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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.
Prior to application, all applicants are strongly advised to browse the Department's research group pages, and find the research group and supervisor(s) closest to their interests. Applicants must name at least one supervisor with whom they wish to work on the application form, although successful applicants may be allocated to a supervisor other than the one named. Applicants must also provide a summary of their research interests. If an application does not indicate at least one named supervisor AND include a statement of research interest then the application will be rejected.
Selection Process
Applicants who apply by the December funding competition deadline will be reviewed in December-January and can usually expect to receive a decision in February if they are being nominated to the funding competition.
Applications received after the funding deadline are considered on a rolling basis as they are received. Decisions will be made within 8 weeks of receipt wherever possible.
We strongly advise that applicants submit as early as possible as we receive a large number of outstanding applications for a limited number of places which may be filled before the advertised deadline. Please note that we may run out of capacity in some research areas earlier than others, and the availability of research places will vary from year to year.
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
- Research summary (M)
- Reasons for applying (2500 characters)
- Research experience (M)
- Research proposal (O)
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
Prior to application, all applicants should browse the Department's research group pages, to find the group and supervisor closest to their interests. They should also ensure that they include a short statement of research interests in the Research section of the application. Applications which do not name at least one prospective supervisor AND include a statement of research interest will be rejected.