PhD in Psychiatry

The Department of Psychiatry is an internationally leading centre for research and teaching in psychiatry, with 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. Sitting within the School of Clinical Medicine, the department occupies four separate locations and has approximately 130 members.
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 adviser, to increase access to staff members and accommodate a diversity of viewpoints.
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. We also require our students to attend their research group’s "research in progress/laboratory meetings", at which they are expected to regularly present their ongoing work.
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, examination for the PhD degree involves the submission of a written thesis, followed by an oral examination based on both the thesis and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research.