Progression to PhD
Requirements for successfully completing the MScR degree and progressing to PhD
Passing the MScR Component of the CDT Programme
The MSc by Research in Biomedical AI is governed by:
- University Postgraduate (Research) Assessment Regulations
- School of Informatics MSc assessment procedures
All courses (including individual project and group project) are assessed through exams or coursework, and a mark is awarded for each course. These marks will be ratified by the MSc Board of Examiners in Informatics.
To be awarded the MSc by Research in Biomedical AI student must:
- Achieve an average of at least 50% on the taught courses
- Pass the group project with at least 50%
- Pass the individual MSc project with at least 50%
The Board of Examiners can award distinction or merit to students who performed particularly well on the programme.
To be awarded MScR with merit students must
- Achieve an average mark of at least 60% across all components and
- Pass the MSc project with at least 60%
To be awarded MScR with distinction students must
- Achieve an average mark of at least 70% across all components and
- Pass the MSc project with at least 70%
Students whose marks fall short of the progression requirements will be awarded a PG certificate or a PG diploma and will not progress to the PhD part of the CDT programme.
Progressing from MScR to the PhD stage
In order to progress from the MScR year into the main CDT programme students must:
- Successfully obtain their MScR degree.
- Submit a complete PhD proposal form and accompanying project proposal to the CDT Coordinator in collaboration with their prospective PhD supervisor(s) by the deadline, this will vary slightly each year, but will be clearly communicated in good time by the CDT management. The CDT team can assist by advising on possible research project ideas and suggesting suitable supervisors, but ultimately the PhD project development is student-driven, aiming to ensure that students make a firm commitment to a PhD supervisor and research direction.
- Have their proposal and supervisory team agreed by the CDT Executive. Students may be asked to revise their research proposal if it falls outside the CDT remit, is unfeasible to complete within the 3-year timeframe or due to lack of necessary resources, or for any other valid reason identified by the CDT Executive. Changes to the supervisory team may also be requested.
- Agree to the continuing conditions of their membership of the CDT as outlined in CDT Student Responsibilities.
Failure to progress to the PhD phase of the CDT programme is not expected, provided that all the above steps are completed. The CDT Executive are committed to working with students to resolve any issues that may arise during the progression period. Students can raise any concerns at any time with their personal tutor, the CDT coordinator or any member of the executive. In extreme cases, such as failed MScR year or failure to find a suitable research project or supervisor, the CDT Executive has the discretion to refuse progression.
Any decision to refuse progression will be accompanied by a formal explanation and a meeting with the CDT Director.
2024 deadline
1 September, 12pm: deadline for the full PhD proposal submission. The PhD proposal form (link below) must be completed jointly by the student and primary supervisor. Please send the completed form and proposal to the CDT Coordinator, copying in your primary supervisor.
PhD proposal form
CDT progression - full guidance
