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.
Those applicants who are subject to a language requirement are strongly encouraged to submit their language test results at the same time as their initial application. Failure to do so may delay the processing of applications.
Potential applicants are also advised to consider carefully their capacity for balancing personal and professional commitments before submitting an application.
Selection Process
Applications for the course are reviewed in batches. Candidates whose applications pass the initial review stage will be invited to attend an online interview, after which point an offer of admission may be issued. Given the desire to ensure that a diverse mix of skills and backgrounds are represented within the cohort, final decisions on applications may not be taken until after the closing date for all applications.
We advise that applications are made as early as possible, particularly applications from candidates not meeting the standard academic requirements for the course, as these are likely to take longer to process.
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. - Core - Professional Qualifications (document upload) (optional)
If you have professional qualifications or memberships relevant to your application, you may upload documentary evidence in this section, stating the date the qualification or membership was obtained. - Core - Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
You are required to submit a research proposal as part of the application process. At this stage you may not have a specific research topic in mind but several areas of research interest. Please feel free to include a range of ideas and topics, as dissertation subjects and titles are not finalised until Year 2 of the course. There is no minimum or maximum word limit for the research proposal; aim for somewhere between a few paragraphs and a side of A4. It is simply to give those reviewing the applications a sense that you understand what might be required. Be sure to include a compelling research question, a short overview of relevant literature (ideally academic sources), and some thoughts about how you would conduct the research. If invited to attend an interview, you would be expected to elaborate upon these initial ideas in a brief but thoughtful manner. - Core - personal statement (document upload) (mandatory)
Your personal statement should include your reasons and motivations for applying to this course and to the University of Cambridge, your future aspirations and expectations, your qualities and strengths, what you would bring to the cohort, and any other information you wish to include in support of your application. Please do not exceed 1,000 words. - Core - Employer Support Letter (document upload) (optional)
If a student will be in employment during their studies, a letter from the student's employer is required, stating that they support the application and understand and accept that in undertaking the course some time away from work to attend the residential sessions in Cambridge will be required. This letter may be provided later on in the application process, following review of your application by the Department, if you do not wish to approach your employer at this stage. In such instances, any offer made will be conditional on the receipt of a letter of support from your employer before the course begins.
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
Supervisors will be assigned to students automatically at the start of the course.