Translational Medicine & Therapeutics - University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge: Programme Specifications
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this programme specification.
Programme specifications are produced and then reviewed annually by the relevant faculty or
department and revised where necessary. However, we reserve the right to withdraw, update or
amend this programme specification at any time without notice.
Further information about specifications and an archive of programme specifications for all awards of
the University is available online at: www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/camdata/archive.html
MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN CLINICAL SCIENCE
(TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE & THERAPEUTICS)
1 Awarding body University of Cambridge
2 Teaching institution University of Cambridge
3 Accreditation details None
4 Name of final award Master of Philosophy
5 Programme title Master of Philosophy in
Clinical Science (Translational
Medicine & Therapeutics)
6 JACS code(s) A300, B200
7 Relevant QAA benchmark statement(s) None
8 Qualifications framework level 7 (Masters)
9 Date specification was produced/ June 2011
last revised
10 Date specification was last reviewed June 2011
Educational aims of the programme
The Clinical Science MPhil is a generic degree title covering research preparation in clinically
related areas, having a standard modular structure with core options and themes related to
clinical specialisms.
The MPhil is offered by the Faculty of Clinical Medicine. The ‘Translational Medicine and
Therapeutics’ theme is offered through the Department of Medicine (Clinical Pharmacology)
as a full-time or part-time period of research training and introduces students to research
skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:
• to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry
out focussed research in the discipline under close supervision; and
• to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to
their research interests.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will have:
• reached a sufficient level of theoretical knowledge to conduct and interpret
translational research.
• developed a strong foundation in the fundamental skills and techniques of
translational research
• learned how to apply contemporary research tools to clinically relevant areas of
investigation
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• acquired an understanding of the complex issues associated with conducting sound
clinical research/trials
• developed the ability to be competitive in seeking support for clinical research.
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods will include, but not be limited to: formal lectures, interactive seminars and
workshops, discussion and networking groups, structured reading and case analysis,
laboratory work and presentation. Teaching sessions will set out concepts, conceptual
frameworks and theory relating to the topics to be covered; other modes of teaching and
learning are designed to enable participants to achieve the stated learning aims and
objectives. All teaching sessions will have a feedback system in place for students’
comments.
Periods of self-directed study and research between blocks of attendance will also be
required; this will be enhanced through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), which will
enable students and tutors to consolidate and expand upon the formally taught components.
Students will be expected to carry out significant in-depth research and analysis between
taught sessions.
Programme structure
The full-time and part-time routes are exactly comparable, with the same elements, but taken
over different time scales. There is to be no duplication of teaching.
The full-time course takes one year (12 months). Taught modules are given in the first and
third terms and the project starts in term 1, continues through term 2 and is written up in term
3.
The part-time course is spread over two years (24 months). Modules are taught in the first
and third terms of each year and students have the option of completing the research project
in terms 1-3, or terms 4-6, or split across the years. All assessments are to take place in the
second year in the case of part-time students.
1 Introductory course (compulsory but not assessed)
2 Generic Courses; for all themes, any two of
2.1 Medical Statistics
2.2 Practical Aspects of Clinical Research
2.3 Epidemiology
3 Specialist Courses (compulsory)
3.1 Clinical Pharmacology
3.2 Clinical Drug Development
4. Research Project and dissertation (compulsory)
Assessment methods
The scheme of examination for the one-year full-time or two-year part-time course of study in
Clinical Science for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:
(a) a thesis not exceeding 15,000 words in length, including footnotes but excluding tables,
appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the
Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine;
(b) two written examinations which may cover all core subjects prescribed in the syllabus.
The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the
thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, and on the other work
submitted by the candidate
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The examination papers are to be taken at the end of Easter Term in June. The
dissertation to be submitted on 15 August
Student Support
All students are members of a College as well as the Department and have access to
learning support from both College and University. Each student on the MPhil is allocated a
supervisor to support them throughout the course. Specialist supervisors are also available
to support the students in the preparation of their dissertations. Students are also allocated a
student mentor and can seek support from the MPhil Course Coordinator. There is a course
handbook as well as web-based information. Library facilities are available both at the School
of Clinical Medicine and at the Colleges.
Students regularly complete course evaluation forms providing feedback on the quality of
teaching provided. This feedback is reviewed and acted on by the Course Management
Committee and by teaching staff.
Graduate employability
The MPhil provides core training in research methods relevant to clinical research on the
theme of Translational Medicine & Therapeutics. Many participants will be clinicians in
training and will expect to continue on the track to becoming a Consultant, or may take a
PhD as part of a route to a research career in clinical science. Others will find their
employability enhanced in a variety of clinically-related areas and the pharmaceutical
industry.
The Careers Service maintains links with relevant employers and takes into account
employer needs and opinions in the services which is provides for students. Details of its
services can be found at www.careers.cam.ac.uk. The Careers Service also allocates a
Careers Adviser to each College, faculty and department to act as a point of contact.
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