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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.

Even if you are not seeking funding, we strongly recommend that you submit your application by the funding deadline at the beginning of December.  If places are still available beyond this deadline, self-funded applicants may apply until 16 May.

Selection Process

Applicants who apply for US Gates funding by the October funding deadline may normally expect to receive an admissions decision in December.  All other applicants who apply by the funding deadline in December may normally expect to receive a decision before the end of March, and the majority of offers are made in February and March. Following the funding deadlines, applications are processed on a rolling basis and applicants may normally expect a decision within 12 weeks following the submission of their completed application and required supporting documents. Occasionally, applicants may not receive a decision within the normal timeframe due to being placed on a reserve list.  If this is the case then the Faculty will be in touch to let applicants know.  Normally the latest date for decisions to be communicated is the end of June.

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 (M)
    Please upload a 500–1000-word research proposal.
  • Sample of work (1)
    Please upload 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 section of a dissertation, and must be a single-authored work.
  • Language attainments certificates (O)
  • Proposed Supervisor (M)
    It is strongly recommended that you informally approach a potential Supervisor to discuss your proposed research project in advance of applying. For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below.
  • Project title (M)
  • Research summary (M)
  • Research experience (O)

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

All applicants who are admitted to the Faculty will be assigned a Supervisor to work with them and support them in their research. It is recommended that applicants informally approach a potential Supervisor to discuss their 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, applicants should nominate a Supervisor with whom they 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.

Apply Now

Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Department of French

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Oct. 4, 2023
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2024

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

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
May 16, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

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

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Oct. 2, 2024
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2025

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

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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