We offer two postgraduate programmes: a PhD (or MD) program and a research-based MPhil
Doctoral studies (PhD, MD)
A doctorate from the University of Cambridge is primarily a research degree based on a research programme developed in conjunction with a supervisor. If you are contemplating a PhD in the Department of Psychiatry it is important to identify a researcher who is working in an area of research of mutual interest and willing to be a supervisor.
We encourage you to find out about the research groups within the Department by looking at our web pages and other background reading. You should then contact potential supervisors to find out about the possibility of working with them or someone in their group.
Applications for a PhD in the Department of Psychiatry will not be accepted without a named supervisor.
Starting dates
The Cambridge academic year starts on the first Tuesday of October and is divided into three terms (October Michaelmas term, January Lent term and April Easter term). The closing date for all October 2023 applications is 15th of May 2023, although it is generally possible to start a PhD at the beginning of any term (by arrangement with your supervisor and adhering to specified application deadlines). We will start accepting applications for courses starting in October 2023 from September 2022.
Part-time applicants
The Department accepts part-time PhD applications. Further information on part-time research degrees are available from Postgraduate Admissions.
Course work
There is no formal programme of lectures but each research student is encouraged to develop an individually tailored programme of lectures and courses that enhance their background in science and in transferable skills essential for future career development.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
An MD is similar to a PhD but is taken by those who already hold a medical degree which gives provisional or full registration to the General Medical Council. In addition, the University of Cambridge requires that potential M.D. candidates must already also hold a University of Cambridge degree (BA, MPhil, MA, PhD). If you do not meet these criteria, a PhD is the alternative degree of study. Students considering taking an MD should read the Graduate School of Life Sciences information on applying for an MD.
MPhil in Medical Science (Psychiatry)
We offer a one-year, full-time research-based MPhil in Medical Science (Psychiatry). As with a doctoral programme, if you are contemplating an MPhil in the Department of Psychiatry it is important to identify a researcher who is working in an area of research of mutual interest and willing to be a supervisor.
We encourage you to find out about the research groups within the Department by looking at our web pages and other background reading. You should then contact potential supervisors to find out about the possibility of working with them or someone in their group. Applications for an MPhil in the Department of Psychiatry will not be accepted without a named supervisor. The Department does not currently offer a taught MPhil programme.
Starting dates
The Cambridge academic year starts on the first Tuesday of October and is divided into three terms (October Michaelmas term, January Lent term and April Easter term). The closing date for all October 2023 applications is 15th of May 2023, although it is generally possible to start an MPhil at the beginning of any term (by arrangement with your supervisor and adhering to specified application deadlines). We will start accepting applications for courses starting in October 2023 from September 2022.
Part-time applicants
The Department accepts part-time, two-year MPhil applications. Further information on part-time research degrees is available from Postgraduate Admissions.
Course work
There is no formal programme of lectures but each research student is encouraged to develop an individually tailored programme of lectures and courses that enhance their background in science and in transferable skills essential for future career development. For more information on application procedures, deadlines, fees, funding and much more please visit Postgraduate Admissions.
Find out how to apply for one of our courses here.