PhD in Classics

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.

Applicants should expect to receive a decision within 12 weeks of submitting their completed application and supporting documents.

Selection Process

Candidates' applications are considered in batches following each of the main funding deadlines. Applications received after the course funding deadline are considered on a rolling basis. All candidates should receive a decision within 12 weeks of submitting a completed application.

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.
• Attainments
• Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
  A research proposal of no more than 500 words. You should give as much information as possible about the subject you are interested in specialising in. This should outline the basis for your interest in the proposed subject (including some bibliography), detail your sense of the principal issues of current debate and where you stand with respect to them, and inform us of what exactly you hope to be able to achieve or contribute to our understanding of the field through your own research. This does not prevent you from negotiating a change in your topic later, but it does help us to decide how well we can cater to your needs, whether you are qualified to undertake the research, and who your initial main Supervisor should be. You are free, if you wish, to say on your application form who your preferred Supervisor would be, and you may find it helpful to contact possible supervisors to discuss possible projects before applying.
• Sample of Work (2) (document upload) (mandatory)
  Two essays of up to 5,000 words each or a single piece of up to 10,000 words. Those applying from outside Cambridge should submit samples of their work in relevant areas. Ideally, this work should have been written recently and be on a subject related to the one you propose to work on in Cambridge. It is obviously a great help if the work is written in (or translated into) English.

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

All applications will be carefully considered, and students will be assigned a Supervisor who is well-aligned with their research. Candidates are very welcome to approach potential supervisors beforehand for informal discussions. The list of Staff members is available here.