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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.
If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.
Applicants are required to include a Statement of Interest with their applications outlining why they wish to study the MPhil in Development Studies specifically. Students also need to submit a research proposal that clearly explains the background and research question, the relevant theoretical framework/bodies of literature, and the methodologies they propose to use.
It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that all documents forming part of their application are correct and complete at the point of submission of the application. The department will not permit changes or additions to these documents after application. Additionally, the Admissions Committee will not review any documents which are not listed on the PAO website as required for the MPhil or PhD in Development Studies.
The course has a limited number of spaces and receives an extremely high volume of applications. Please note that due to this volume, individual feedback cannot be given.
Selection Process
Completed applications are considered by the Admissions Committee from:
- 2nd December: Deadline for applicants seeking funding
- 26th February: Deadline for self-funding applicants
The committee aims to consider all applications within 12 working weeks of each deadline.
Self-funded applications for the MPhil are considered on a rolling basis. Applicants that are applying for funding will be considered after the funding deadline and decisions will be made in 12 working weeks. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as they can to increase their chances of receiving an offer of admission.
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.
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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
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Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. -
Statement of Interest (2500 characters) (mandatory)
Your statement of interest should explain why you wish to do the course and how it fits into your long-term career plans. You should not be concerned about any overlap between this statement and the rest of the application form. The 2,500 characters limit includes spaces. -
Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
This should be about 500-800 words on any area of development studies and should indicate some familiarity with the context of the proposal and research methods to be employed. You can include a bibliography and references that will NOT be included in the word count. This proposal should include: a clear, well-thought-out title and research question, explicit details to the methods of research to be used, references to be relevant literature of which you are already aware, or which you expect to be able to consult and reasons why Cambridge is, in your view, a particularly appropriate research institution within which to carry out this research, including the presence of specific individual scholars with expertise in the field of your proposed dissertation, and whose supervision you would welcome.
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
Upon commencing the programme, all students are allocated an Academic Supervisor who will review their general progress.
All students are allocated a dissertation Supervisor. Students may indicate the name of a potential Supervisor in their application. However, the decision to allocate supervisors lies with the Centre and depends on supervisors' expertise and availability.