Throughout the course of your PhD, you will gain a deeper understanding of the research landscape within the UK, and perhaps internationally too. There are many stakeholders in research beyond the academic world: the government, funders, industry partners, citizens, teaching institutions, and so on. 

It will be helpful to keep an eye on the bigger picture, so that you develop an understanding of the forces shaping the environment in which you do research. This knowledge can help you make the most of the opportunities in your PhD and progress your career beyond it. 

Whether or not they receive funding, all PhD students at Cambridge need to follow the Code of Practice for Research Students. This is an important document that tells you, among other things, how you will be examined, how to resolve serious problems, and what support you can expect from your supervisor and advisor.

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