Doctoral studies are carried out by science graduates, medical students combining clinical training with the PhD, and clinically qualified doctors undertaking scientific training. Each student conducts their PhD project under the direction of their principal supervisor, with additional teaching and guidance provided by a second supervisor.

The PhD course provides:

• a period of a sustained in-depth study of a specific topic;
• an environment that encourages originality and creativity in research;
• skills to enable a 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 a student’s knowledge of a research area, including its theoretical foundations and the specific techniques used to study it;
• the opportunity to gain knowledge of the broader field of paediatric research; and
• an environment in which to develop skills in written work, oral presentation and publishing research results in high-profile scientific journals, through constructive feedback.

Graduate training is very different from undergraduate study. It is based on individual needs and abilities, is designed to help you to think clearly, originally and practically, and to prepare you for leadership in science.