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Postgraduate Study

Teaching

One to one supervision

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

Taught/Research Balance
Predominantly Research

Placements

Research or fieldwork in Latin America is encouraged, but not compulsory.

Feedback

Students can expect to receive an online feedback report each term.

More detailed feedback is given as part of the annual assessment process at the end of each academic year, which consists of a formal assessment of the student's work by two members of staff.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

Students must submit a thesis of 80,000 words, which will be subject to an oral examination. There is a probationary period of one year for full-time PhD students and one-to-two years for part-time PhD students.

Other

PhD students are probationary in the first instance and undergo a formal assessment towards the end of their first year (second year for part-time students).

Students submit a progress report and a substantial piece of written work, and they have an oral assessment to determine whether they may be formally registered for the PhD. Progress reviews take place at the end of each year.

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Key Information


Lent 2026 (Closed)
Applications open
Sep. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Oct. 2, 2025
Course starts
Jan. 5, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Michaelmas 2026 (Closed)
Applications open
Sep. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Feb. 26, 2026
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Lent 2027
Applications open
Sep. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Oct. 1, 2026
Course starts
Jan. 5, 2027
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2026, Lent 2027 and Easter 2027.

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