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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.

The MPhil will be organised into geographical ‘streams’: Asia and the Islamic World; Africa and the Transatlantic World; Europe and the Mediterranean; Britain and the Wider World. You will be asked to indicate a preferred stream at the point of application and will be expected to undertake their dissertation research within that area. You will need to submit an outline of your proposed dissertation topic and 3 research questions.

If you do not identify a ‘stream’ in your application, it may be rejected prior to academic review.

Selection Process

Completed applications are considered by the Course/Stream Director and other academic staff as appropriate from:

6th January: Deadline for applicants seeking funding

13th May: Deadline for self-funding applicants

Applications submitted by the funding deadline will be reviewed in a gathered field, with shortlisted candidates invited to an online interview. Decisions are expected to be received in early February.

We will continue accepting applications until 13th May. These late applications will be reviewed in a second gathered field, with interviews generally taking place in late May. Decisions are expected to be received in early June.

Decisions are usually made in time to meet the funding nomination deadline. Please note that your admission is subject to final approval by the University's Postgraduate Admissions Office.

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.

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

You do not need to find a supervisor as you will be allocated one on arrival.

Apply Now

Key Information


Michaelmas 2027
Applications open
Sep. 9, 2026
Application deadline
May. 13, 2027
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2027
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 6, 2027
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 14, 2026

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2027, Lent 2028 and Easter 2028.

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