Applications for AIM: Master's 2025 are now open until 18 August 2025 (9:00am UK time).
The 2025 programme is for applicants planning to apply to begin study in October 2026.
What is AIM: Master's?
AIM: Master's is a free support programme to help MPhil applicants prepare a research proposal for their application to the University of Cambridge.
Support is provided over 4 weeks via interactive online sessions and one-to-one mentoring.
The programme is open to MPhil applicants to selected Arts and Humanities courses who meet the eligibility criteria.
AIM: Master's is separate from the admissions process, and participation in the programme does not guarantee acceptance onto a postgraduate course.
What to expect
The 4-week online programme runs from 15 September to 10 October 2025.
During this time, you'll be paired with a Cambridge postgraduate researcher. They will provide one-on-one mentoring to help you turn your research interest into a concrete question with a tangible plan.
You will also attend a series of interactive online information sessions, totalling around 6 hours over the 4 weeks. These will cover a range of useful topics to support you with your application to Cambridge.
Following the 4 weeks, you will have 2 weeks to write and submit a draft research proposal.
Eligibility criteria
To take part in AIM: Master's, you must:
- Meet the core eligibility criteria for all AIM programmes
- Not have received an offer for, be currently undertaking, or have already completed a research Master’s or PhD course
- Be planning to apply for an MPhil course at the University of Cambridge that:
- Requires a research proposal as part of the application
- Is offered by a department within the School of Arts and Humanities
- Starts in the 2026-27 academic year
You can check individual course requirements in the Course Directory.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the online application by 18 August 2025 (9:00am UK time).
The application form will ask for:
- Your education history
- Why you want to do an MPhil
- Your research interests
- Your motivation for joining the AIM: Master's programme
- Details of a referee
Referees
You’ll be asked to provide details of a referee when you apply. This could be a university tutor, lecturer, or departmental administrator.
Referees will be asked to confirm you're on track to meet the entry requirements for your chosen course.
Your referee will receive an automated email request after you submit your application. Please notify them in advance so they can expect this email.
Your referee must respond by 20 August 2025, or your application will be withdrawn.
Transcripts
If you are offered a place on AIM: Master's, we might ask to see a copy of your transcripts or certificates for all previous and current degree-level study (completed and incomplete), starting with the most recent.
Contact us
If you have any questions about AIM: Master's, please get in touch with the AIM team at aim@postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk, and we will try our best to help.