PhD in Psychology

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:

1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

Applications are usually only considered for October entry.

Selection Process

If you applied before 3 December 2024, you will receive a decision on your application in February. If you applied after 3 December 2024, you should expect to hear whether or not you have been successful within six weeks of submitting your completed application and required supporting documents.

Interviews will last approximately 30 minutes and may be conducted in person or online. Telephone interviews are acceptable if Skype, Zoom or MS Teams is not possible. Applicants are interviewed by at least two academic members of the department, including the prospective Supervisor.

Further information on How To Apply

Things You'll Need

In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.

• Two academic references  
• Transcript  
• CV/resume
• Evidence of competence in English  
  If required - you can check using our tool
• Project Title (250 characters) (mandatory)
• Research Summary (2500 characters) (mandatory)
• Proposed Supervisor (200 characters) (mandatory)
  Before making an application, you must contact a Supervisor and secure their support. For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below.
• Research Experience (2500 characters) (mandatory)
• Statement of Interest (mandatory)
• Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
  Applicants are required to upload a copy of their research proposal.
• School of Biological Sciences - Widening Participation Questionnaire
  Applicants to this course are asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study. Find out more about our use of contextual information here: postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/contextual-data.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

• Gates Cambridge Reference  
• Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.

How to Find a Supervisor

It is important for applicants to be familiar with the research conducted by the department and the different research groups. Applicants must nominate a prospective Supervisor on their application. Applicants must contact a prospective Supervisor and receive their support to apply,  before submitting their application. The support of a prospective Supervisor does not guarantee the applicant a place on the course, nor does it guarantee the funding.

Applications cannot be considered without a named Supervisor.

List of potential PhD Psychology supervisors.