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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.
All applicants should be prepared to be interviewed by telephone or videocall.
Selection Process
Applications made before the funding deadline will be considered together after the stated deadline has passed, with the majority of decisions made by early February. Applications submitted after the funding deadline will be considered by the Department on a rolling basis within 12 weeks.
Applications will be directly considered by relevant members of the Department before being accepted or rejected.
Further information on How To Apply
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
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Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. -
Sample of Work (max 5) (document upload) (mandatory)
Please submit a sample of work which can be one long piece or several shorter essays amounting to around 5,000-7,000 words. -
Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
Please submit a 500-word research proposal. - Reasons for Applying (5000 characters) (mandatory)
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School of Arts and Humanities - Widening Participation Questionnaire
Applicants to this course are being asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study. Find out more about our use of contextual information here: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/how/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
Prospective applicants should consult the list of current faculty in the Department, noting their areas of expertise, and are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors before or during the application process. Please note, however, that supervisors are not appointed until after the applicant has been accepted and cannot appoint themselves to supervise a project in advance.
The Department's Graduate Sub-Committee is responsible for considering research applications to match appropriate supervisors to research projects.
If you are being considered for a place, a potential supervisor may contact you to discuss your application.