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.
We strongly recommend that students (even those not seeking funding) submit their application by the funding deadline at the beginning of December. If places are still available beyond this deadline, self-funded applicants may apply until 13 May.
Selection Process
If you apply for US Gates funding by the October funding deadline you may normally expect to receive an admissions decision in December. Otherwise, if you apply by the funding deadline in December, you may normally expect to receive a decision before the end of March. The majority of offers are made in February and March. Following the funding deadlines, applications are processed on a rolling basis. You may expect a decision within 12 weeks after submitting their completed application and required supporting documents. Occasionally, you may not receive a decision within the expected timeframe due to being placed on a reserve list. If this is the case, then the Faculty will get in touch to let you know. Usually, the latest date for decisions to be communicated is the end of June.
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 - Proposed Supervisor (200 characters) (mandatory)
Informally approach a potential Supervisor to discuss your proposed research project in advance of applying. Usually one principal supervisor is appointed. However, in exceptional circumstances, second supervisors are appointed (for example, agreed interdisciplinary or collaborative projects). For more information on finding a Supervisor, refer to the 'How to Apply' section of the course page. - Core - Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
A research proposal, a maximum of one page. - Core - Project Title (250 characters) (mandatory)
- Core - Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
A sample of writing relevant to (applied) linguistics of approximately 3,000 words. The sample can be either an essay produced during undergraduate studies or a section of a dissertation and must be a single-authored work in English. - Core - Reasons for Applying (1000 characters) (mandatory)
- Core - Research Experience (2500 characters) (optional)
Optional: describe any research experience you may have. Maximum 250 words. - School of Arts and Humanities - 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
If you are admitted to the Faculty, you will be assigned a Supervisor to work with you and support you in your research. It is strongly recommended that you informally approach a potential Supervisor to discuss your proposed research project in advance of applying. You are encouraged to consult the Academic staff pages to help identify a suitable potential Supervisor. If needed, advice may be requested from the Course Director – please see the Academic Contacts section of the Postgraduate Contacts page.
When completing the online application for admission, applicants must nominate a Supervisor with whom they wish to work. The Faculty will take this preference into account as much as possible.