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Our part-time programmes offer a more flexible way to study for a degree at Cambridge. You can fit your studies around your career or other commitments.
Find a part-time course
All our part-time postgraduate courses are listed in the Course Directory. You can filter the full course list by 'part-time' to see what's on offer.
Distance learning and online courses
If you're looking to study remotely, the following departments provide non-degree online courses:
- Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)
- Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership (CISL)
Finding a supervisor
If you’re applying for a part-time research degree, check that your intended supervisor can take you on a part-time basis.
Not all supervisors are able to support part-time research students, even if the course is offered part-time.
What to expect on a part-time course
In-person teaching and learning
Part-time degrees at Cambridge are not distance learning programmes. You do need to attend Cambridge in person.
There are no formal residence requirements for part-time courses, but you will need to meet the Terms of Study for your course.
Research students are generally expected to be in Cambridge for around 45 days per year, spread throughout the year, for supervision and training.
Students on taught programmes will need to attend Cambridge at specific times to take part in lectures, assessments and other required activities.
The University reserves the right not to make an offer if we think that the arrangements for regular attendance are unworkable.
Time spent studying
If you're accepted onto a research course, you'll be given a deadline for submitting your thesis. You need to study for a set proportion of time before you can submit your thesis. This includes time spent studying away from Cambridge.
For PhD students, this proportion is either 60% or 75% of full-time study. For MPhil students, the proportion is set at 50%.
Find out more on the Cambridge Students website.
Facilities and resources
As a part-time student, you can expect the same standard of facilities as full-time students.
You'll be part of the academic and social life of your department, College and the wider University community.
The Colleges
Colleges provide pastoral and academic support for the duration of your course. Find out more about the Cambridge Colleges.
Some Colleges only accept part-time students for specific courses. The following Colleges do not accept part-time students:
- Peterhouse
- St John’s College
Check with the individual Colleges for further details.
Accommodation
Generally, Colleges do not offer accommodation to part-time students. Some may be able to offer accommodation for one-off nights or residential periods for some courses.
The University’s Accommodation Service may be able to support you with finding accommodation for your time in Cambridge.
Fees and funding
As a part-time student, you will pay the same fees as a full-time student over the duration of your course.
Visit our fees and funding pages to find out more about financing your studies:
- Tuition fees for part-time students
- Living costs for part-time students
- Learn about funding to support your studies
- Search for University funding – there's a wide variety of support available
Applying for a part-time course
You'll need to meet the same entry requirements as full-time applicants.
If your application is shortlisted, you will be interviewed. As part of your interview, we’ll check:
- Your research topic is suitable for part-time study
- You're able to meet all the requirements of the course - for example, terms of attendance
You cannot be admitted to a part-time degree at Cambridge alongside another degree.
Applying to CJBS and PACE
Some courses at Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS) and Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) are administered directly by the department and may follow a different application process. Always check the course page for guidance on how to apply.
If you have an enquiry about applying for courses at CJBS or PACE, please contact them directly.
Visas and immigration
In accordance with UK Home Office requirements, all students from outside of the UK and Ireland require an appropriate immigration status that permits study.
If you don’t already have a visa
If you're applying for a part-time course and do not already hold a UK visa or immigration status that permits study, check the International Students website for guidance.
Immigration routes to support part-time study are limited, which could mean that this mode of attendance is not possible for some students.
If you’re applying to be a research student, your proposed study arrangements will need to be approved by the International Student Office as part of the admissions process.
If you already have a visa
If you already hold a valid UK visa or immigration status, you will need to provide evidence of this during the admissions process. If this doesn’t cover the length of your course, you will be asked for information about what you plan to do when this expires.
Part-time study for Cambridge staff
If you are employed by the University, you can apply to study for a postgraduate degree alongside your role.
You may be eligible for a reduced tuition fee and the Staff Bursary Scheme.
Cambridge staff are also eligible for a 25% concession fee on courses at Professional and Continuing Education (PACE). This includes postgraduate certificates and diplomas, as well as a range of other courses.