Molecular Cell Biology in Health and Disease (Research)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The course is a full-time, research-based course. You will explore topics like cell biology, stem cells, immunity, cancer, and genome stability through hands-on lab work.

You will spend up to four years in one of the department's many research groups, working on a project supervised by the group's principal investigator. Their research focuses on molecular and cell biology in health and disease. During this period you will have the opportunity to take part in the comprehensive training programme organised for graduate students.

After a very short induction period of one or two weeks, during which some basic training is provided, you will start a research project in your supervisor’s laboratory.

There are a number of key stages in the research programme.

• Within a month of starting, you will meet with your supervisor and graduate advisor to finalise your project and agree on an initial programme of research.

• Within the first three months, you will complete an analysis of your training needs with your supervisor.

• Within the first six months you are expected to complete a literature review on a topic relating to your area of research.

• After one year you will apply to transfer to DPhil status. (See Assessment)

• You will apply to confirm your DPhil status by the end of your third year. (See Assessment)

• The final stage is submission of your DPhil thesis, which needs to be done within four years.

Most laboratories have weekly meetings where members present and discuss their research results with other members of the laboratory. You will also present your work in progress seminars, which are attended by other research groups working in related areas.

Whilst working on your research project you will participate in a comprehensive, flexible skills training programme which includes a range of workshops and seminars in transferable skills, generic research skills and specific research techniques.

There are a wide range of events organised for DPhil students. All students participate in an annual graduate students' symposium, which is attended by the entire department. Student contributions are carefully evaluated and prizes are awarded to the best posters or presentations in each year.

You will also have access to the extensive range of seminars and symposia in this and other departments at the University. During term-time there are departmental seminars which all graduate students are expected to attend. Your research group will be able to advise you as to which seminar series you should attend. All seminars are advertised on the web portal Oxford Talks. There are multiple opportunities for students to present their work, including the annual Departmental Graduate Student Symposium, and other Student Symposia within the University. All students have opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences.