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Postgraduate Study

Course closed:

Polar Studies (Scott Polar Research Institute) is no longer accepting new applications.

Teaching

The course is assessed exclusively by research but students also complete relevant skills and research training.

One to one supervision

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

Seminars & classes

The Department runs a Skills and Research Training Programme over the first two terms for first-year PhD students (16 hours in the first year). There is also a programme of training sessions for third-year PhD students (approx. seven hours). The majority of second-year students do fieldwork outside Cambridge; those present in the Department are welcome to attend any session.

The Department runs a research seminar programme with invited speakers from outside the Department, which PhD students are strongly encouraged to attend.

Posters

First-year PhD students are expected to present their research to the Department at a research seminar, and third-year PhD students present their research at the third-year graduate conference.

Feedback

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

Assessment

Thesis

 A dissertation of up to 80,000 words, if a candidate's work falls within the social sciences and humanities, or 275 numbered pages (of which not more than 225 pages are text, appendices, illustrations and bibliography) if a candidate's work falls within the physical sciences.

Other

All PhD students are probationary in the first year. Students are required to submit a written progress report which is examined by two assessors and an oral examination of the report will be undertaken. Progression to the second year and registration for the PhD depends on a successful first-year review.

Key Information


3-4 years full-time

5-7 years part-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Geography and Scott Polar Research Institute

Enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2018
Application deadline
March 29, 2019
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2019

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

Graduate Funding Competition
Jan. 3, 2019
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 10, 2018