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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.
All PhD applications are subject to submission of an approved proposal and the availability of a suitable supervisor. 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. Please check the department web profiles for staff research interests.
Selection Process
Applications are normally considered on a rolling basis, therefore, applicants will receive decisions throughout the period the admissions window is open. Please note however that applications may be gathered at periods associated with central funding deadlines when admissions are at their peak.
Applicants are particularly advised to note relevant funding deadlines when making their application. Applicants who apply in the run up to the January funding competition deadline will be reviewed in December-January and can usually expect to receive a decision on admission in February. Applications made after this deadline will be considered from February onwards and decisions on admission will usually be made within 12 weeks unless applicants are placed on a reserve list due to a limit on available places.
For more information, please see here.
Further information on How To Apply
Things You'll Need
In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.
- Two academic references
- Transcript
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - you can check using our tool - Reasons for Applying (2500 characters) (mandatory)
- Multiple Proposed Supervisors (200 characters) (mandatory)
Before applying, you must contact a supervisor informally to discuss your formal application and obtain a provisional agreement from them to supervise you. For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below. - Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
You are required to upload a research proposal not more than five to ten 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 it as part of your application. You should 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.
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 PhD in Biological Anthropology 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 here. Staff can be contacted by email. Details are provided on their profile page.