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Postgraduate Study

Course closed for this cycle: Biological Science (BioSCaPe) is no longer accepting applications for this cycle. It is expected to re-open for new applications in early September.

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.

A list of projects can be found on the BioSCaPe website.

For further details on the application process, please refer to the How to Apply in the BioSCaPe website.

Selection Process

Applications are considered together after the closing date in February. Successful applicants will be notified in late March and invited to attend an interview in April.

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.

  • 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 (2500 characters) (mandatory)
    Provide information about your motivation to do a PhD, your research interests and prior research experience, and explain why you wish to pursue a PhD with BioSCaPe. Here are some questions to guide you: What motivates you to do a PhD? What experience (research and non-research) do you bring that makes you a suitable PhD candidate? Why do you wish to do your PhD with BioSCaPe?
  • Core - Relevant Experience (1000 characters) (mandatory)
    List the specific projects you are applying to, and explain why you are interested in the specific project(s), highlighting any relevant experience.
  • Biology - Proposed Supervisor (mandatory)
    Proposed Supervisor (mandatory) You should provide the names of supervisor(s) (preferred and back-up) in the format: 'Prof X (1st)/ Dr Y (2nd)', from the list of available projects.
  • 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:

  • Gates Cambridge Reference
  • Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.


How to Find a Supervisor

When applying for a project, you are encouraged to contact the project supervisor in advance of submitting your application to discuss the project. If you have difficulties, email bioscape@babraham.ac.uk and ask to be put in touch with the project supervisor.

Key Information


Michaelmas 2026 (Closed)
Applications open
Sep. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Feb. 26, 2026
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2026, Lent 2027 and Easter 2027.