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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

Students work individually with supervisors to write two research essays: the first of up to 4,000 words, the second of up to 8,000 words, and a dissertation of up to 12,000 words. The first essay is due at the end of the first (Michaelmas) term, the second at the end of the second (Lent) term, and the dissertation is due at the end of the third (Easter) term. Students are also required to participate in a regular seminar, in which they learn presentation and discussion skills by presenting their own research and discussing presentations given by other students in the MPhil group.

One to one supervision

Approximately 12 individual supervision hours per year.

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.

Seminars & classes

A minimum of 30 seminar hours per year.

Lectures

The Faculty conducts a wide range of research seminars and lectures, which students are encouraged to attend as appropriate.

Small group teaching

Students are offered optional workshops on teaching skills and other transferable skills.

Taught/Research Balance
Equal Taught/Research

Feedback

Students receive feedback from the supervisors of each of their three pieces of work (two research essays: the first of up to 4,000 words and the second of up to 8,000 words; and a dissertation of up to 12,000 words), typically meeting their supervisor about four times for each piece of work. They also receive feedback and termly reports from an overall advisor and marks and examiners' reports for each piece of work.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

MPhil students submit a dissertation of up to 12,000 words at the end of the third (Easter) term. The examination includes a viva (oral examination).

Essays

MPhil students submit two research essays: the first, up to 4,000 words, is due at the end of the first (Michaelmas) term, and the second, up to 8,000 words, is due at the end of the second (Lent) term.

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Key Information


Michaelmas 2027
Applications open
Sep. 9, 2026
Application deadline
Dec. 8, 2026
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2027
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 8, 2026
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 14, 2026

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2027, Lent 2028 and Easter 2028.

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