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.
It is possible that places will be filled prior to the course closing date. You are therefore strongly advised to make your application as early as possible.
Selection Process
Applications are considered in a series of ‘gathered field’ assessments of applications with a strict limit on the number of offers that can be made each year. These are usually held in November, January and after the course closing date in February.
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
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. - Core - Statement of Interest (5000 characters) (mandatory)
The statement of interest should cover your reasons for wishing to do this course and for studying Social Anthropology at this level, any interests and past experience which you consider relevant, and possible dissertation topics you might pursue on the course, why you are interested in them, and some preliminary ideas about how you might carry them out. - Core - Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
A sample of work of around 2,000 ’ 4,000 words. The sample must be entirely your own work, fully referenced and in English.
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
All MPhil students who are admitted to the Department of Social Anthropology will be assigned a Principal Supervisor to support and guide their work. Your supervisor will be assigned to you during the induction week once you have arrived in Cambridge and not before this date. The course coordinator is listed as supervisor for MPhil students until such times as the student has begun the course and their actual supervisor is allocated to them. There is no need to contact a potential supervisor prior to making your application. Your supervisor will be an expert in his or her field of research and will meet you regularly to discuss your work and oversee your progress.