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 are considered as they are received (rolling admissions).
Applicants should expect to hear whether or not they have been successful within six weeks of submitting their completed application and the required supporting documents (if a supervisor has been identified on the application).
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. - Biology - Proposed Supervisor (mandatory)
Before submitting your application, you must contact a Group Leader and receive confirmation that they have an available place for you in their laboratory. You must provide the Group Leader/supervisor's name in your application. You cannot submit your application without this. See below for more information on how to find a Group Leader/supervisor. - Biology - Statement of Interest (mandatory)
Please outline your motivation for postgraduate studies and your choice of lab and project (approximately 250 words). - Biology - Research Proposal (mandatory)
You should discuss your Research Proposal with your prospective supervisor before completing this section. - School of Biological Sciences - 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
You should first identify one or more laboratories where you wish to study (details of the research carried out in the Department can be found here). You should then make informal contact with the Group Leader(s) to ensure they are able to supervise you and understand the research project you wish to undertake. The email addresses of Group Leaders can be found here.
Once you have received confirmation from a Group Leader that a place is available in a laboratory of your choice, you can apply via the Applicant Portal. You cannot apply until you receive this confirmation.