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.
Selection Process
Applications received before the funding deadline will be considered as part of a gathered field. The deadline for University and Faculty funding is usually in early December. We encourage applicants to get in touch with their potential supervisors early in the process. It is in the applicant's best interests to submit their application early in the academic year, i.e. to meet the funding deadline and to ensure that their application is considered in good time, as places can be filled before the final deadline date.
Applications will be reviewed, and potential applicants will be invited to interview, generally by video call.
Applications submitted after the funding deadline will be considered by the Department within 12 weeks on a rolling basis.
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
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. - Core - Statement of Interest (1500 characters) (mandatory)
- Core - Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
- Core - Sample of Work (2) (document upload) (mandatory)
- Core - Multiple Proposed Supervisors (200 characters) (mandatory)
- Core - Project Title (250 characters) (mandatory)
- School of Arts and Humanities - Widening Participation Questionnaire
Applicants to this course are being asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study. Find out more about our use of contextual information here: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/how/contextual-data
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
Before applying, please carefully review the information available on our Faculty website. Familiarise yourself with the work conducted by the department and the research interests and projects of potential supervisors. A full list of supervisors can be found on the Faculty's website.
Prospective applicants are expected to contact potential supervisors by email before making a formal application. The purpose of this initial contact is to discuss research proposals, enquire about supervisor capacity and willingness to supervise, and determine if there is a good fit between your interests and theirs. When contacting a supervisor, it is recommended that you consider their research profile when writing to them. Supervisors will not offer commentary or suggestions on how to write or re-write your research proposal.
Please note that unfocused applications with no identifiable potential supervisor are at a serious disadvantage.