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.
In your application, you must provide the name of the supervisor/group lead with whom you wish to work, as well as a research proposal. See "How to find a supervisor" below for more information.
We may request an additional third reference. For example, if you've only recently begun a Master's course, and your two references are from a previously completed Bachelor's, we may request a third reference from your current Master's programme.
Selection Process
Applications are considered as they are received, and a decision can often take two or three months. Decisions on applications are updated on the Applicant Portal/Self-Service account, and that should be your first point of call for the latest news on your application. If you are shortlisted for admission, we will contact you to arrange an interview.
**Please note that the admissions process is highly competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirement does not guarantee you will be offered an interview.
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
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information.
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
On your application, you must provide the name of the supervisor/group lead with whom you wish to work, as well as a research proposal. Please note that applications without a named Supervisor and research proposal will be automatically rejected. A list of possible groups and their leads can be found on the department website. Before applying, you must contact the group lead to obtain confirmation that they are accepting new students; not all groups are able to do so. Your research proposal should fall within the broad research area of the group with which you wish to work.
If accepted, you may be assigned to a different group, and in these circumstances you will be notified. Students are frequently accepted to work in a slightly different research area from their original preference.