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 applying, you must ensure that you have discussed your application with your preferred supervisor. You must state your supervisor in your application.
Selection Process
Applications are considered as they are received (rolling admissions). The rolling deadlines are not the same as funding deadlines. Departmental acceptance is based solely on merit.
Applicants should expect to hear whether they have been successful within twelve weeks following the submission of their completed application and required supporting documents.
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)
A statement 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. - Biology - Research Proposal (optional)
- Biology - Project / Studentship Applications (optional)
- Core - Multiple Proposed Supervisors (200 characters) (mandatory)
Applicants must secure the support of a supervisor within a laboratory before their application will be considered. For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below. - 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
The Supervisors offering projects in the Department of Pharmacology can be found here.
Before applying, please carefully review the information available on our departmental website. Familiarise yourself with the work conducted by the department and the research interests and projects of potential supervisors. Please visit our Research Group Leaders page for more information on our group leaders and the work their labs are doing.
You are expected to contact potential supervisors before making a formal application. The purpose of this initial contact is to understand the process, discuss research proposals, enquire about supervisor capacity and willingness to supervise, determine if there is a good fit between your interests and theirs. When contacting a supervisor, it is recommended that you consider their research profile when writing to them.
Please note that applications without a named supervisor will be rejected.