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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:
- you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
- you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
- your referees have provided their references.
If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.
The research section of the application form allows you to provide a 250-word research summary of your intended project. The topic of the project must relate to the research interests of the Supervisor as well as fit the strengths and interests of the applicant. It would normally be developed by discussion between the applicant and the potential Supervisor. It is, therefore, important to correspond with the Supervisor before submitting an application.
Selection Process
All applicants who wish to be considered for the funding competition must submit their application by the January funding deadline. These applicants will be evaluated together, as a gathered field, in the early part of the year (January to March) and can normally expect to receive a decision within twelve weeks of the funding deadline.
Applications received after the funding deadline or from applicants who do not wish to be considered for funding will be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants can normally expect to hear whether they have been successful within twelve weeks of their completed application having been received.
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.
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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
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Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. -
School of Physical Sciences - Widening Participation Questionnaire
Applicants to this course are being asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study. Find out more about our use of contextual information here: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/how/contextual-data
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:
See Gates Cambridge for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
It is expected that applicants will have a good idea of the area of Earth Sciences in which they wish to conduct research and that they will have already identified and made contact with the most suitable supervisor(s). If you are considering applying, please use the department Research pages to identify a member of our academic staff working in your area of interest and contact them to discuss your interests and ideas.
The purpose of this initial contact is to discuss research proposals, enquire about the Supervisor's capacity and willingness to supervise and determine if there is a good fit between your interests and theirs. When contacting a Supervisor, it is recommended that you consider their research profile when writing to them. You should also include your CV so they can assess your academic background and research experience.
Please note that general and unfocused applications with no suitable or prospective Supervisor are likely to be seriously disadvantaged or rejected. Please check that the Supervisor you want to work with is still current in the department and taking students.
Please note: part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before applying for this mode of study.