skip to content

Postgraduate Study

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:

  1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
  2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
  3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

Other criteria for admission

  • Suitability of proposed research to Cambridge
  • Availability of suitable supervisor at Cambridge

Selection Process

Although applications for the MLitt open in early September, with the exception of applicants from the United States (and resident in the US) who wish to be considered for a Gates Scholarship, applicants should not normally expect to receive a decision until after the course deadline has passed. The majority of decisions are made by the end of March.

An admissions interview (either by videoconference, telephone or in person) may take place before deciding whether to recommend to the Postgraduate Admissions Office that a formal offer of admission be made.

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
  • Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
    A research proposal of between 2,000 and 3,000 words in length (inclusive of footnotes but exclusive of bibliography)
  • Reasons for Applying (1500 characters) (mandatory)
  • Statement of Interest (1500 characters) (mandatory)

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

  • Gates Cambridge Reference  
  • Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.


How to Find a Supervisor

There is no expectation that you will make contact with a potential supervisor (or supervisors) prior to submitting a formal application for admission. The Degree Committee will, in the course of considering a strong application, take steps to identify a suitable and available supervisor based on how closely an applicant's research proposal matches the academic interests and areas of expertise of possible supervisors whom they identify.

You are, however, encouraged to name one or more potential supervisors on page one of the Postgraduate Application Form based on your familiarity with the potential supervisor's research (please consult the Faculty's website for a list of teaching members and their research interests).  The Degree Committee may take these preferences into consideration. 

Apply Now

Key Information


2 years full-time

3 years 4 months part-time

Study Mode : Research

Master of Letters

Faculty of Law

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Dec. 3, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 16, 2024

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.


Similar Courses