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.
Candidates are strongly advised to apply before the December funding deadline even if not applying for funding. This is especially important if you wish to work with a specific supervisor, as each member of the academic staff has a maximum number of projects they can supervise, and once this limit is reached they cannot accept additional students.
Interviews are required for all successful PhD students before an offer of admission can be made. This may be via telephone, video conference or in person.
Please supply up-to-date institution transcripts for all in-progress and completed degree level courses. Please supply official certificates for all completed degree level courses. If the documents are not in English, please upload both the original documentation and a translation. The following should be included on either your transcript or your certificate:
The current average score or mark. If the degree has been completed, please provide the final score or mark.
If the degree has been completed, the final classification of the degree (if the degree is from outside the UK please use the domestic format).
The formal title of the degree (if the degree is from outside the UK please use the domestic format).
The name of the institution awarding the degree.
If any of the above is missing, please supply a letter from your institution confirming these details. Failure to provide this information may seriously delay your application being considered by the Faculty and in turn affect your chances of receiving funding.
Please note that the Faculty will not receive your application until it is complete, this includes both your referees submitting their references.
Selection Process
All applications are sent to supervisors with expertise in the proposed area of research. As individual supervisors can only accept a limited number of students, applications may be sent to multiple supervisors before appropriate matches can be found. It may be the case that excellent candidates cannot be admitted simply because appropriate supervisors for the project are not available.
Although we aim to process applications in a timely manner, if you have not received an outcome by the beginning of March, or twelve weeks after your application was submitted (whichever is later), please contact the Faculty.
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
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. - History - personal development questionnaire
The questions for the Personal Development Questionnaire are available in the Applicant Portal, and applicants will be asked to complete the questionnaire as part of their application form. - Core - Sample of Work (2) (document upload) (mandatory)
Applicants should provide a sample of written work in English. This is usually a thesis or one or two long essays. There is no set minimum or maximum word count for the writing sample(s); we simply recommend that students select one or two pieces of work that best represent their writing style. It is sensible (but not obligatory) to choose a piece of work which is at least roughly in the subject area in which you plan to do research. - Core - Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
Applicants should provide a research proposal of 600-1,000 words that includes the following: a simple and descriptive title for the proposed research, a rationale for the research, a brief historiographic context, and an indication of the sources likely to be used. Your bibliography and any footnotes will not be included in the word count, as long as they are not discursive in nature. Please title this document: Statement of Intended Research.
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
Before applying, you are advised to identify potential supervisor/s whose research interests align with your own. We recommend that you start by looking at the Faculty's Academic Staff Directory, which lists staff by theme, key words and geographical focus.
There is no requirement or expectation but applicants may contact potential supervisors directly to check they would be suitable for your project. If they are unavailable or unsuitable, they are generally well-placed to recommend an alternative supervisors.
Academic staff are used to being contacted by prospective applicants but they are busy individuals so please allow time for them to respond to your query. They may be able to give general guidance and advice on a proposed project but they are unable to give you detailed feedback.
Your place on the PhD course is not confirmed until you have received your offer letter from the Postgraduate Admissions Office. A willingness to supervise should not be taken as confirmation of acceptance.