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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

This is a degree by research and there is no formal teaching. However, students may attend relevant training courses relating to their project in consultation with their supervisor.

One to one supervision

Every research student has a principal supervisor and adviser. The number of hours of formal supervision will vary depending on the student, supervisor and project.

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

Seminars & classes

The student is expected to attend journal clubs and departmental seminars. Other classes are decided by student and supervisor and the number of hours is not set.

Literature Reviews

Usually done as part of the research and included in the final thesis.

Posters and Presentations

Students are expected to present a seminar to the Department towards the end of their MPhil. They may also participate in the biannual Departmental research days by presenting posters and/or short oral presentations.

Taught/Research Balance
Entirely Research

Feedback

Students can expect to receive a formal online feedback report from their supervisor once per term. More informal feedback from supervisors will be provided as required.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

This course is examined by thesis and oral examination (viva). The thesis must be no longer than 20,000 words (exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices) and must satisfy the examiners that the candidate can design and carry out an original investigation, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider context of the subject.

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Key Information


Lent 2026 (Closed)
Applications open
Sep. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Oct. 2, 2025
Course starts
Jan. 5, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Easter 2026 (Closed)
Applications open
Sep. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Jan. 14, 2026
Course starts
Apr. 17, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Michaelmas 2026
Applications open
Sep. 3, 2025
Application deadline
May. 14, 2026
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
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. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Jan. 14, 2027
Course starts
Apr. 17, 2027
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 7, 2026
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

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

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