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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.

Please note: if you wish to apply for part-time study please indicate this on the application forms. Part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you choose this mode of study, you will be able to discuss this further with the selection panel.

Selection Process

This course operates as a part of the CDT in Superconductivity: Enabling Transformative Technologies, which involves the universities of Bristol (lead institution), Oxford and Cambridge. Your application will be reviewed by a selection panel with academics from the department and from the CDT.

The panel will take into consideration academic results, content of references, and prior relevant research or work experience when deciding whether or not to shortlist a candidate. All shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by telephone, in person or online (Zoom/Microsoft Teams or other suitable alternative), before an offer is made; the interview is part of the final selection process.

Decisions on any conditional offers of admission are made on a rolling basis, although a "gathered field" system may operate for specific studentships, usually those advertised with guaranteed funding.

Applicants should expect to hear whether they have been shortlisted for interview within twelve weeks following the submission of their completed application and required supporting documents.

It is important to note that limitations on space and the equipment and research facilities available mean that we cannot always make an offer, even to a well-qualified applicant.

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.
  • 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.


How to Find a Supervisor

You are encouraged but not required, to contact potential supervisors at the application stage. The CDT website, open days and individual supervisors’ websites provide initial information regarding research directions of the groups involved in the CDT.

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Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Physics This course is advertised in multiple departments. Please see the Overview tab for more details.

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2026

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
May 14, 2026
Course Starts
Sept. 21, 2026

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


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