Information for current postgraduate students

Postgraduate student handbooks

• Each Department provides their own Guide/Handbook for postgraduate students.
• Code of Practice for Research Students - sets out the expectations and responsibilities of PhD, MSc and MPhil by thesis students.
• Code of Practice for Master's Students - sets out the expectations and responsibilities of MRes and MPhil (taught) students.

The Codes of Practice set out the mutual responsibilities and expectations of postgraduate students and those in the University responsible for their study. Students and their Supervisors and Advisors (research degrees) or Course Directors (taught degrees) are asked to read and discuss the content of the relevant Code, and sign a copy to indicate they have done so. It is recommended that students upload a copy of the completed signature page with their Michaelmas Term self-evaluation report in CamSIS. There is an expectation that postgraduate students and their supervisory team will comply with the Code, irrespective of whether the advisory signatures are provided.

At the beginning of your project (research degrees only) you might find it useful to complete the Research and Resources form with your supervisor to agree expectations relating to frequency of contact and access to facilities.

The Degree Committee has delegated day-to-day responsibility for the local implementation of the Code, which will be managed and monitored by individual Departments on a best efforts basis. Departments are invited to consult the Degree Committee at any time.

University guidance for postgraduate students

• Cambridge Student Portal - including information about Cambridge life, postgraduate study and examination, fees and funding, and welfare
• CamGuide for Master's - resource designed to help new Master's students prepare for their studies in Cambridge, including information about Cambridge life, postgraduate study and examination, fees and funding, and welfare
• Postgraduate study advice including changes to your student status, your progress, feedback reporting etc.
• Welfare and wellbeing
• Postgraduate examination and Graduation
• Good practice in research and the avoidance of plagiarism. 

Degree Committee guidance

On this website you will find advice that is more specifically tailored to this Faculty including:

• changes to your student status - what they mean and how to apply for them
• examinations - what is expected of you, how to submit, what happens after the examination
• im​portant dates of meetings of the Degree Committee and Congregations (degree ceremonies), and about terms, residence and holidays

Need help or advice? 

Depending on their nature, queries should be directed in the first instance to:

• your supervisor
• your Course Administrator or Director if you are studying on a taught programme
• your Departmental Postgraduate Office

or your College Postgraduate Tutor.