MPhil in Planetary Science and Life in the Universe

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.

Please note that applications are only accepted for Michaelmas Term entry (early October 2025).

Selection Process

Applicants for early funding competitions - such as the Gates Cambridge US round, for US citizens resident in the US - should apply by the relevant deadline for that funding source and will be assessed separately.

All other applications will be assessed on a rolling basis from January. Applicants should normally expect to hear whether they have been successful within 12 weeks of the course application deadline.

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.
• Statement of Interest (1500 characters) (mandatory)
  Please provide information about your motivation for applying for this course and outline relevant experience and interests. If your CV does not detail your coding experience, include it here. This section should also include your choice of subject pathway (Astrophysics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science). Your choice must be identified at this stage, so that your application can be forwarded to an appropriate academic for consideration.
• 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.