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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, 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.
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.
This course allows you to use one professional referee, as well as one academic referee, even if you have only recently left higher education. If you have been out of higher education for more than 6 years, you may use two professional referees, in line with our general rules (see References to support your Cambridge application | Postgraduate Study).
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. Please note that 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.
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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
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Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. -
Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
The Research Proposal should be between 1,000 - 1,500 words inclusive of references and footnotes. This should consist of a carefully researched topic of relevance to an area of academic discourse, research questions, a literature review, a statement on design approach, and key references. -
Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
The Sample of Work is limited to 5,000 words and can be an example of a chapter, publication or essay. -
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.