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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.

Teaching

The route is composed of two key elements:

the research methods training (RMS) course

the "Research in Second Language Education (RSLE)" thematic route course

Teaching time is split between the two elements, research methods and subject-specific content with a total of 72 hours teaching. The course is taught through a mixture of lectures, smaller group seminars and supervisions.

One to one supervision

Eight hours for the year.

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

Seminars & classes

The route involves 72 hours of face-to-face teaching for the year. This is made up of a mixture of lectures and small group seminars. Teaching sessions take place in the Faculty, two or three times a week in the Michaelmas and Lent terms. There is only a small amount of teaching in the Easter term when students are writing up their dissertations.

Posters and Presentations

In the Easter term, students are required to give short unassessed presentations with slides about their research.

Taught/Research Balance
Equal Taught/Research

Feedback

Throughout the programme, students will submit work and receive feedback. Informally, feedback is also provided through supervisions. At the end of each term, supervisors write an online report, which can be viewed by the student via the Postgraduate Feedback and Reporting System.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

The dissertation is up to 15,000 words in length and submitted in June.

The examination shall include an oral examination on the dissertation and the assessments and on the general field of knowledge within which they fall, save that the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination.

Other

Assessments will be through a range of formats which may include coursework, written and oral examinations, posters, presentations and projects.

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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