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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

One to one supervision

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.

The supervisor will provide written feedback to the student each term with progress reports submitted online. The feedback will relate to the progress the student has made and include a specific comment on their research project. This will be discussed with the student in advance of the submission of the report to the University.

The Director of Postgraduate Education will set out expectations for the frequency of your supervision. This will include expectations for formal opportunities for you to gain feedback on your work and progress. Most students have regular (weekly or fortnightly) supervision meetings but the frequency of supervision may vary according to the research project and the stage of the study.

Taught/Research Balance
Entirely Research

Feedback

The Director of Postgraduate Education will ensure that all research students in the Faculty or Department (or University Partner Institution) have the opportunity to provide feedback on the content, delivery and administration of their course, and will ensure that this input is taken into account. They will oversee and co-ordinate periodic strategic reviews of the course. Similarly, at the end of each term throughout your course, your supervisor will provide formal online feedback on your progress.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

The PhD is examined by thesis (maximum of 60,000 words) and a viva conducted by two examiners.

Other

All PhD students are required to undergo formal assessment (by written report and viva) at the end of their first year, which they must pass. If successful, the student moves from being 'probationary' to being registered for the PhD and can proceed with their project.

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Key Information


Lent 2027
Applications open
Sep. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Oct. 1, 2026
Course starts
Jan. 5, 2027
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Easter 2027
Applications open
Sep. 9, 2025
Application deadline
Jan. 13, 2027
Course starts
Apr. 5, 2027
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Michaelmas 2027
Applications open
Sep. 9, 2026
Application deadline
Jun. 24, 2027
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2027
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Lent 2028
Applications open
Sep. 9, 2026
Application deadline
Sep. 30, 2027
Course starts
Jan. 5, 2028
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Easter 2028
Applications open
Sep. 9, 2026
Application deadline
Jan. 13, 2028
Course starts
Apr. 17, 2028
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 6, 2027
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 14, 2026

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2027, Lent 2028 and Easter 2028.

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