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.
Places on this course are very limited. Applicants will usually have funding in place through an external scheme, such as the Martingale Postgraduate Foundation, as Departmental funds are not available for this course and funding through the University Funding Competition is very limited.
Applicants should clearly state in the relevant section of the application form the name(s) of the academic staff member(s) with whom they wish to work, provide a clear indication of the research area or topic they intend to pursue, and explain why this research MPhil is the most appropriate course for their academic background and future plans, and how they would benefit from the programme. General or unfocused applications with no suitable or prospective supervisor are likely to be seriously disadvantaged or rejected.
Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consider the Faculty of Mathematics' taught Master's courses where these are more appropriate to their academic background and objectives.
Selection Process
Applications are typically reviewed between January and March. We aim to have all decisions made by the end of April. You will receive updates through the Applicant Portal at key stages of the process.
Part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study.
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. - Mathematics - Research Interests
- Core - Proposed Supervisor (200 characters) (mandatory)
The name(s) of no more than 3 proposed research supervisors with whom you wish to work. Details of available supervisors can be found on our website here: https://www.maths.cam.ac.uk/postgrad/research-degrees - Core - Project Title (250 characters) (mandatory)
- Core - Research Summary (2500 characters) (mandatory)
Details of the areas or topics in which you intend to undertake research. - Core - Research Experience (2500 characters) (optional)
Any research experience that you may have. - Core - 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:
See Gates Cambridge for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
Applicants should refer to the Faculty's list of Research Areas and Potential Supervisors before applying. Please check that the supervisor you want to work with is still current in the Department and taking students.
You may wish to make informal contact with potential supervisors prior to making an application, but this is not compulsory. Initial contact should be made by email. In your email, we recommend that you provide a concise explanation of your areas of interest, explain how your research interests align with the supervisor's research, highlight any relevant work you have undertaken in this area, and attach an up-to-date CV. The purpose of this contact is to enquire about supervisor capacity and willingness to supervise, and to determine whether there is a good fit between your interests and theirs.
If you have not received a response to an informal enquiry, you are still welcome to apply and list the individual concerned on your application form, although you may also wish to consider other potential supervisors. Please check that the supervisor you wish to work with is currently a member of the Faculty and available to supervise research students.