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.
We strongly encourage all applicants (including those who have finance) to apply by the December funding deadline.
Applicants must tick ‘Yes - I wish to apply for funding’ in the funding section of the Applicant Portal, to be considered for University of Cambridge funding. See Postgraduate funding | Postgraduate Study for details.
The majority of places on this course will be offered by February to meet the University funding timeline, with a further round of interviews and offers (for self-funded candidates) made in March/April in line with the final application deadline.
Please note that incomplete applications (including those missing one or both academic references) will not be eligible for funding if either reference is missing by the funding deadline. Applicants wanting to be put forward for funding, must ensure that both academic referees submit their references BEFORE the funding deadline.
Selection Process
This course will conduct interviews of shortlisted applicants.
Interviews for candidates applying by the funding deadline will take place in January. Successful applicants will be made offers and those eligible for funding will be entered into the funding competition by mid-February.
Further interviews (for candidates not being considered for funding) will take place between February - April.
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.
-
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. - Core - Statement of Interest (5000 characters) (mandatory)
We have a recommended limit of 5000 characters for your personal statement. This is your opportunity to present yourself to the course team and highlight your motivation, relevant experience, and suitability for the programme. We also encourage you to follow the general postgraduate guidance provided by the University, which offers helpful tips on writing an effective statement. When completing the online application form, please ensure your statement does not exceed the 5000 character limits specified in the form.
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
Applicants are not required to identify a supervisor at application stage.
Successful applicants will choose from a list of projects presented by potential supervisors, with the matching process taking place over July–August so that each student has an assigned supervisor at the start of the course