history of medicine and must be allied to the area in which the candidate is currently employed. All applicants must be employed by a CUHP institution at the time of their application and have sufficient dedicated research time to enable the completion of their proposed research.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the MD program, applicants must submit a detailed research proposal with their application. They must also have a suitable research appointment within CUHP and sufficient dedicated research time. If accepted, a University supervisor will be appointed, and the candidate will be expected to work on the project part-time, usually alongside their clinical commitments within CUHP.

Program Structure

The MD program is a part-time research degree that can be completed within a maximum of six years. Candidates will have access to a wide range of library and computing facilities, as well as the social and pastoral resources in their Colleges. The program is examined by thesis and viva, similar to the PhD.

Research Areas

The MD program encompasses a broad range of research areas, including:

• Basic biology
• Clinical therapies
• The science, art, or history of medicine

Departments

The MD program is advertised in the following departments:

• Department of Clinical Biochemistry
• Department of Clinical Neurosciences
• Department of Haematology
• Department of Medical Genetics
• Department of Medicine
• Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Department of Paediatrics
• Department of Psychiatry
• Department of Public Health and Primary Care
• Department of Radiology
• Department of Surgery

Key Information

• Duration: 6 years part-time
• Study Mode: Research
• Degree: Doctor of Medicine
• Faculty: Faculty of Clinical Medicine

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for the MD program are as follows:

• Michaelmas 2026:
  • Applications open: September 3, 2025
  • Application deadline: January 7, 2026
  • Course starts: October 1, 2026
• Lent 2027:
  • Applications open: September 3, 2025
  • Application deadline: January 13, 2026
  • Course starts: January 5, 2027
• Easter 2027:
  • Applications open: September 3, 2025
  • Application deadline: January 14, 2026
  • Course starts: April 17, 2027

Similar Courses

Similar courses offered by the University include:

• Medicine PhD
• Medical Science (Medicine) MPhil
• Veterinary Medicine MV
• Biological Science (Stem Cell Biology) by thesis MPhil
• Stem Cell Biology PhD