Prospective Postgraduates

AIM: PhD 2026 is now open for applications. AIM: PhD is a free support programme to help UK Home PhD applicants prepare their application to the University of Cambridge.  The application deadline is 10 May 2026.

Why Study in the Department of Pathology?

MPhil:

  • You will become a member of an active research laboratory
  • Provides you with a solid foundation of laboratory and analytical skills
  • Plan and execute your own original piece of biomedical research
  • Develop the ability to critically appraise scientific literature
  • Cultivate your intellectual abilities and gain transferable skills
  • Prepares you for a wide range of future career opportunities

To find out more about the MPhil programmes, click the following link here.

PhD:

  • Equip you with a wide range of skills and knowledge
  • Receive training in research and the ability to conduct independent research
  • Plan, execute and evaluate an original investigative piece of work through a major dissertation
  • Develop the ability to critically appraise scientific literature and to present research data at conferences and seminars.
  • You will cultivate your intellectual skills and develop transferable skills
  • By the end of the programme, you will have acquired excellent skills, experience and knowledge to undertake postdoctoral work (research, teaching or both) or another related profession outside the University

To find out more about the PhD programmes, click the following link here.

"Choosing to study Pathology at Cambridge has been one of my most rewarding decisions, primarily because of the department's incredibly supportive atmosphere. From the start, I found the environment to be surprisingly relaxed and welcoming, which is invaluable in a high-pressure academic setting. The community is genuinely friendly, making it a place where students feel seen and supported.

The highlight of my experience has been the guidance from my supervisor. Beyond providing exceptional academic guidance, they have acted as a wise mentor, sharing life lessons and personal insights that have helped me grow as an individual. This level of care is mirrored by the department as a whole; they are deeply committed to their students and always go above and beyond to meet any needs or requests we have. It is rare to find a program that balances rigorous research with such genuine kindness".

Yuwen Chen, PhD, Doorbar Group

"My choice to study in the Dept of Pathology was a practical one: my PI is one of the only few labs in the UK that studies my virus of interest. Since coming here, I’ve had a fantastic time working in the Division of Virology. Everyone in the division works in one corridor and we share a lot of communal stocks and spaces, so I get to meet people from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life outside of my core lab group. We come together to each lunch in the tearoom every day, which creates a nice community of students, post-docs, and PIs. My highlights of being a PhD student are the informal social events that are held to celebrate one another’s achievements in the division as well as the Virology seminars when speakers outside the Cambridge ecosystem are invited to share their research. From attending these seminars and the lunch afterwards, I’ve gotten a breadth of knowledge of how other lab groups study viruses and their development of clinical applications. The lunches offer a great space to network with researchers and hear about their own paths to academia. I’ve also really enjoyed the evening student research updates over pizza and drinks as an informal way to get feedback on our research and presentations skills".

Current PhD Student

“As a PhD student here I've enjoyed the friendly and inclusive graduate community, including the chance to discuss our research over pizza and drinks."

Ben Trigg, Ferguson Lab

Students enjoying one of our Postgraduate Seminar Series sessions which involve talks from fellow students or other speakers and include free food and drink.

See also the University of Cambridge Graduate Union, who publish the Postgraduate Handbook and the Alternative Prospectus.