On starting a course of study leading towards a PhD, students will not at first be registered for the degree, and this registration is dependent on the successful completion of a first year report and an oral examination. In addition, the Institute requires them to prepare a written report at the end of year two (and year three, if you have not already started writing your thesis at this stage). The word limit for the PhD thesis is 60,000 and students will be examined orally on their thesis and on their related wider field of knowledge. Each student (MPhil or PhD) applies to a specific supervisor and is also assigned a second supervisor who acts as a mentor and provides support. The students are provided with information which clearly sets out what is expected of them during their period of research in order to obtain their degree. All student matters in the Institute are overseen by the Studentships & Fellowships Committee and the wider engaging Cancer Biology Graduate Education Committee, both of which have the well-being of our students at heart. All students are encouraged to attend lectures of interest both in the Institute and in the wider University. They are also expected to participate in journal clubs and lab meetings and to take advantage of the numerous and varied opportunities including transferable skills training offered by both the Institute and the University. Students are encouraged to attend scientific meetings relevant to their course of study. All students in the Institute are members of the student-run Graduate Society which organises regular scientific and social events. Post-submission, the student will be examined orally by two examiners on the content of the thesis and on the wider research area. The amount of supervision they require may vary depending on their prior knowledge and on their particular research experience. Formal supervision is likely to be around one hour per week, plus also day-to-day supervision in the lab. It is the student's responsibility to book regular meetings with their supervisor and to prepare in advance to make the meetings as effective as possible.