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Postgraduate Study

Course closed for this cycle: Education (Research in Second Language Education) is no longer accepting applications for this cycle. It is expected to re-open for new applications in early September.

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.

Selection Process

Applications are considered in three batches; firstly after the 2nd December, after the 23rd January and then after the application deadline of 26th February. It is possible that some applications from the first batch are held for consideration in the second batch or third batch. This route may fill up well ahead of the advertised closing date. You are advised to apply by the December deadline if possible. We aim to make decisions on applications within 12 weeks of the applicable application batch deadline. Interviews are conducted in person or via Zoom.

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.

  • 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
  • Evidence of competence in English
    If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information.
  • Education - written task
    You are required to complete a written task and upload it along with your application documents. The task can be found in the Key Facts box on: http://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/courses/graduate/masters/themes/secondlanguag…
  • Education - PhD route
  • Core - Reasons for Applying (1500 characters) (mandatory)

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

You are not required to find a supervisor as part of the admissions process. Supervisors will be allocated shortly after commencing the course.

Key Information


Michaelmas 2026 (Closed)
Applications open
Sep. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Jan. 23, 2026
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2026, Lent 2027 and Easter 2027.

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