The PhD course 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 paediatric research; 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. Graduate training is very different from undergraduate courses. 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. Most research groups have weekly or fortnightly meetings in which all members discuss each others' work. You will be required to attend seminars and you will have the opportunity to go to scientific meetings. These bring you into direct contact with prominent and active scientists in your field from around the world. You will also give scientific talks yourself. You will be expected to attend courses, either directly related to your research or which teach you related skills such as how to write a scientific paper, use databases, interact with the media and so on. Many of these courses are run by the Graduate School, but Paediatrics has its own series of seminars. Examination for the PhD degree involves submission of a written dissertation of not more than 60,000 words (excluding figures, tables, footnotes, appendices and bibliography), on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. This is followed by an oral examination based on both the dissertation and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research.