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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.

In addition to the academic entrance requirement, applicants need to have at least three years of professional experience in the built environment since graduating.

Selection Process

Applications are considered as they are received (rolling admissions). Applicants should expect to receive an update on their application status within six weeks of applying.

Applicants are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Applicants requiring time to obtain visas to study, secure funding, or make travel or other arrangements are particularly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

It is not possible to offer deferred places.

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.
  • Core - Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
    Please include a research proposal, using the template provided on the CISL website. In some cases it will be possible for students to change their proposal once they have been accepted on to the programme. The proposal should be 500-1000 words in length, and outline the topic you wish to research, mostly during the second year of the course. The proposal should include: ’ A straightforward, descriptive, and informative outline of the scope of the research and what is intended to be achieved. ’ An account of why this topic is relevant and worth investigating from a built environment perspective. ’ A proposed main research question (or hypothesis), which should be focused and not overly broad. ’ A brief account of the approach you will take, i.e. the research design and methods. ’ A discussion of the likely data sources that your research will draw upon, and how you intend to gain access. ’ A short bibliography, i.e. a list of sources you have used. You will also be asked to provide a short summary of your proposal in your application form.
  • Core - Employer Support Letter (document upload) (optional)
  • CISL - Professional Qualifications
  • Core - Reasons for Applying (1500 characters) (mandatory)

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

Not applicable (supervisor information provided towards the end of year one).

Apply Now

Key Information


Michaelmas 2026
Applications open
Sep. 10, 2025
Application deadline
Apr. 29, 2026
Course starts
Sep. 20, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2026, Lent 2027 and Easter 2027.

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