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Apply using the Applicant Portal
The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.
An application is only complete when:
- you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
- you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
- your referees have provided their references.
If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.
Applicants for the MPhil in Biological Anthropological Science are required to submit a research proposal outlining their chosen topic for research. This should be discussed in advance with a potential supervisor.
Selection Process
Applications are normally considered on a rolling basis, therefore, applicants will receive decisions throughout the period the admissions window is open. Applications are gathered at periods associated with central funding deadlines when admissions are at their peak.
Applications submitted before the December funding competition deadline will be reviewed in November - December and applicants can usually expect to receive a decision on admission in February.
Applications submitted after the funding deadline will be considered from February onwards and decisions on admission will usually be made within 12 weeks.
It may be necessary to hold your application on a reserve list until the full number and strength of applications are clear. If you are placed on a reserve list a decision may take longer.
Interviews are held (usually virtually) at the panel's discretion.
Further information on How To Apply
Things You'll Need
You should start preparing the things that you'll need when you apply. These will be mandatory, unless specifically flagged as optional.
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Two referees willing to give you a reference
Either academic or professional – please see our References guidance for more information about which type you need. Your referees will need to have submitted their reference by the course deadline. - Transcript
- CV/resume
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Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. - Reasons for Applying (2500 characters) (mandatory)
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Multiple Proposed Supervisors (200 characters) (mandatory)
Name(s) of your preferred supervisor(s)/group lead(s) in order of preference -
Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
A research proposal not more than one or two pages long, specifying the research that you hope to undertake and including a statement of the research question and proposed methods. You must discuss this informally with a potential supervisor in the department before you submit your application. You should also include a listing of specific resource needs for the proposed research (such as travel requirements, likely budgets, laboratory equipment, fieldwork etc). -
Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
Applicants should submit a sample of written academic work of no more than 2500 words, preferably one submitted as assessed coursework in a previous degree. We recommend that applicants select a piece of work that best represents their writing style. It is sensible (but not obligatory) to choose a piece of work which is at least roughly in the subject area in that you are applying to.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:
See Gates Cambridge for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
Applicants for the MPhil in Biological Anthropological Science should look for an appropriate supervisor in advance of making an application. All staff and their research interests can be found on the Department website: https://www.arch.cam.ac.uk/our-people Staff can be contacted by email.
Applicants must contact potential supervisors informally for discussions before they make their formal applications, obtain provisional agreement to supervise, and name the potential supervisor in the application.