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.
Selection Process
Once the course application deadline has passed, applications are considered gathered. The Faculty aims to notify all applicants of their outcomes by March at the latest. However, please note that the process may occasionally take longer, and some applicants may receive their decisions beyond the expected timeframe.
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.
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
You are expected to have a good idea of the area of philosophy in which you wish to conduct research and to have already identified and made contact with the most suitable Supervisor(s). A list of possible Supervisors can be found on the Faculty website (https://www.phil.cam.ac.uk/people/teaching-research#permanentteaching).
The purpose of this initial contact is to discuss research proposals, inquire about the supervisor's capacity and willingness to supervise, and determine if there is a good fit between your interests and theirs. When contacting a supervisor, it is recommended that you consider their research profile. It is also advisable to include your CV so they can assess your academic background and research experience.
Securing an in-principle agreement from a potential Supervisor is not a condition of applying for the PhD in Philosophy. However, having staff within the Faculty who can supervise a student is an important consideration when deciding which students to admit. Applications would be considered as a whole, i.e., academic record, references, writing samples, research proposal, and fit with the Faculty. However, if an applicant's proposed area of research doesn't fit in with the areas of interest of Faculty staff, then applicants might be best advised to look at other courses/departments.