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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.
Applicants must secure the support of a supervisor within a laboratory before their application will be considered.
Selection Process
Applications are considered as they are received (rolling admissions); however, most opportunities are typically available in November/December, so contact with a supervisor before then is advised where possible.
Applicants should expect to hear whether 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).
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 - Proposed Supervisor (mandatory)
Before submitting your application, you must contact a Group Leader and receive confirmation from them 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. - Statement of Interest (mandatory)
- 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 asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study. Find out more about our use of contextual information here: postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/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
Prospective students should first identify one or more laboratories where they wish to study (details of the research carried out in the Department can be found here). Applicants should then make informal contact with the Group Leader(s) to ensure they are able to supervise them and understand the research project the candidate wishes to undertake. The email addresses of Group Leaders can be found here.
Once an applicant has received a confirmation from a Group Leader of an available place in a laboratory of their choice, they can apply via the Applicant Portal. It is not possible to submit an application until this confirmation is received.