Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

Postgraduate Study

Teaching

Supervisions are given on the thesis.

One to one supervision

Twelve hours per year full-time (reduced pro rata for part-time).

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

Taught/Research Balance
Entirely Research

Feedback

Feedback will be given by the Supervisor in the course of supervisions and in termly Supervisor's reports. In addition, there will be a report from the assessors following the first-year examination.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

A thesis of not more than 80,000 words with a compulsory oral examination.

Other

A first-year examination for which students must submit the following:

  • a summary of the scope, purpose, methodology and value of the research project
  • a provisional outline of your thesis with a timetable for the conduct and completion of the research and writing
  • a bibliography of a topic and its immediate intellectual context set out in accordance with the conventions current in the field of study
  • a sample of written-up research of no more than 10,000 words, with appropriate footnotes and bibliographical references (included in word count)

Students will have a meeting with two assessors to discuss the submitted work.

There is a review in the second and third year for which students must submit the following:

  • a 1,500-word report on their progress to date
  • a timetable for completion.

Apply Now

Key Information


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.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

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

Similar Courses