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 two academic references before it will be reviewed.
Applications without two 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. Departmental acceptance is based solely on academic 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.
Please note that there is only one funding competition round in the academic year with a deadline of 8th December 2026
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.
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 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.