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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.
Please note that due to the nature of their research, not all groups are able to take on one-year research students and/or part-time MPhils. We recommend that you consult our website, in the first instance, for groups that are typically able to accept one-year students and/or part-time students, and you should then contact the group head(s) to enquire if MPhil places are available.
We normally cannot accept a third, additional reference. However, we may request the additional reference if we feel that it is necessary. 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 the third reference from your current Master's programme.
Selection Process
Applications are considered as they are received; applicants should be aware that the process can often take two or three months. Decisions on applications are updated on the Applicant Portal/Self-Service account, and that should be applicants' first point of call for the latest news on their applications. The University requires that candidates are interviewed before an offer of admission can be made.
Further information on How To Apply
Things You'll Need
In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.
- Two academic references
- Transcript
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - you can check using our tool - Proposed Supervisor (M)
For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below. - Research summary (M)
- Statement of interest (1500 characters)
Why are you interested in this course, and why do you feel that you are a good fit for it? What do you plan to do with the degree once it's complete? - Reasons for applying (1500 characters)
Why do you feel that Cambridge is the most suitable place to carry out your research and pursue an MPhil?
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 with whom you wish to work and a research proposal. Please note that we are unable to consider applications without a named supervisor and research proposal. Not all groups are able to take on one-year MPhil by research students and/or part-time students, and we have a list of possible groups on our website. However, you should confirm with the group head if positions are available before applying.
A degree of flexibility on both sides (the Department and you) is helpful. Students frequently come to the Department and work in a slightly different area from their original preference.