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Postgraduate Study

Course closed:

Geography is no longer accepting new applications.

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:

  1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
  2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
  3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

If you are interested in applying please get in touch directly with the Department to ascertain if you would be a suitable candidate before making an application. You will need to identify and make contact with a suitable supervisor.

Selection Process

Applications are considered in two gathered fields. Applicants who apply by the December funding competition deadline will be reviewed in December-January and can usually expect to receive a decision in February. Any applications received after this date will be considered in a second gathered field after the closing deadline. Decisions are usually made in April-May.

Further information on How To Apply


Things You'll Need

In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.

  • Two academic references  
  • Transcript  
  • CV/resume
  • Evidence of competence in English  
    If required - you can check using our tool
  • Research proposal (M)
    A research proposal of not more than 750 words. Please include relevant information relating to any fieldwork proposal and costings.
  • Field work costs
  • Reasons for applying (1500 characters)
  • Extra Materials
    Widening Participation: We are working to improve contextualised understanding of the applications we receive. This course is piloting a mandatory supplementary application form. For more information about what the pilot aims to do and how your data will be used, please see here: www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/pilot-selection-procedures.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

  • Gates Cambridge Reference  
  • Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.


How to Find a Supervisor

Each postgraduate student is assigned a principal supervisor to guide their research. You will work closely with your supervisor. Therefore before making an application you must make contact with your chosen supervisor and satisfy yourself that advanced study in your chosen field can be effectively supervised by the Department of Geography. Acceptance of any applicant will be dependent upon specialist supervision being available.

Please consult the Research page and Academic staff page on the Geography Department website to obtain an idea of current research interests.

If we cannot supervise your topic, we will decline your application regardless of its academic merit.

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 making an application for this mode of study.

Key Information


12 months full-time

2 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Master of Philosophy

Department of Geography

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
March 26, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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