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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 an 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, and applicants should be aware that that the process can often take two or three months. Decisions on applications are updated on your Applicant Portal/Self-Service, 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.
What Happens Next? | Postgraduate Admissions (cam.ac.uk)
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)
Before submitting your application, we suggest you contact a supervisor. Please note that there is a lower acceptance rate of applications with no named supervisor and/or a research proposal. For more information on finding a supervisor, see below. - Research summary (M)
- Reasons for applying (1500 characters)
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)
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?
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. If you do not enter a supervisor's name and/or a research proposal, your application will be "pooled". Please note that applications without a named supervisor or 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.