MPhil in Computational Biology

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.

The deadline for applications, including all supporting documents and references is 11:59pm (before midnight) UK time on 3 February 2026. If you wish to be considered for funding as part of the University Postgraduate Funding Competition, please ensure that you apply by the funding deadline (earlier).

When completing the application for this course, applicants will be asked to provide documented evidence of their mathematical and computational ability. This is most important for applicants from the biosciences. This documentation could take the form of a brief overview of the mathematics or computing courses the applicant has taken at university level. If necessary, additional documentation may be uploaded.

Selection Process

Applications are under review between November and April. Whilst some decisions are made straight away, most applications are held until later in the admissions cycle so that they can be reviewed alongside other applications to the course. Applicants are shortlisted and interviewed (usually via Zoom) before a final decision is taken. We aim to have all decisions made by the end of May. You will receive updates through the Applicant Portal at key stages of the process.

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.

• 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.
• Evidence of mathematical and computational ability
  This could take the form of a brief overview of the mathematics/computing courses the applicant has taken at University level. If necessary additional documentation may be uploaded.
• Reasons for Applying (1500 characters) (mandatory)
• School of Physical Sciences - 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:

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

See Gates Cambridge for more information.