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Postgraduate Study

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:

  1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
  2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
  3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

The PhD course is intended for students who already have full training at undergraduate and/or Master's level in the methods and perspectives of Social/Cultural Anthropology.

Selection Process

Applications are considered as they are received (on a rolling basis). Applicants should expect to hear whether they have been successful in receiving an offer of admission within eight weeks after submission of their completed applications and supporting documents. Applications submitted before the funding competition deadline will be reviewed in January or earlier, and those applicants can expect to receive an admissions decision by late February.

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.

  • 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.
  • Reasons for Applying (1000 characters) (mandatory)
  • Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
    A sample of work of around 3,000’5,000 words. This word count includes footnotes, endnotes and parenthetical citations within the text, but excludes a list of references at the end of the document. You may submit a longer piece of work, but must highlight in it the section to be considered. The sample must be entirely your own work, fully referenced and in English.
  • Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
    This is an essential requirement. You should head the document with your name and the title of your intended project. Proposals are usually 1,000 to 2,500 words in length (excluding references) and should give a clear idea of the viability and importance of the research area. It should take note of relevant academic literature, and some thought should be given to the methodology by suggesting appropriate research methods.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

  • Gates Cambridge Reference  
  • Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.


How to Find a Supervisor

It is advisable, but not obligatory, that you make contact with a potential supervisor within the Department of Social Anthropology before submitting your application. Such contacts provide an opportunity to discuss your proposed research topic, and are desirable because the Department must confirm the availability of a willing and appropriate supervisor before an offer of admission can be made. Please do not send generic 'fishing' emails to multiple members of staff.
If you do not name a potential supervisor in your application, the Department may consult a number of staff colleagues whose expertise might make them suitable as your potential supervisor.
A list of the Department's academic staff with summaries of their research and teaching interests is available.

Apply Now

Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Social Anthropology

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2026

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
April 29, 2026
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2026

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 2, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas , Lent and Easter .