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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.
Selection Process
Applicants must contact prospective supervisors to discuss potential projects before making a formal application; applicants who have not done this are unlikely to receive full consideration. Prospective students must then indicate their potential Supervisor(s) on their application form. Supervisors and their research areas are listed on the Department of Genetics website on the Research Groups pages.
Applicants who are applying for University funding should apply by the Funding Deadline. They will then be considered according to the internal timetable applicable to these funding competitions.
Other applications are considered as they are received on a rolling basis. Applicants should expect to hear whether or not they have been accepted by the department within six weeks of submitting their completed application and required supporting documents.
Candidates are usually interviewed by at least two academic members of the department. Candidates who are currently based overseas and who cannot attend in person may be interviewed remotely.
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.
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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
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Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. -
Proposed Supervisor (200 characters) (mandatory)
Before submitting your application, you must contact a potential Supervisor(s). Applications that have not done this are unlikely to receive full consideration. For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below. -
Statement of Interest (mandatory)
An outline of your research interests; reasons for applying for this course; and any relevant training or experience, (including details of any subject-relevant courses, scholarships and awards) c. 1,000-2,000 words. - Research Experience (2500 characters) (mandatory)
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Research Proposal (optional)
A research proposal of around 2,000 words, including a provisional research title. -
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.