The MPhil degree offered by the Department of Psychiatry is a 12 month full time programme and involves minimal formal teaching; students are integrated into the research culture of the Department and the Institute in which they are based. Each student conducts their MPhil project under the direction of their Principal Supervisor, with additional teaching and guidance provided by an Advisor, to increase access to staff members and accommodate a diversity of viewpoints. The subject of the research project is determined during the application process and is influenced by the research interests of the student’s supervisor, i.e. students should apply to study with a group leader whose area of research most appeals to them. To broaden their knowledge of their chosen field, students are strongly encouraged to attend relevant seminars, lectures and training courses. We also require our students to attend their research group’s research-in-progress/laboratory meetings, at which they are expected to regularly present their ongoing work. The structure of the MPhil course enables the students to significantly develop their analytical and research skills, and is intended as preparation for further research. The MPhil programme provides: a period of sustained in-depth study of a specific topic; an environment that encourages the student’s originality and creativity in their research; skills to enable the student to critically examine the background literature relevant to their specific research area; the opportunity to develop skills in making and testing hypotheses, in developing new theories, and in planning and conducting experiments; the opportunity to expand the student’s knowledge of their research area, including its theoretical foundations and the specific techniques used to study it; the opportunity to gain knowledge of the broader field of research in psychiatry; an environment in which to develop skills in written work, oral presentation and publishing the results of their research in high-profile scientific journals, through constructive feedback of written work and oral presentations. At the end of the course, examination for the MPhil degree involves submission of a written dissertation, followed by an oral examination based on both the dissertation and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research. The MPhil in Medical Science (Psychiatry) degree is a one-year degree, i.e. it is not intended to be a probationary year for a three-year PhD degree. However, it is possible to continue from the MPhil to the PhD in Psychiatry course via the following options: Complete the MPhil then continue to the three year PhD course; Transfer from the MPhil to the PhD course. This MPhil is a research-only course. The supervisor and details of the proposed research project are determined during the application process. Most research training is provided within the structure of the student’s research group and is overseen by their Principal Supervisor. The student should expect to receive one to one supervision at least weekly in term time. To enhance their research, students are expected to attend seminars and graduate courses relevant to their area of interest. Students are also encouraged to undertake transferable skills training provided by the Graduate School of Life Sciences. Examination for the MPhil degree involves submission of a written dissertation of not more than 20,000 words in length, excluding figures, tables, footnotes, appendices and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee. This is followed by an oral examination based on both the dissertation and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research.