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.
How to apply if you are eligible for an MPhil Studentship award (see our website for full details)
Candidates that meet the eligibility criteria for an MPhil Studentship Award should make a formal application through the Applicant Portal. The course is listed in the Application Portal as "Biological Science (MRC Toxicology Unit) MPhil". It is recommended that you take time to check the application requirements including the documentation you will need to upload.
Candidates should complete the studentship award form. Please note applicants that have not completed the studentship award form will not be considered.
The department will review your application, and you will be invited to attend interview if shortlisted.
If your application is successful, a conditional offer is communicated by email and the self-service account.
The closing date for applications is the 2nd April 2026.
You may be eligible for an application fee waiver
How to apply if you are not eligible for an MPhil studentship award (see our website for full details)
If you are not eligible for am MPhil Studentship Award and are still interested in pursuing an MPhil in these topics, you will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs (self-funded studentships) and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts. There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Departments, Research Councils and central University funds. Note that there are differing deadlines for postgraduate funding applications.
Candidates that are self-funded should make a formal application through the Applicant Portal. The course is listed in the Application Portal as "Biological Science (MRC Toxicology Unit) MPhil". It is recommended that you take time to check the application requirements including the documentation you will need to upload.
Candidates should complete the studentship award form and check the self-funded box. Please note applicants that have not completed the studentship award form will not be considered.
The department will review your application, and you will be invited to attend interview if shortlisted.
If your application is successful, a conditional offer is communicated by email and the self-service account. The offer can only be accepted once funding and other conditions are met.
Selection Process
Applicants should expect to hear whether they have been successful within 12 weeks of submitting their completed application and the required supporting documents.
Appointment to a studentship will normally follow a two-stage selection process: a panel interview to assess overall suitability to study for an MPhil at the Toxicology Unit and a second stage 1:1 interview with the potential supervisor/s.
The Postgraduate Admissions Office will make the formal offer of admission on the recommendation of the Unit.
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. - Core - Multiple Proposed Supervisors (200 characters) (mandatory)
A proposed supervisor is no longer required for this course. Please type N/A into the answer box. - Core - Statement of Interest (2500 characters) (mandatory)
- 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.