Full details of the facilities and resources available to research students can be found in the Research Degrees Student Handbook.
Resources
Our bespoke Researcher Development Programme offers research students a broad range of transferable skills training and provides tailored personal development opportunities throughout the year. Workshops cover a range of topics including statistics, scientific writing, obtaining research funding and project management.
The comprehensive career development programme is designed to ensure that it is highly relevant and of maximum benefit, with onsite workshops and webinars on CV preparation, interview skills and employment search techniques including the use of LinkedIn. Individual, confidential appointments with a careers adviser are also available.
Research students at the ICR are also provided with two key educational websites to develop the background knowledge and skills that are necessary to excel in cancer science research. These resources allow for self-directed learning structured around research work and other commitments, and may be used at a time and location convenient to each user.
The libraries in both Chelsea and Sutton provide dedicated PhD study rooms, with PCs and printing facilities available for readers, as well as plug sockets, network ports and wireless access for laptop use.
Support
The ICR has a Student Charter, jointly agreed with the student body, which sets out mutual expectations about the student experience (what you can expect from the ICR, and what in turn the ICR’s expectations are of you).
The Supervisor plays a key role in the academic career of the research student. They are responsible for providing the student with the resources or access to the resources, which permit successful execution of the project. See our Academic Support page for more information on supervision and progression monitoring
Peer support
The Student Committee represents research degree students collectively in discussion with the ICR. They also organise social activities for research degree students throughout the year, as well as an annual cross-site away weekend and the annual student conference.
The ICR recognises the importance of peer support and its influence on the PhD experience as a whole and therefore encourages a strong committee and close student community. There is a network of Student Wellbeing Advisers who volunteer to help others who would like to talk on a confidential basis about issues which affect them.
The Student Committee runs a buddy scheme for all new students at the ICR to provide them with an individual point of contact and support from amongst their peers. This helps familiarise students with the ICR before beginning their programme of study and facilitates a rapid integration into the student community on arrival.
The Royal Marsden has a chapel and prayer room at each site, which you are free to use for worship or private reflection — whether you follow a particular religion or not.
Strategy and policies
Our Learning and Teaching Strategy and key policies underpin the delivery of the education, training and support delivered at the ICR. Please see our Education policy pages to access these.
Quick links to our range of support