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 self-funded) 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 are applying for US Gates funding and submit your applications by the October funding deadline you can normally expect to receive an admissions decision in December.
If you apply by the funding deadline in December, decisions are normally communicated before the end of March, with the majority of offers made in February and March.
Following the funding deadlines, applications are processed on a rolling basis. You can usually expect a decision within 12 weeks after submitting your 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 - Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
A 500-1,000-word research proposal. Bibliographic references (whether in footnotes or a works cited list) are not included in the word count. Discursive footnotes should be avoided. - Core - Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
A sample of recent research writing of approximately 5,000-10,000 words. The sample can be either an essay produced during masters-level studies or a thesis section and must be a single-authored work. Bibliographic references (whether in footnotes or a works cited list) are not included in the word count. However, discursive footnotes should be avoided. - Core - Proposed Supervisor (200 characters) (mandatory)
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 - Project Title (250 characters) (mandatory)
- Core - Research Summary (2500 characters) (mandatory)
- Core - Research Experience (2500 characters) (optional)
- STARS - Your Motivation
Explain what motivates you to apply for a PhD and what drives your interest in pursuing this program. Highlight your motivation to learn and develop. - STARS - Responding to Challenges
Describe how you persist through challenges, learn from feedback, and use problem-solving or creative thinking to explore issues from new perspectives. Draw from examples from your academic, professional or personal life. - STARS - Independent Study
Describe how you manage your own learning and meet important milestones. Provide examples from your academic, professional, or personal life that demonstrate how you have successfully handled independent tasks or how you have developed these skills in preparation for doctoral study. - 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 applicants informally approach a potential Supervisor to discuss your proposed research project in advance of applying. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Academic staff pages to help identify a suitable potential Supervisor. If needed, advice may be requested from the Postgraduate Teaching and Examinations Officer (PTEO) in the relevant area of study – please see the Academic Contacts section of the Postgraduate Contacts page.
When completing the online application for admission, you should nominate a Supervisor with whom you wish to work, and the Faculty will take into account this preference. However, please note that this does not guarantee that the Supervisor will be appointed. In June/July each year, the MMLL Degree Committee will monitor the supervision load for each member of academic staff in the faculty and, in some cases, may need to appoint another suitable Supervisor.