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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

One to one supervision

All PhD students are assigned a Supervisor and an advisor. The Supervisor and student are expected to meet approximately ten times per year. The advisor will be involved with the registration assessment at the end of the first year and formal advisory meetings annually thereafter.

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.

Seminars & classes

PhD students are expected to attend the CDH Research Seminars, which run in the first (Michaelmas) and second (Lent) terms; these total approximately 15 hours per year. PhD students additionally have access to a diverse set of research-led seminars and lectures, guest seminars, and practice-driven workshops, including the bi-annual CDH Distinguished Lecture Series and training sessions provided by the CDH and the University Library.

Taught/Research Balance
Entirely Research

Feedback

In addition to supervision meetings, each student receives a supervision report at the end of each term via the online CamSIS reporting system.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

Submission of a thesis of a maximum of 80,000 words (including all notes and figures, but excluding the bibliography) followed by an oral examination (viva). Appendices, which may, for example, include video, media, process journals or web projects, catalogues, and extracts from digital critical editions, may also be submitted as supporting material demonstrating work done with prior permission (requests via CamSIS). Appendices do not contribute to the word count.

Other

Students are required to pass a registration assessment at the end of their first year. The student's advisor and another assessor will scrutinize a Registration Portfolio, which includes an account of the year's work, a statement of the object and scope of the PhD, and a specimen of written work. They will then meet with the student to discuss the Registration Portfolio.

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Key Information


Michaelmas 2026 (Closed)
Applications open
Sep. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Jan. 7, 2026
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Lent 2027
Applications open
Sep. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Oct. 1, 2026
Course starts
Jan. 5, 2027
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Easter 2027
Applications open
Sep. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Jan. 14, 2027
Course starts
Apr. 17, 2027
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 7, 2026
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2026, Lent 2027 and Easter 2027.

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