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Postgraduate Study

Course closed for this cycle: Sustainability Leadership is no longer accepting applications for this cycle. It is expected to re-open for new applications in early September.

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.

Please note:

Exceptional candidates who do not meet the above standard academic requirements may be considered, based on the ability to demonstrate suitability for postgraduate study through professional and other attainments. Should they be recommended for an offer, these candidates will also be required to take a GMAT or a GRE test and show evidence of ranking above the 50th percentile in each of the elements of the test.

Completing CISL's Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (PCSB) would meet the academic requirement listed above. Candidates who do not have a good 2:1 honours degree may wish to consider applying for the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (PCSB) in order to strengthen a future Master’s application.

Proving that you meet the English Language Requirement:

All teaching and assessment on CISL's postgraduate-level programmes is in English. The University of Cambridge requires all applicants to demonstrate competence in the English language at a very high level before they begin their proposed course of study. Adherence to this requirement is strict.

Applicants that are a national of a majority English-speaking country are not normally required to take a language test. However, individual circumstances may lead to this being set as a condition of an offer. Majority English-speaking countries, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), are listed here.

Applicants who are not a national of a majority English-speaking country will likely be required to take a test and as such we recommend early investigation of test options available, including waiting list times and preparation requirements.

If applicants are required to take a test as part of their offer conditions the test must meet the University’s English language requirement.

It is not necessary to have met the Language requirement at the point of application, but applicants are advised to make arrangements to sit a test as soon as possible if this is applicable to them.

Selection Process

Applications are considered as they are received (rolling admissions). Applicants should expect to receive an update on their application status within six weeks of applying.

Further information on How To Apply

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 - Reasons for Applying (2500 characters) (mandatory)
  • Core - Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
  • Core - personal statement (document upload) (mandatory)
  • Core - Employer Support Letter (document upload) (optional)
  • Core - Professional Qualifications (document upload) (optional)
  • JBS - GMAT or GRE Upload

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 not essential to have identified a supervisor at the application stage. Towards the start of the second year a suitably qualified supervisor will be identified and appointed via a 'match making' process.

Key Information


Michaelmas 2026 (Closed)
Applications open
Sep. 10, 2025
Application deadline
Jan. 27, 2026
Course starts
Sep. 13, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2026, Lent 2027 and Easter 2027.

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