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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

The course is exclusively research-based. The project and Supervisor are determined during the application process, but applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors before submitting their applications.

One to one supervision

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

Students can expect to receive an online feedback report each term.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

The thesis is not to exceed, without the prior permission of the Degree Committee, 275 numbered pages of which not more than 225 pages are text, appendices, illustrations and bibliography. The additional 50 pages may comprise tables of data or computer programmes reduced in size.

The examination shall include an oral examination on the thesis and the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Other

All PhD students will be expected to submit a short report within their first year. The report will be up to 2,500 words in length (plus figures), which is examined by two assessors. It should summarise the aims of the project within its wider research area, the student's activities and results so far, and outline plans for the next stages of work. The report will also be examined orally. Progression to the second year and registration for the PhD depend on a successful first-year review.

Students will also be expected to complete transferable skills training during the PhD.

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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
May. 13, 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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