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.
A list of projects can be found on the BBSRC-DTP website.
For further details on the application process, please refer to the Cambridge Biosciences BBSRC DTP website.
Selection Process
Applications are considered together as a gathered field after the closing date in December. Admissions will follow a two-stage selection process. Supervisors and departments/institutes will first review applications for their projects and shortlist candidates for an initial interview. Candidates who are successful at this stage will then be invited to a second interview with the DTP Research Committee. All interviews will be conducted online.
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. - PhD in Biological Sciences - Projects
Please include the project reference and a statement why you are interested in this project, including relevant information you’ve discussed with the project supervisor if you have contacted them. Highlight any relevant projects, experiences, or coursework that have prepared you for this research focus. - Biological Sciences - Your Motivation
Explain what motivates you to apply for a PhD and what drives your interest in pursuing this program. Highlight your inner motivation to learn and develop. - Biological Sciences - Innovative Thinking
Describe how you persist through challenges, learn from feedback, and use problem-solving or creative thinking to explore issues from new perspectives. Draw from examples from your academic, professional or personal life. - Biological Sciences - Independent Study
Describe how you manage your own learning and meet important milestones. Provide examples from your academic, professional, or personal life that demonstrate how you have successfully handled independent tasks or how you have developed these skills in preparation for doctoral study. - Biological Sciences - Recent Developments Within Your Research Area
Discuss your knowledge of developments in your research area, including relevant methods or theories or approaches you've engaged with through experiences such as self-directed learning, practical applications in a professional setting or in academic contexts. - Biological Sciences - Research Process
Discuss your understanding of the research process and your knowledge of relevant methods and techniques. - Biological Sciences - Technical Skills
Describe the technical skills relevant to your research interests (e.g. database management, programming languages), and how you've developed these skills in your academic, professional or personal life. You might also discuss how you plan to further develop these skills in the future, with specific examples. - 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
Before submitting an application, prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact supervisors to discuss the projects that interest them. This offers an opportunity to learn more about the project, as well as the supervisor and the organisation.