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Architecture by Thesis is no longer accepting new applications.
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.
Before applying to this course, please consider the MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies (MAUS), our standard Master's degree in Architecture. The MAUS course provides both an outstanding academic qualification and a track to a PhD. We, therefore, advise applicants to apply for MAUS in the first instance.
If the applicant meets the MPhil by Thesis requirements, they are recommended to consult the list of our established University Teaching Officers (UTOs) and their research interests. If one of our UTOs has research interests relevant to the applicant, please email them directly with a short research proposal of about 300 words, an example of writing, and a CV to determine whether they are potentially available to work as the applicant's Supervisor before they make a formal application. Please see the following link for details.
Applicants are recommended to only make a formal application via the University's Postgraduate Admissions Office once an established UTO has confirmed they would be interested in considering one. Do not assume that an offer will be made because a prospective Supervisor has suggested making a formal application — this just represents the first admission administration stage.
Decisions are usually made in time to meet the funding nomination deadline. Please note that admission is subject to final approval by the University's Postgraduate Admissions Office.
Application Support
Applicants to this course may be eligible to receive support with their application via the AIM: Master's programme. Find out more about AIM: Master's here: https://www.csah.cam.ac.uk/Education/aim-masters.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. All shortlisted applicants will be interviewed (remotely) by the proposed supervisor and one other academic from the department. The department normally considers applications within 12 weeks, but many applicants will receive a decision earlier than this.
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 - Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
The Research Proposal should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words and consist of a question and a hypothesis, a literature review, a statement on the method, and key references. - Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
This could be an essay from your undergraduate course, a chapter from your undergraduate dissertation, or any piece of writing that demonstrates your research ability or familiarity with your area of interest. - Multiple Proposed Supervisors (200 characters) (mandatory)
You should get in touch with a Supervisor to discuss your research proposal and whether they are willing to Supervise, you before applying. For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below.
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
Students applying for the MPhil in Architecture by Thesis should begin by identifying a supervisor. A list of members of staff and their research interests in the department can be found on the department website. Having identified a potential supervisor, the candidate should contact them with a research proposal and discuss by email to determine whether they are willing and able to supervise them. The potential supervisor will often advise on how a research proposal might be developed or improved. It should be noted that we can only accept candidates who have identified a potential supervisor in the department who is willing to work with them.