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.
Before you apply, you must ensure that you have discussed your proposed application with your preferred supervisor. When you apply, you must state your chosen supervisor in your application.
Your application must include both academic references before it will be reviewed.
Applications without both references and a proposed supervisor will not be considered.
Selection Process
Applications are considered as they are received (rolling admissions). We aim to process applications within 4-6 weeks. The rolling deadlines are not the same as funding deadlines. Departmental acceptance is based solely on merit.
Applications are considered by the Departmental Postgraduate Education Committee and you are interviewed by the principal investigator/supervisor to whom you have applied, along with another member from the department.
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 - Statement of Interest (mandatory)
An outline of your research interests; reasons for applying to this course; and any relevant training or experience, (including details of any subject-relevant courses, scholarships and awards) c. 1,000-2,000 words. - Biology - Proposed Supervisor (mandatory)
You must contact a supervisor/Group leader and obtain their agreement to supervise. You must name this supervisor in your application. See below for more information. - Biology - Project / Studentship Applications (optional)
If applicable specify up to 3 projects or studentships that you are applying for. If you are applying with your own research proposal you need not answer this question but you must upload a Research Proposal - Biology - Research Proposal (optional)
If you are not applying for a specific project/studentship application you must upload a research proposal of around 2000 words. - Core - Research Experience (2500 characters) (optional)
- 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 are required to identify a prospective Supervisor before you submit your application.
Identifying a prospective Supervisor
If you wish to apply for a particular research project, you can find a list of those and their group leaders here
If you are applying to research your own project, you can find a list of research group leaders and their areas of research here.
You should carefully review the information available to see if the field of research you are proposing is represented in the department.
Approaching a Supervisor
When you have identified your preferred Supervisor/Group leader, and before you apply, you should reach out to them via email with a copy of your CV to introduce your research proposal and discuss their availability. This initial contact helps you gauge their willingness to supervise you and ensures a good fit between your interests and their research focus. An indication in principle at this stage does not constitute or ensure an offer of admission. It simply means that, should your application be successful, they would be prepared to supervise you.
If time and interest permit, they may provide guidance on developing or improving your research proposal.
Nominating a Supervisor
You will be asked to nominate your prospective Supervisor/Group leader in your application, and they will be the initial reviewer of your complete application.