The application process in the Department of Genetics
Applications and enquiries received by the Department are scrutinised by the Graduate Student Co-ordinator [Dr Steve Russell] and passed to the appropriate project supervisor, who decides whether or not to proceed with the application. We then write for references, and on the basis of these, supervisors decide which candidates they wish to interview. Interviews are usually conducted in January.
The interview panel usually consists of two members of the Departmental Graduate Education Committee, the potential Supervisor, and a Graduate student. The interview generally lasts for half an hour. During this visit to the Department, the applicants also have an opportunity to talk to other potential supervisors about projects, and to meet other members of the research groups they are interested in.
During the interview, the panel are looking for the following in applicants:
- Ability to explain clearly and concisely a piece of science which is familiar to them, eg their final year research project
- A good background knowledge of, and an interest in, their undergraduate course
- A genuine motivation and commitment to further training in research
- Evidence of ability to think through a problem and evidence of research potential
- Possession of, or a high probability of achieving, an upper second or first class degree
Candidates who are currently based overseas, and who are not able to attend in person, may be interviewed by telephone.
Following the interviews, each project supervisor is asked to rank their applicants in order, and using this information the Graduate Education Committee then decide on an overall rank order for all the candidates. Our main objective in this is to identify the best candidates, based on the criteria set out above, and offers are made to these candidates as soon as possible after the interview.
>> Download 2012 Quick Guide to applying
If you need further clarification before applying, please contact :
email: postgrad_info[at]gen.cam.ac.uk
or write to: Postgraduate Admissions Coordinator,
Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge,
Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH
Page updated 29 February 2012
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