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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 ensure you provide the name of the academic with whom you wish to work and a brief research proposal.
Also, please note that due to the nature of their research, not all groups are able to take on part-time students. We recommend that you consult our website, in the first instance, for groups that can typically consider part-time PhDs, and you should then contact the group head(s) to enquire if such places are available.
We normally cannot accept a third additional reference. However, we may request one if we feel 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, and applicants should be aware that the process can often take two or three months. Decisions on applications are updated on your Applicant Portal/Self-Service, which should be the applicants' first point of call for the latest news on their applications. The University requires that candidates be interviewed before an offer of admission can be made.
Please note that the admissions process is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum entry requirement does not guarantee you will be offered an interview.
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 - Multiple Proposed Supervisors (200 characters) (mandatory)
Before submitting your application, we suggest you contact a Supervisor. Please note that applications without a named Supervisor and/or a research proposal are less likely to be accepted. For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below. - Research Summary (2500 characters) (mandatory)
- Reasons for Applying (1500 characters) (mandatory)
Why do you feel that Cambridge is the most suitable place to carry out your research and pursue a PhD? - Statement of Interest (1500 characters) (mandatory)
Why are you interested in this course, and why do you feel that you are a good fit for it? Once you complete the degree, what do you plan to do with it? - School of Technology - Widening Participation Questionnaire
Applicants to this course are asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study. Find out more about our use of contextual information here: postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/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
On your application, you should enter the name of the Supervisor with whom you wish to work and a research proposal. Please note that applications without a named Supervisor and research proposal will be automatically rejected. We suggest you contact potential supervisors who should be an academic in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology before submitting an application; please see the Research Groups page on our website for our department's current research and our Academics page for potential supervisors.
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.