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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.
You will be assigned a member of staff to guide your studies over their first term. You will also be assigned a supervisor to guide your dissertation research in the second and third terms. You will work closely with your dissertation supervisor. Acceptance of any applicant may be dependent upon specialist supervision being available.
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 between late January-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
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. -
Polar Studies: Statement of interest
A statement of up to 600 words explaining why you would like to enrol on the MPhil in Polar Studies, including how your previous studies/background relate to this MPhil. -
Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
A sample or samples of your work (between 3,000 and 5,000 words total ) that demonstrate your capacity to prepare and write a critical scholarly argument, using customary scholarly apparatus (e.g. references, footnotes, etc.) to a standard necessary to undertake a Master's level research degree. In the case of mature students hoping to return to university after some years away, a professional report on a subject related to the Polar Regions will also be accepted for consideration as part of the application. Supplementary material, references, footnotes, citations and bibliography are included in the wordcount. -
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
Before making an application, you may wish to discuss your interests with a potential dissertation supervisor or the course director, but this is not compulsory.
Please visit the list of possible dissertation topics as well as the list of senior academic staff and indicate on your application form: i) the broad area of research you think you would like to undertake for your dissertation, ii) a possible topic or topics from the list or choose your own related topic, and iii) a prospective dissertation supervisor(s) you might wish to supervise you.