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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 first deadline for admissions is in early January, when applicants will also be considered for funding. Should any places remain available after this date, rolling admissions will continue until the final deadline on 16 May.

Applicants are encouraged to read the department's website and, on the application, select a Supervisor who closely matches their research project/interests. There is no need to contact the proposed Supervisor in advance of applying. The application will then be reviewed by the proposed Supervisor. Applicants will be invited to an interview if shortlisted. If an applicant does not have a proposed Supervisor, title and detailed research project with a clear art historical focus, their application will be rejected prior to academic review.

Please note that the department places emphasis upon competence in foreign languages required for work in the chosen area of specialisation. Language tuition in Latin and modern foreign languages is available, but students who already possess the necessary language skills will be better prepared to undertake the course.

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.

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

Should places with the proposed Supervisor remain available, applications received after the funding deadline are considered on a rolling basis until the final deadline on May 16th.

The department normally considers applications within 12 weeks, but many applicants receive a decision earlier.

Applications which do not include a research title and any indication of research interests and/or research Supervisor in their application will not be considered.

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)
    A research proposal of 1,000–1,500 words should consist of a topic and a hypothesis, a literature review, a statement on method, and key references.
  • Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
    A sample of work could be a journal publication or a chapter from your undergraduate dissertation.

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.

Apply Now

Key Information


9 months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Department of History of Art

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
May 16, 2025
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2025

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

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 7, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 16, 2024

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.


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