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Postgraduate Study

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.

In submitting an application every applicant should ensure that:

  • The proposed research concerns the theory and/or the practice of medicine.

  • There are at least 2 years full-time, or part-time equivalent, of ring-fenced research time.

  • There is a clearly thought through, and well-structured project proposal which should include: hypothesis, aims, detailed research plan (including statistical analyses), methods and conclusions.

  • There is current ethics approval in place for the proposed project, if required.

  • If relevant, there is lab space available for the research with bench fees and consumables covered.

  • A senior clinician or clinical academic, eligible to supervise a higher degree, has confirmed they will supervise the project, provide regular supervision or progress reports, and review the thesis prior to submission.

  • There is confirmation from the Cambridge principal supervisor that the candidate has been interviewed by the department.

Selection Process

Applications are considered by the MD Committee which meets monthly throughout the academic year. 

If the Committee is satisfied that the research proposal contains all the elements they expect to see in the planned work for an MD, they have the option to seek the opinions of one or two specialist reviewers in the field of the proposed research.  If these reviewers confirm that the proposal is viable and suitable for a Cambridge MD, the Committee will recommend approval of the application.  This process can take several months and candidates should submit their application as far in advance of their preferred admission term as possible.  Candidates can be admitted to the MD programme at any term in the academic year, and this can sometimes be a term or more later than the one identified in the application.

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
  • Research proposal (M)
  • Employment contract
  • Proposed Supervisor (M)
    You should identify a principal Supervisor who is willing to supervise your research throughout the duration of the programme. For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below.

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

Applicants should identify a principal supervisor who is willing to supervise their research throughout the duration of the programme and who is an expert in the field of research proposed in the application. The supervisor is also required to submit a letter of support for the research proposal and complete and submit an interview form for the candidate following an interview in the department.

Supervisors can be members of any department and specialty involved with clinical or medical-related work. Candidates should directly approach investigators in their field of interest. All University departments have websites with information on their current areas of research and candidates are encouraged to investigate as widely as possible.

Candidates may also contact the MD Chair for further advice on seeking a supervisor by contacting the MD administrator on the following link.

Apply Now

Key Information


6 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Medicine

Faculty of Clinical Medicine This course is advertised in multiple departments. Please see the Overview tab for more details.

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Oct. 3, 2023
Course Starts
April 17, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Jan. 31, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Lent 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
April 25, 2024
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Oct. 3, 2024
Course Starts
April 17, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.


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