phd application cambridge

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Postgraduate Admissions
• Degrees Offered
• Department of Physics
• About overview
• Our History
• Cavendish Women in Physics
• Cavendish Digital Photo Archive and requests to film in the Laboratory
• Image Request Form
• Cavendish Ambassador Programme
• News overview
• Cavendish Photography Competition 2023-24
• People doing Physics podcast
• Ray Dolby Centre overview
• Residents' Newsletters
• Ray Dolby & Cavendish Laboratory
• Progress Updates
• Research Themes overview
• Astrophysics
• Energy Materials
• Physics of Soft Matter and NanoSystems
• High Energy Physics
• Applied Quantum Physics and Devices
• Theory of Condensed Matter
• Research Programmes overview
• The Centre for Scientific Computing Collaboration
• Winton Programme for the Physics of Sustainability
• Physics of Medicine
• Collaborative Programmes overview
• Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre
• Computational Radiotherapy Collaborations
• The Cavendish-Hitachi Collaboration
• The Cavendish-Toshiba Collaboration overview
• Toshiba website
• Research Services overview
• Electron Microscopy Suite
• Knowledge Exchange overview
• KE for Cavendish Researchers
• Cavendish KE working lunch series
• Advanced Materials Characterisation Suite overview
• Publications
• Measurement Techniques and Instrument Technical Literature overview
• Remnant Fields in Superconducting Magnets
• PPMS DynaCool System and Options User Manuals
• Quantum Design MPMS3 SQUID-VSM and Options User Manuals
• Sample Geometry and the Accuracy of Reported Sample Magnetic Moment
• Talks, seminars and events overview
• Cavendish Quantum Colloquium
• Studying Physics overview
• Prospective Undergraduates
• Current Undergraduates overview
• QAA reviews & accreditation
• Current courses overview
• Course Overview : Part IA
• Course Overview : Part IB
• Course Overview : Part II
• Course Overview : Part III
• Examinations
• Prospective Postgraduate
• Postgraduate Student Prizes
• Coronavirus Postgraduate Signposting
• People overview
• Principal Investigators
• Emeritus Staff and Academic Alumni
• Academic Teaching Staff
• Professional Services
• Jobs overview
• Apprenticeships
• Intranet overview
• Living with Communicable Diseases including Covid-19

PhD in Physics

• Ray Dolby Centre
• Research - New
• Studying Physics

PhD in Physics (3+ years)

The majority of postgraduate students (about 110 are accepted each year) carry out research at the Cavendish Laboratory towards a PhD degree.

For admission to the PhD, the Postgraduate Admissions Office normally requires applicants to have achieved the equivalent of a UK Masters (Pass) . Applicants should obtain the equivalent of:

• at least a 2:i in a UK four-year "undergraduate Master's" (Honours) degree,  OR
• at least a 2:i in a UK three-year Bachelor's (Honours) degree plus a relevant one/two -year UK Master's degree.

All applicants are assessed individually on the basis of their academic records.

Full-time students must spend at least three terms of residence in Cambridge and nine terms of research. If you are undertaking a placement or internship away from Cambridge for more than two weeks you need to apply for leave to work away.

Final examination involves the submission of a thesis of not more than 60,000 words followed by an oral examination (or viva) of the thesis and the general field of physics into which it falls.

Successful applicants are assigned to a research supervisor, a specialist in part or all of the student's chosen research field, and joins a research group which might vary in size between 4 and 80 individuals. Although the supervisor is responsible for the progress of a student's research programme, the extent to which a postgraduate student is assisted by the supervisor or by other members of the group depends almost entirely on the structure and character of the group concerned. The research field is normally determined at entry, after consideration of the student's interests and facilities available.

A list of current research projects is published and available on the  research pages  of our website, and more detailed information about specific research areas can be obtained from the relevant academic staff. The student, however, may work within a given field for a period of time before his or her personal topic is determined.

There is no requirement by the University of attendance at formal courses of lectures for the PhD. Postgraduate work is largely a matter of independent research and successful postgraduates require a high degree of self-motivation. Nevertheless, lectures and classes may be arranged, and students are expected to attend both seminars (delivered regularly by members of the University and by visiting scholars and industrialists) and external conferences. In addition, postgraduate students carry out first- and second-year physics undergraduate supervision and assist with practical work and theoretical examples classes in the Department.

Lectures within all the faculties of the University are open to any member of the University, and a physics postgraduate student has the opportunity of attending lectures not only within the undergraduate Physics and Theoretical Physics course, but also in any other subject area or faculty.

Cavendish Laboratory

19 J J Thomson Avenue

Cambridge CB3 0HE

Tel: +44 1223 337200

Email: [email protected]

Site Privacy & Cookie Policies

Privacy notice for our emails to you, social media.

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding

International students

• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Department of Computer Science and Technology

Sign in with Raven

• People overview
• Research staff
• PhD students
• Professional services staff
• Affiliated lecturers
• Overview of Professional Services Staff
• Seminars overview
• Weekly timetable
• Wednesday seminars
• Wednesday seminar recordings ➥
• Wheeler lectures
• Computer Laboratory 75th anniversary ➥
• women@CL 10th anniversary ➥
• Job vacancies ➥
• Library resources ➥
• How to get here
• William Gates Building layout
• Contact information
• Department calendar ➥
• Accelerate Programme for Scientific Discovery overview
• Data Trusts Initiative overview
• Pilot Funding FAQs
• Research Funding FAQs
• Cambridge Ring overview
• Ring Events
• Hall of Fame
• Hall of Fame Awards
• Hall of Fame - Nominations
• The Supporters' Club overview
• Industrial Collaboration
• Annual Recruitment Fair overview
• Graduate Opportunities
• Summer internships
• Technical Talks
• Supporter Events and Competitions
• How to join
• Collaborate with Us
• Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits (4C)
• Equality and Diversity overview
• Athena SWAN
• E&D Committee
• Support and Development
• Targeted funding
• LGBTQ+@CL overview
• Links and resources
• Queer Library
• women@CL overview
• About Us overview
• Friends of women@CL overview
• Twentieth Anniversary of Women@CL
• Tech Events
• Students' experiences
• Contact overview
• Mailing lists
• Scholarships
• Initiatives
• Dignity Policy
• Outreach overview
• Women in Computer Science Programme
• Google DeepMind Research Ready programme overview
• Accommodation and Pay
• Application
• Eligibility
• Raspberry Pi Tutorials ➥
• Wiseman prize
• Research overview
• Application areas
• Research themes
• Algorithms and Complexity
• Computer Architecture overview
• Creating a new Computer Architecture Research Centre
• Graphics, Vision and Imaging Science
• Human-Centred Computing
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
• Mobile Systems, Robotics and Automation
• Natural Language Processing
• Programming Languages, Semantics and Verification
• Systems and Networking
• Research groups overview
• Computer Architecture Group overview
• Student projects
• Energy and Environment Group overview
• Declaration
• Publications
• EEG Research Group
• Past seminars
• Learning and Human Intelligence Group overview
• Quantum Computing Group
• Technical Reports
• Admissions information
• Undergraduate admissions overview
• Open days and events
• Undergraduate course overview overview
• Making your application
• Admissions FAQs
• Super curricular activities
• MPhil in Advanced Computer Science overview
• Applications
• Course structure
• Funding competitions
• Prerequisites
• PhD in Computer Science overview
• Application forms
• Research Proposal

Funding competitions and grants

• Part-time PhD Degree
• Premium Research Studentship
• Current students overview
• Part IB overview
• Part IB group projects overview
• Important dates
• Design briefs
• Moodle course ➥
• Learning objectives and assessment
• Technical considerations
• After the project
• Part II overview
• Part II projects overview
• Project suggestions
• Project Checker groups
• Project proposal
• Advice on running the project
• Progress report and presentation
• The dissertation
• Supervisor briefing notes
• Project Checker briefing notes
• Past overseer groups ➥
• Part II Supervision sign-up
• Part II Modules
• Part II Supervisions overview
• Continuing to Part III overview
• Part III of the Computer Science Tripos
• Overview overview
• Information for current Masters students overview
• Special topics
• Part III and ACS projects overview
• Submission of project reports
• ACS projects overview
• Guidance for ACS projects
• Part III projects overview
• Guidance for Part III projects
• Preparation
• Registration
• Induction - Masters students
• PhD resources overview
• Deadlines for PhD applications
• Protocol for Graduate Advisers for PhD students
• Guidelines for PhD supervisors
• Induction information overview
• Important Dates
• Who is here to help
• Exemption from University Composition Fees
• Being a research student
• Researcher Development
• Research skills programme
• First Year Report: the PhD Proposal
• Second Year Report: Dissertation Schedule
• Third Year Report: Progress Statement
• Fourth Year: writing up and completion overview
• PhD thesis formatting
• Writing up and word count
• Submitting your dissertation
• Papers and conferences
• Leave to work away, holidays, and intermission
• List of PhD students ➥
• PAT, recycling, and Building Services
• Freshers overview
• Cambridge University Freshers' Events
• Undergraduate teaching information and important dates
• Course material 2023/24 ➥
• Course material 2024/25 ➥
• Exams overview
• Examination dates
• Examination results ➥
• Examiners' reports ➥
• Part III Assessment
• MPhil Assessment
• Past exam papers ➥
• Examinations Guidance 2023-24
• Marking Scheme and Classing Convention
• Guidance on Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct
• Purchase of calculators
• Examinations Data Retention Policy
• Guidance on deadlines and extensions
• Mark Check procedure and Examination Review
• Lecture timetables overview
• Understanding the concise timetable
• Supervisions overview
• Part II supervisions overview ➥
• Part II supervision sign-up ➥
• Supervising in Computer Science
• Supervisor support
• Directors of Studies list
• Academic exchanges
• Advice for visiting students taking Part IB CST
• Summer internship: Optimisation of DNN Accelerators using Bayesian Optimisation
• UROP internships
• Resources for students overview
• Student SSH server
• Online services
• Managed Cluster Service (MCS)
• Microsoft Software for personal use
• Installing Linux
• Part III and MPhil Machines
• Transferable skills
• Course feedback and where to find help overview
• Providing lecture feedback
• Fast feedback hotline
• Staff-Student Consultative Forum
• Breaking the silence ➥
• Student Administration Offices
• Intranet overview
• New starters and visitors
• Forms and templates
• Building management
• Health and safety
• Teaching information
• Research admin
• Miscellaneous

PhD in Computer Science

• Undergraduate admissions
• MPhil in Advanced Computer Science

Potential applicants should refer to the the Postgraduate Admissions Course Directory for information about the program and application requirements.

Those who are applying for one of the department's PhD studentships and RA'ships , you should use the deadline published on the individual job listing.

For those applicants who have not secured external scholarships and who wish to be considered for the various University and Cambridge Trusts' funding competitions, applications for the academic year commencing October 2025, and January 2026, open on 3 September 2024. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. The deadline for submission of complete applications is 23:59 (GMT) on  3 December 2024 . Applicants who have secured external funding may apply up to 15 May 2025.

Please note that applications submitted between 4 December 2024 and 15 May 2025 will be considered only if there is a named potential supervisor who has invited the application, if the application is complete, and if funding is readily available. Note that incomplete applications received after this date will only be considered for January 2026 admission but cannot be considered for the funding competitions (for which the deadline is 3 December 2024).

Applicants should refer to the Postgraduate Admissions page for links to the application portal , deadlines, guidance and information.

Please note the following:

• Applications for funding support from the University and Cambridge Trusts must be submitted early: see University funding deadlines .
• Research students are normally admitted to the probationary Certificate of Postgraduate Studies in Computer Science (see CPGS) in the first instance.
• Applicants will also need to include a brief research abstract within the section of the application form which asks for a research topic and to indicate a potential supervisor's name .
• Applicants should discuss their proposed research with a potential supervisor before submitting the application for admission. See Research proposal for further details about the research proposal, and Research themes for links to potential supervisors within areas of your research interests. Please confirm that you have discussed the project with the proposed supervisor, and that they have confirmed they will be content to review an application from you. You should include a statement to this effect within the research abstract section of the application form.
• Applications are considered as they are received.

Please note that your application can only be considered by the department once it has been submitted. Your application can only be submitted if it is complete. You will be able to upload all your supporting material including a research proposal and the same time as submitting the application form. It is therefore very important to have all your supporting material, including agreement from your referees to provide you with references, your transcripts and research project proposal, ready before you start the application.

Applicants wishing to be considered for funding competitions should check their eligibility on the University-wide Sources of Funding web page.

The application portal acts as a scholarship funding application as well as an application for admission. In most cases, no further funding application form is required. There are some exceptions, however: we recommend checking the Student Funding webpage which provides information about other grants for students applying to Cambridge and their closing dates.

The current costs of a PhD are available from the Student Registry's Postgraduate Course Costs and Fee Status page . You will need sufficient funding to cover the University Tuition Fee, and at least the minimum maintenance for three years.

Once again, if you wish to apply for one of the department's PhD studentships and RA'ships , you should use the deadline published on the individual job listing.

Home students

The Department makes awards to UK students both from funds supplied, for example the EPSRC Doctoral Training Grant, and from its own funds such as the Premium Studentship  and the Hopper Studentship . In the year starting October 2023, the Department will help to fund up to three research students from its Doctoral Training Grant. These funds are limited. The Applications Panel considers all successful applicants for funding awards within its gift and submits the names of highly ranked home and international students to the Cambridge Trusts.

The Department may also have positions associated with industrial collaborations and particular research projects. Such studentships are advertised on the University's Jobs web page.

Very highly ranked international students will be considered for nomination to the Gates Cambridge Trust and Cambridge International Scholarship Scheme ( CISS ) competitions.

Please note earlier applications deadline for Gates Cambridge US scholarships for US students who are resident in the US: 11 October 2023 .

The Department will contact applicants directly about its internal awards such as the Premium Studentship .

It is worth noting that full funding must be secured before starting a course at Cambridge. Most of the scholarships will not accept applications from students who are already in residence. We strongly discourage students asserting they can self-fund a PhD in the hope that something else will turn up once you are in Cambridge.

Admission conditions

The Faculty's Degree Committee makes recommendations to offer places to successful applicants via the University's central Postgraduate Admissions Office, the only body with the authority to make an offer of a place as a postgraduate student. Offers from Postgraduate Admissions are usually conditional . A deadline will be set by which date all conditions must be met and, once met, the offer is confirmed by the Postgraduate Admissions Office.

Standard conditions include securing sufficient funding for three years to meet the financial conditions of the University including tuition fees and maintenance, and College membership. Additionally, applicants may be asked to achieve a certain grade in their current studies; to take or retake an English Language proficiency test ; and any other conditions the Postgraduate Admissions Office might apply.

Successful applicants who have applied online may be required to send original documents to the University's Postgraduate Admissions Office for validation. We strongly recommend the use of a reputable courier and that you obtain a tracking number .

CDT in Decision Making in Complex Systems

The AI CDT in Decision Making for Complex Systems is a programme offered in conjunction with the University of Manchester that aims to enable students to develop new fundamental AI capabilities in the context of a diversity of complex systems. Rather than working in isolation, as is usual in AI,  the students will learn to develop these in a collaborative manner tied to a specific application domain. The CDT is focused on three areas, Uncertainty in complex systems, Decision-making with humans in the loop and Decision-making for ML systems. Model interpretability and explainability will be transversal to the three topics. Decision making with AI needs  to be interpretable and explainable to facilitate interrogation of decision processes such that trust can be built by the human, and it is essential for understanding and meeting ethical and legal implications.

Like all research students admitted to read for the PhD degree, those admitted to the AI CDT in Decision Making for Complex Systems are admitted on a probationary basis. They will have successfully completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence  at the University of Manchester before being registered on a probationary basis at the University of Cambridge. During this year students may do some additional coursework and will write a research report that is likely to form the foundation of the eventual PhD thesis. Applications for admission in Michaelmas 2025 open in September 2024.

Please contact the department's Postgraduate Education Manager with any questions not answered above.

Email: Postgraduate Education Manager

Include "PhD application query" in the subject.

Department of Computer Science and Technology William Gates Building 15 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0FD

Tel: +44 1223 334656 (NB may not be accessible during remote working)

Postgraduate Admissions Office Academic Division Student Services Centre Bene't Street, New Museums Site Cambridge, CB2 3PT, U.K.

WWW: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/

Department of Computer Science and Technology University of Cambridge William Gates Building 15 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0FD

Information provided by [email protected]

Privacy policy

Social media

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Student blogs and videos
• Why Cambridge
• Qualifications directory
• How to apply
• Fees and funding
• Frequently asked questions
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Visiting the University
• Term dates and calendars
• Video and audio
• Find an expert
• Publications
• International Cambridge
• Public engagement
• Giving to Cambridge
• For current students
• For business
• Colleges & departments
• Libraries & facilities
• Museums & collections
• Email & phone search

Faculty of English

• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Visiting Scholars
• Academic Staff
• Research Staff
• Postgraduate Students
• Emeritus, Visiting and Honorary Fellows
• Administrative Staff
• Faculty Research
• Research Map
• English Handwriting Online
• Scriptorium
• The Tennysons Archive
• Transkills for English
• Troilus & Criseyde: Translation & Commentary
• Directors of Studies
• Teaching Officers & Research Fellows
• Faculty Computing
• BBC Short Story
• Postgraduate Admissions

Supervision

Candidates work closely with their supervisor who is assigned to them after a candidate has been accepted and before the commencement of their studies. The supervisor will be a specialist in the general field in which you propose to work, although they may not be an expert on your particular topic of research. Your supervisor will assist you in refining your research topic, oversee the general direction of your work, and ensure that what you are doing is up to the standard expected for the degree towards which you are working. You can expect to meet your supervisor on average once a month to report on your progress, and more frequently than this if necessary. How much you write in a given period will vary, but as a rule of thumb you will usually be expected to produce at least one substantial piece of written work each term.

Prospective PhD students should research the Faculty thoroughly before applying to ensure that there is a Faculty member with appropriate expertise to oversee the proposed project. The Faculty’s research map might be of use as a starting point here, as will the Faculty academic staff profiles .

In addition to their supervisor, PhD students are assigned an advisor, who is a member of the Faculty with expertise in the student’s field. The student has a formal advisory meeting with the supervisor and the advisor once a year. The advisor is also available for less formal consultation from the outset.

The Postgraduate Office 9 West Road Cambridge CB3 9DP United Kingdom

Related Links

• MPhil in Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic
• MPhil in Digital Humanities
• Part-time PhD
• MSt in Creative Writing
• MSt in Writing for Performance
• MSt in Crime and Thriller Writing
• Funding for home students
• Funding for overseas students
• Research proposals
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity

© 2016 University of Cambridge

• University A-Z
• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Terms and conditions
• Spotlight on...
• About research at Cambridge

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Student blogs and videos
• Why Cambridge
• Qualifications directory
• How to apply
• Fees and funding
• Frequently asked questions
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Visiting the University
• Term dates and calendars
• Video and audio
• Find an expert
• Publications
• International Cambridge
• Public engagement
• Giving to Cambridge
• For current students
• For business
• Colleges & departments
• Libraries & facilities
• Museums & collections
• Email & phone search
• Postgraduate Study in MMLL

Applying & Funding

• About overview
• Governance of the Faculty overview
• Governance at MML
• Faculty Board overview
• Board Overview
• Membership and Contacts
• Student Engagement
• Staff-Student Liaison Committee overview
• Committee Overview
• News & Events
• Academic Visitors
• Public Engagement
• IT Services
• The University Library
• Language Centre
• Research Facilities
• MMLL privacy policy
• Health and Safety at MMLL
• Subjects overview
• Modern Greek
• Spanish and Portuguese
• Slavonic Studies overview
• Slavonic Studies virtual event for Years 11 & 12
• Theoretical and Applied Linguistics
• Undergraduates overview
• The Courses: Key Facts overview
• Course costs
• The courses we offer
• The MML Course overview
• MML: The First Year
• MML: The Second Year
• MML: The Year Abroad
• MML: The Fourth Year
• The Linguistics Course
• The History and Modern Languages Course overview
• Course structure overview
• How We Teach
• How You Learn
• Resources for teachers and supporters
• Alumni testimonials overview
• Matthew Thompson
• Rosie Sargeant
• Mark Austin
• Esther Wilkinson
• Katherine Powlesland
• Gillian McFarland
• Katya Andrusz
• Frequently asked questions overview
• Choosing your course
• Applications
• Resources and reading lists for prospective students
• Did you know...?
• Student Perspectives overview
• Alfie Vaughan
• Romany Whittall
• Postgraduates
• Careers and Employment
• Offer Holders overview
• French overview
• Summer Preparation
• German overview
• Beginners Course overview
• Post A-Level Course overview
• Italian and Greek overview
• Portuguese overview
• Spanish overview
• History & Modern Languages Tripos
• From Our Students
• Outreach overview
• Resources overview
• Open Day Resources for Prospective Students
• CCARL A-level Resources overview
• Why Not Languages? resources overview
• Student Q&A
• Events for Students overview
• Events for Teachers overview
• Diversity in French and Francophone Studies: A CPD workshop series for teachers of French
• Diversity in German Studies - CPD Workshop series aimed at secondary teachers of German
• Workshop for Spanish Teachers
• Workshop for Teachers of German: Diversity in German Culture
• Access and Widening Participation
• Current undergraduates overview
• Year Abroad overview
• Current Students
• Thinking about your Year Abroad overview
• Studying overview
• Finance overview
• Turing Scheme
• Safety and Insurance
• Year Abroad FAQs
• Year Abroad Project FAQs
• Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos overview
• MML Part IA List of Papers
• Part I Oral Examination A and B
• MML Part IB List of Papers
• MML IB Assessment by Long Essay
• The Year Abroad Project
• MML Part II List of Papers overview
• MML Part II List of Borrowed Papers
• CS5: The Body
• CS6: European Film
• Oral C Examination
• MML Part II Optional Dissertation
• MML with Classics
• Linguistics within the Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos
• Linguistics Tripos overview
• Linguistics Tripos - List of Papers
• Transferable Skills
• History and Modern Languages Tripos
• Marking Criteria
• Supervision Guidelines
• Teaching Provision
• Examinations Data Retention Policy (PDF)
• Learning Resources
• Additional Course Costs
• Faculty guidance on plagiarism
• Translation Toolkit overview
• 1. Translation as a Process
• 2. Translation as a Product
• 3. Equivalence and Translation Loss
• Email etiquette at MMLL
• Overall Degree Classification
• Current postgraduates
• Research in MMLL overview
• Research by Section overview
• Italian overview
• CIRN Home overview
• CIRN Events overview
• CIRN Annual Lecture 2015
• CIRN Annual Lecture 2016
• CIRN Annual Lecture 2017
• CIRN Annual Lecture 2018
• CIRN Annual Lecture 2019
• CIRN Annual Lecture 2019-20
• CIRN Annual Symposium 2015
• CIRN Annual Symposium 2016
• CIRN Annual Symposium 2017
• CIRN Annual Symposium 2018
• CIRN Annual Symposium 2019
• CIRN News and Events archive
• Slavonic Studies
• Research by Language overview
• Research by Period overview
• Medieval and Pre-Modern
• Early Modern
• Eighteenth Century
• Nineteenth Century
• 1900 - 1945
• 1945 - present
• Research by Thematic Field overview
• Literature, Visual Culture and the Arts overview
• Colonial, Postcolonial and Decolonial Studies
• Contemporary Culture and Society
• Drama, Music and Performance
• Environmental Criticism and Posthumanism
• Film and Visual Culture
• Gender, Feminism and Queer Studies
• Intellectual and Cultural History
• Literary Theory, Philosophy and Political Thought
• Material Culture and History of the Book
• Poetry, Rhetoric and Poetics
• Language and Linguistics overview
• Comparative Syntax
• Computational Linguistics
• Dialectology
• Experimental Phonetics and Phonology
• Historical Linguistics
• Language Acquisition
• Language Change
• Language Contact
• Multilingualism
• Psycholinguistics
• Semantics, Pragmatics and Philosophy
• Translation Theory and Practice
• Funded Projects
• Apply for Research Funding overview
• Research Strategy Committee
• Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships
• British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Management of Ongoing Grants
• Funding Opportunities
• MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Centres overview
• Cambridge Film and Screen
• Cambridge Italian Research Network (CIRN)
• Centre of Latin American Studies (CLAS)
• Cambridge Language Sciences
• Cambridge Endangered Languages and Cultures Group (CELC) overview
• Seminar Series
• Past conferences
• Cambridge Centre for Greek Studies
• Centre for the Study of Global Human Movement
• Equality and Diversity overview
• EDI Committee
• Accessibility Statement
• Accessible Materials
• Recording Lectures
• Athena SWAN
• Mentoring and Career Development
• Parents and Carers
• EDI Related Links
• Harassment and Discrimination
• Events overview
• Past Events
• Applying: PhD
• Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics
• Applying: MPhil in Euro, LatAm, Comp Lit and Cultures
• Applying: MPhils in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics
• Applying: MPhils in Film and Screen Studies
• PG Guide for applicants
• Writing an MPhil research proposal
• Mallinson MPhil Studentship (ELAC)
• Scandinavian Studies Fund
• Postgraduate Study
• MPhil Courses
• PhD Courses
• Postgraduate Committees
• Cambridge Virtual Postgraduate Open Days
• Visitors and Erasmus
• Information for current Students
• Postdoctoral Affiliation
• Consortium in Latin American Cultural Studies
• Postgraduate Contacts
• Current student profiles

PhD Study at MMLL

Which of the faculty's sections offer phd study.

PhD study is offered in each of the Faculty's Sections: French , German , Italian , Slavonic Studies , Spanish & Portuguese ,  Theoretical and Applied Linguistics , and also in the Centre for Film and Screen Studies .

Overview of a PhD course

A PhD (formally known as Doctor of Philosophy) is a substantial piece of original scholarship, for which the research and writing-up can be reasonably expected to be completed in three to four years (or for part-time students, where this is offered, five to seven years).  In MMLL the maximum word limit is 80,000 words. For the purposes of a PhD, the notion of originality means that the thesis should represent a significant contribution to learning, through the discovery of new knowledge, or through the connection of previously unrelated facts, or the development of new theory, or the revision of older views, or some combination of these different criteria. 

During the period of research, students will  work closely with a Supervisor who is a specialist in their research area. Students are additionally assigned an Advisor who acts as a second point of contact for academic advice. In addition to providing specialist supervision, the Faculty runs a programme of professional training for the benefit of all research students.

Requirements

Please see the central prospectus for the exact requirements (you will need to search for the particular PhD course you are interested in).​  It is noted that language skills in a particular area may   be required depending on the specific nature of your research proposal.

How to Apply & Funding

You can apply online at the Postgraduate Admissions website.  Their site also provides detail on the course structure and content, fee rates, information on the College system, and information regarding the application process. 

Please find further information regarding applications and funding on our Applying and funding page and our Applying: PhD page .

Supporting Documents

When you apply online you will be asked to upload your supporting documents:

• Academic transcripts for any degree-level courses you have taken.
• Evidence of your English ability (if you are not a native English speaker).
• A sample of writing, of approx 5,000-10,000 words. The sample can be either an essay produced during master's-level studies or a section of a dissertation, and must be a single-authored work. 
• A research proposal, approx 500-1,000 words, written in English.
• Your curriculum vitae (CV ​ ).

In the applications portal you will be asked to enter details of your nominated referees. They will then be sent an automated email asking them to provide an electronic reference via the applications portal. It is recommended that you allow several weeks before the application/funding deadline to allow time for this process.

Further information on supporting documents can be found on the Postgraduate Admissions website.

Finding a Prospective Supervisor

Doctoral study is a team effort. It is conducted under the supervision of at least one member of Cambridge’s academic staff. Before submitting a PhD application to Cambridge, students are strongly recommended to approach relevant professors and enquire about the possibility of their service as a Supervisor. This approach is normally done via email, and it is completely informal. Its purpose is help you determine the availability and degree of research fit of relevant professors at Cambridge. As a first step, explore the Faculty's Sections and Centres (see Which Sections? above and then follow the relevant link to staff pages) and familiarise yourself with the publications and projects undertaken by our professors. Once you have identified a potential supervisor, please send an expression of interest to them via email with your CV and as much of your research proposal as possible. Please do not reach out to more than one professor at the same time. Making such an approach will help you nominate a Supervisor when you eventually submit your application. The Faculty will take this nomination into account, although there is no guarantee that this Supervisor will be formally appointed if you are accepted to the PhD. The MMLL Degree Committee regularly monitors the supervision load for each member of academic staff and may decide to appoint another suitable Supervisor, if necessary. Please note that admission to the PhD is made by committee at the Faculty level in accordance with University standards and guidelines; potential Supervisors can only contribute to admission decisions.

Consideration of Applications

Applicants who apply for US Gates funding by the October funding deadline may normally expect to receive an admissions decision in December.  All other applicants who apply by the funding deadline in January may normally expect to receive a decision before the end of March, and the majority of offers are made in February and March.  Following the funding deadlines, applications are processed on a rolling basis and applicants may normally expect a decision within 12 weeks following the submission of their completed application and required supporting documents.  Occasionally, applicants may not receive a decision within the normal timeframe due to being placed on a reserve list.  If this is the case then the Faculty will be in touch to let applicants know.  Normally the latest date for decisions to be communicated is the end of June.

Consortium in Latin American Cultural Studies 

If you are applying to the Section of Spanish and Portuguese and wish to work on any topic within Latin American literary, visual, or cultural studies, you may wish to read about the  Consortium in Latin American Cultural Studies for PhD students.

Search form

Related links.

• Student Support
• Wellbeing at Cambridge
• Year Abroad FAQ
• Polyglossia Magazine
• The Cambridge Language Collective
• Information for current undergraduates
• Visiting and Erasmus Students

Keep in touch

• University of Cambridge Privacy Policy
• Student complaints and Examination Reviews

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• University A-Z
• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Terms and conditions
• Undergraduate
• Spotlight on...
• About research at Cambridge

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections

Postgraduate Admissions

• Postgraduate Open Day
• PhD Studentships
• MPhil in Chemistry
• Other PhD and MPhil Opportunities
• Student Visitors
• Postgraduate Education
• General application process
• Academic requirements
• Finding a supervisor
• Looking ahead to student life
• Questions answered by current students

About the Department of Chemistry

The University of Cambridge Department of Chemistry is a world-class teaching and research centre recognised for its exceptional record in discovery, innovation and excellence. We consistently rank as the top chemistry department in the UK , and within the top five departments worldwide . We admit around 80 postgraduate students each year. Most of these are PhD students, plus around 20 MPhil students. All postgraduate students are enrolled on to our comprehensive  Postgraduate Education programme .

To learn more about what we do here in the Department, and what you can gain by joining us for your postgraduate studies, please see the video  on the right. To find out more about being a postgraduate student at the University please click here to learn more about Student Life .

Here in the Department we progress fundamental science in three strategic areas:

• Chemistry of Health  Advancing the understanding of health and disease in areas of global importance (ageing, cancer and infection).
• Innovative Molecular & Materials Design  Transforming the development and assembly of important functional chemicals to produce new high-value products for novel applications in health care, agriculture, energy, and consumer products.
• Sustainable Energy, Environment & Climate  Investigating the impact of chemical processes on the environment and working to develop sustainable energy systems.

At a departmental level academic interests in chemistry are defined according to five research areas, which constitute the department's Research Interest Groups (RIGs) : Biological , Materials Chemistry , Theory , Physical & Atmospheric Chemistry , and Synthetic Chemistry .

Our research culture is extensive, inclusive and dynamic. The department sits in the centre of Cambridge, one of the world’s greatest intellectual communities. This enables all who study here to find opportunities to engage and benefit from this extraordinary hub of creative, scientific activity – encompassing the department, its collaborators, industry partners and through the unique experience of College life.

Important dates

We particularly encourage bame applicants, lgbtqia+ applicants, applicants with disabilities and other underrepresented groups in the chemical sciences. if you are interested in applying, please click here for more information on how to apply..

We accept applications all year round but can only enter candidates for University Scholarships if they apply by the appropriate deadline in early December. If you apply outside of the deadlines, you should contact potential supervisors to see if they are willing to consider applications and you may need to secure your own funding . For more information and important dates check PhD and MPhil prospectus. Exact dates vary year on year so please click the links below to find out more.

• 4th September | University of Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions Applicant Portal opens
• 11th October | US Gates Funding Deadline (12:00 GMT)
• 26th October 2023  |  The Chemistry PG Open Day will be virtual.
• 5th December 2023 | Application deadline for all those seeking funding from the University or Department of Chemistry.  
• 16th May 2024 | Final deadline for Michaelmas 2024 applications - please note that any application after 5th December will not be eligible to be put forward for the funding competition

***Please contact  [email protected]  if you have any questions ***

Related links.

• Departmental Research Areas
• Academic Staff
• Currently Available PhD Studentships
• International Postgraduate Students
• University Scholarships
• Loving my Research
• How we use your Personal Information (Applicants)
• Postgraduate Guide

Quick links

• SynTech CDT

Gates Scholar Akhila Denduluri on why she chose Cambridge

Becoming a Chemistry Postgraduate

This video shows you what we do here – and what you can gain by joining us as a postgraduate student.

Meet Haydn Francis, Battery Researcher

Meet one of our current PhD students, Haydn Francis. He is just starting the second year of his research project here into new technologies that could slow the degradation of electric vehicle batteries.

Supporting Chemistry Postgraduates

This is a video about one aspect of our Postgraduate Education programme: training PhD students to develop public speaking and science communication skills.

About the Department

Departmental services.

• Analytical Facilities
• Photography and Reprographics

Head of Graduate Recruitment, Department of Chemistry Graduate Admissions

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Student blogs and videos
• Why Cambridge
• Qualifications directory
• How to apply
• Fees and funding
• Frequently asked questions
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Visiting the University
• Term dates and calendars
• Video and audio
• Find an expert
• Publications
• International Cambridge
• Public engagement
• Giving to Cambridge
• For current students
• For business
• Colleges & departments
• Libraries & facilities
• Museums & collections
• Email & phone search
• /  Departments A-Z  /
• FoE / Study with Us / Postgraduate Study / Postgraduate Study: Doctoral Programme / PhD in Education Programme

The Faculty of Education

Departments A-Z

• Map & How To Reach Us
• Green Impact and Sustainability
• Visiting Scholars
• Visiting Students
• Courses still available 2020-21
• Undergraduate Study
• Postgraduate Study
• Practitioner Professional Development
• Counselling
• Student Engagement & Feedback
• REF 2021 (Raven required)
• About our research
• Research Areas
• Research Centres
• Research Groups and Centres
• Research Programmes
• Cambridge Journal of Education
• CRiCLE Network
• NRICH mathematics
• Cambridge School Classics Project
• CIAN Network
• Leadership for Learning
• SUPER Network
• Cambridge Primary Review Trust
• Academic Staff
• Emeritus Readers and Professors
• Doctoral Students
• Equality and Diversity
• Media enquiries
• Open Research Seminar calendar
• Conferences
• Recorded seminars and lectures
• Faculty Library - home
• Your Library Guides - Moodle site
• Library Blog - FYI
• Opening Hours
• COVID-19 guidance
• Remote working guide
• AV Support Service
• Booker - Book a room
• Google Apps@Cambridge
• External Bookings
•    educ   NET   

PhD in Education Programme

• Faculty of Education

Study with Us

• Postgraduate Study: Doctoral Programme
• PhD Programme
• EdD Programme
• The Doctoral Experience
• Doctoral Programme
• The Cambridge Experience

Postgraduate Open Day

Each year the University holds a Postgraduate Open Day where potential applicants can ask staff their questions, find out more about the application process, and explore Cambridge virtually.

Research Community

ESRC Doctoral Training Centre

PhD Programme Structure

The PhD Dissertation

Centres & Networks

Connect with us, our address.

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• University A-Z
• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Terms and conditions
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Spotlight on...
• About research at Cambridge

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections

• Postgraduate Study in Mathematics
• Undergraduate Mathematics
• Part III (MMath/MASt)
• New PhD students
• Handbook and Code of Practice
• Research Conduct and Integrity
• Expectations and Reporting
• Supervision Training
• Training opportunities
• Change in circumstances
• Examination
• Student Support
• Smith-Knight & Rayleigh-Knight Prizes
• Lecture Lists
• NST Mathematics
• Student Representation
• Careers for Mathematicians
• Careers Resources
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Undergraduate Open Days
• Part III (MASt/MMath)
• MPhil Taught
• HEP, GR and Cosmology
• PhD Applicant FAQs
• Postgraduate Open Day
• Mathematics for Natural Sciences Tripos (NST)
• Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
• Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics
• Industrial Collaboration
• Internships
• Summer Research in Mathematics: CMP and Research in the CMS
• Adams Prize
• Mathematics for all - outreach overview
• The Millennium Mathematics Project (MMP)
• Underground Mathematics
• STEP preparation support - widening participation
• Mathematics at the Cambridge Science Festival 
• Internal overview
• Postgraduate Office
• Computing and IT
• Degree Committee and Postgraduate Education
• Directors of Studies
• Faculty Board
• Research Facilitation
• Teaching and Examining
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Women in Mathematics
• Alumni and Friends
• News and Announcements
• The Departments
• Mathematics in Cambridge

Research Programmes

• Prospective Students
• Postgraduate Study

The Faculty of Mathematics offers three doctoral (PhD) and one MPhil research programmes.

Select a course below to visit the University’s Course Directory where you can read about the structure of the programmes, fees and maintenance costs, entry requirements and key deadlines.

Research Areas and Potential Supervisors

Determining whether your interests and ambitions align with our research and expertise is a vital part of the application and admissions process. When we receive your formal application, we will consider the information you provide on your research interests carefully, alongside other factors such as your academic suitability and potential, how you compare to other applicants in the field, and whether we have a suitable academic supervisor with the capacity to take on new students.

We are committed to widening participation in mathematical research at Cambridge. We welcome and encourage applications from people from groups underrepresented in postgraduate study.

Before making an application to study with us we recommend you:

• Investigate our areas of research and consider how they fit with your interests and ambitions.

A list of broad research areas is provided below, together with links to further information. Your interests may span more than one area. On your application form you will be asked to indicate at least one broad area of interest. This is to help us direct your application to the most suitable group of people to review it.

• Identify 2 or 3 appropriate supervisor(s) with whom you might work.

The information linked below will take you to lists of supervisors working in each broad research area, with an indication of their availability. You are encouraged to make informal contact with potential supervisors prior to making an application. Initial contact should be made by email. In your email we recommend you provide a concise explanation of your areas of interest, how your research interests align with the supervisor(s) research, and that you highlight any relevant work you have done in this area. We recommend that you attach an up-to-date CV. The purpose of this contact is to enquire on supervisor capacity and willingness to supervise, and to see if there is a good fit between your interests and theirs.

If you haven’t had a response to an informal enquiry, you are still welcome to apply and list the individual concerned on your application form, although you may also wish to consider other options.

• Give some thought to your intended research and why you want to study with us.

On your application form you will be asked to submit a short research summary, details of your research experience and your reasons for applying to undertake a PhD/MPhil with us. Whilst you are not expected to submit a detailed research proposal at any stage of the process, we do want to know that you have considered the areas of research that you wish to pursue.

Research areas

Click on a research area to find out more about available supervisors and their research:

Please note that a  large majority of the successful applicants for PhD studentships with  the High Energy Physics, and General Relativity & Cosmology (GR) groups   will have taken Part III of the Mathematical Tripos.

Funding Opportunities

Each Department works hard to secure funding for as many offer holders as possible, either from within its own funds, in collaboration with funding partners, or via the University Postgraduate Funding Competition. However, funding is not guaranteed via these routes, and you should investigate funding opportunities early in the process to be sure that you can meet advertised deadlines.

All application deadlines are 23:59pm (midnight) UK time on the stated date. So that your application can be given full consideration please apply by the following deadlines:

Note for PhD applicants:

We will accept applications for an October start up until the general University deadline in May, but your chances of obtaining funding are significantly reduced. In addition, space limitations may mean that late applications cannot be considered (i.e., the most appropriate supervisor may already have committed to taking other students).

Only in exceptional circumstances will we consider admission to a later start date in the academic year (i.e., January or April). If you intend to apply for a later start date please contact us at [email protected] so we can advise you on the feasibility of your plan.

Note for MPhil applicants:

We will accept applications until the general University deadline in February, but you will not be considered for funding. In addition, space limitations may mean that late applications cannot be considered (i.e., the most appropriate supervisor may already have committed to taking other students).

Most interviews are expected to take place in the second half of January.

The purpose of the interview is to try to ascertain the extent of the applicant's relevant knowledge and experience, and to gauge whether their interests and abilities align with the research of the potential supervisor and/or research group. It will most likely consist of a discussion of your background and motivations for applying to the course, as well as some questions on relevant topics.

Not all applicants will be selected for interview.

If you are selected for interview, you will be contacted by email at the address you provided on your application. The email should confirm:

• the location of the interview (it may be in-person or on-line dependent upon interviewer availability, your distance from Cambridge, as well as individual preferences),
• the interview format and whether you should prepare anything specific in advance,
• the approximate duration of the interview,
• who you will be meeting.

Prior to interview you may declare a disability, serious health problem or caring responsibility which may require reasonable adjustments for the interview to be made.

Due to interviewer availability and the tight admissions timetable, we can usually only rearrange the time and date of your interview under exceptional circumstances.

Decision timeline

Both DAMTP and DPMMS make most of their PhD/MPhil admissions decisions for October entry in January and early February, and you should not expect to receive a decision on your application before mid-February (even if you apply much earlier). We expect to have made decisions on all applications by mid-July. The Department makes every effort to take decisions on applications at the earliest opportunity. In some cases, however, it may take some time for a decision to be made. Applications may need to be viewed by several potential supervisors before a final decision can be reached.

To consider your application formally we must receive a complete application form, together with all supporting documents, by the deadline.

Communication of outcomes

You will be notified of the formal outcome of your application via the Applicant Portal.

Following an interview, you can normally expect to receive notification of the outcome within a week or two.

If you are successful, the University’s Postgraduate Admissions Office will issue a formal offer of admission which will outline all your conditions. As processing times can vary, we may also contact you informally to notify you of our decision.

We do not provide formal feedback to applicants who are unsuccessful at either the application or interview stage.

Take a look at our frequently asked questions for PhD applicants.

Forthcoming Seminars

• DAMTP Seminars
• DPMMS Seminars
• Statistical Laboratory Seminars
• Isaac Newton Institute Seminars

News, Announcements and Events

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

Applicant Portal

Already have an account.

If you do not yet have an Applicant Portal account, click here to register.

• Study at Cambridge
• About the University
• Research at Cambridge
• Colleges and departments
• Email and phone search
• For business
• For current students
• Libraries and facilities
• Museum and collections

Search form

• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Student blogs and videos
• Why Cambridge
• Qualifications directory
• How to apply
• Fees and funding
• Frequently asked questions
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Course in education
• Giving to Cambridge
• How the University and Colleges work
• Visiting the University
• Spotlight on...
• About research at Cambridge

Department of Engineering

• Overview of the Department
• 21st Century Engineers
• Staff and Student Directory
• Department Newsletter
• Alumni Relations
• How to Find Us
• Keep in touch
• Undergraduates Overview
• Prospective Undergraduates
• Information for Staff
• Current Undergraduates
• Postgraduates Overview
• Taught courses (MPhil and MRes)
• Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)

PhD in Engineering

• MPhil in Engineering
• Part-time study
• Applying for taught courses and CDTs
• Applying for research courses
• Applying for part-time study
• Requirements for postgraduate students
• English language requirements
• International equivalencies
• Funding opportunities for applicants
• Current Postgraduate Students
• Information for staff
• Research Overview
• Energy, Fluids and Turbomachinery
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanics, Materials and Design
• Civil Engineering
• Manufacturing and Management
• Information Engineering
• Energy, Transport and Urban Infrastructure
• Manufacturing, Design and Materials
• Bioengineering
• Complex, Resilient and Intelligent Systems
• Research news
• Research Integrity
• Collaboration Overview
• Student Placements
• Short Student Projects
• Longer Projects and Frameworks
• Academic Partnerships
• Consulting and Other Services
• Giving to the Department
• Events and Outreach Overview
• Events and Seminars
• Work Experience at the Department of Engineering
• Services Overview
• Building and Estate Services
• Design & Technical Services
• Health and Safety
• Printing Services
• Centre for Languages and Inter-Communication

To obtain a PhD degree you must complete three years full-time training (or five years part-time) and carry out an original piece of research which makes a significant contribution to learning in one of the many research areas in the Department. At the same time, the Department expects that students will leave with the wider skills necessary to be successful in either an academic or a non-academic career. Research students are therefore expected to obtain an effective training in research and to broaden their background knowledge, as well as to undertake a novel research project. In their first year, students take a minimum of two taught modules from a wide range of courses offered by the Department. Modules consist of lectures and practical work, and each module involves about 80 hours of work. You will also participate in a researcher development programme during your first year, and you are expected engage in personal development opportunities throughout the PhD in order to develop important transferable skills.

As a research student working in the Department of Engineering, you will work most closely with your Supervisor , who is responsible for guiding your research and training. You can expect at least eight one hour-long individual meetings with your supervisor every calendar year, although it may be much more frequent. You will also have daily contact with the research group you are working within. In addition, you will be assigned an Adviser , who will take an active interest in your progress and be available to provide additional support and advice when needed.

All doctoral research takes place in University of Cambridge facilities. However, the Department and its supervisors have strong links to other institutions both in the UK and around the world. After their first year, students may therefore apply for permission to undertake research in other institutions for extended periods of time. There may also be opportunities to teach small groups of engineering undergraduates to widen your experience and gain valuable expertise in explaining engineering concepts.

At the end of your first year, you will write a 15,000 progress report on your research to date, and discuss your work with two assessors. Passing this assessment is a requirement to continue with the PhD beyond the first year. After completing three years of research, you will submit a 60,000 word thesis on your research and have an oral examination. The final deadline for submission of the thesis is four years after the start date (or seven years for part-time students), but we advise students to aim to submit by either the end of their tenth term, or the end of their funding, whichever is soonest.

The PhD in Engineering can be tailored to suit your particular interests. Applicants must identify a supervisor that they wish to work with on their application form, and contact them directly to discuss their research interests in advance of submitting an application. You can browse current topics of research in the department and identify potential supervisors via the research pages of our website. You should state the name of the supervisor(s) that you wish to work with on your application form, and should also give at least an indication of the topic you wish to undertake research on, so that we can direct your application appropriately.

Further information, including entrance requirements and how to apply, can be found on the online  Course Directory . The Engineering Postgraduate Students website contains resources for current students and may also be of interest to applicants:  www.graduate.eng.cam.ac.uk .

 Academics accepting PhD Students for 2023/24 can be found via the following links;

Electrical Engineering -  https://ee.eng.cam.ac.uk/index.php/graduate-studies/

Mechanics, Materials and Design -  http://www.eng.cam.ac.uk/research/academic-divisions/mechanics-materials-and-design/postgraduate-studies-research-students

Manufacture and Management -  https://www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/education/phd/topics/

Information Engineering:  http://www.eng.cam.ac.uk/research/academic-divisions/information-engineering/postgraduate-studies

• University of Cambridge
• Search this site
• Join the C2D3 Community
• Executive committee
• Steering committee
• External Advisory Board
• Logo use policy
• Supporting C2D3
• Eagle Genomics
• Forthcoming events
• Past events
• Training and skills development
• Cambridge research ecosystem
• The Alan Turing Institute
• Interdisciplinary Research Centres
• Research workshops and challenge areas
• Commercialisation

MPhil and PhD programmes

• Collaboration
• Past funding - Early Career Reseachers
• Past opportunities
• Research Highlights
• From Big Data to Data-Driven Discovery
• An Introduction to Process Mining with Celonis
• 1st UK Academic Roundtable on Process Mining
• C2D3 Virtual Symposium 2020: Research Rendezvous
• Cambridge-Turing sessions: collaborative data science and AI research
• Cambridge University video highlights importance of interdisciplinary research
• Cambridge-Turing sessions reloaded: collaborative data science and AI research
• Data science and AI for sustainability conference 2022
• 2023 Collaboration Day for Interdisciplinary Data Science and AI
• Memoirs of the Trustworthy and Responsible AI Conference at Cambridge

• For Cambridge students
• For businesses
• Colleges and departments
• Libraries and facilities
• Museums and collections
• Email and phone search
• Give to Cambridge

Search form

Cambridge centre for data-driven discovery, currently advertised phd studentships.

• The majority of current PhD studentships are listed on the  University's Jobs site
• For a full list of departments and faculties at the University, visit this page where you can learn more about the research interests within each department
• To find academics you might like to work with, use our directory

Graduate Admissions

The  Graduate Admissions  office provides a range of information on postgraduate programmes at Cambridge, along with a step-by-step guide to the application process. It is advisable to start researching funding opportunities at least a year before your course begins.

MPhil and PhD course relevant to data science - from across University of Cambridge

Please visit the relevant pages and contact the relevant education provider if you have queries. You should pay particular attention to the entry requirements and guidance for applicants there.

MPhil in Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence - an eleven month full-time programme offered by the Machine Learning Group, the Speech Group, and the Computer Vision and Robotics Group in the Cambridge University Department of Engineering.  The course aims to teach the state-of-the-art in machine learning, speech and language processing, and computer vision; to give students the skills and expertise necessary to take leading roles in industry and to equip them with the research skills necessary for doctoral study at Cambridge and other universities.

PhD programme in Advanced Machine Learning - The Machine Learning Group is based in the Department of Engineering, and encourages applications from outstanding candidates with academic backgrounds in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering and related fields, and a keen interest in doing basic research in machine learning and its scientific applications. 

Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine - Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine (CCAIM) is a multi-disciplinary centre established by the University of Cambridge in 2020 to develop pioneering AI machine learning (ML) technologies that will transform biomedical science, medicine and healthcare. PhD studentships are oten available, please check their website for details.

SynTech Centre for Doctoral Training - EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Next Generation Synthetic Chemistry Enabled by Digital Molecular Technologies. An interdisciplinary cohort-driven programme to produce the next generation of molecule making scientists by combining Synthetic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.

Advanced Computer Science MPhil  - The MPhil in Advanced Computer Science (the ACS) is designed to prepare students for doctoral research, whether at Cambridge or elsewhere. Typical applicants will have undertaken a first degree in computer science or an equivalent subject, and will be expected to be familiar with basic concepts and practices. The ACS is a nine–month course which starts in early October and finishes on 30 June. It covers advanced material in both theoretical and practical areas as well as instilling the elements of research practice.

Application of Artificial Intelligence to the study of Environmental Risks MRes and PhD - The UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in the Application of Artificial Intelligence to the study of Environmental Risks (AI4ER) trains researchers (through several multidisciplinary cohorts) to be uniquely equipped to develop and apply leading-edge computational approaches to address critical global environmental challenges by exploiting vast, diverse and often currently untapped environmental data sets. Embedded in the outstanding research environments of the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the AI4ER CDT addresses problems that are relevant to  building resilience to environmental hazards and managing environmental change .

Postgraduate Study in Mathematics - Various postgraduate courses of a mathematical nature are available at the University of Cambridge, including both taught courses and research degrees.

Mathematics of Information PhD  - This cutting-edge training Centre in the Mathematics of Information produces a new generation of leaders in the theory and practice of modern data science, with an emphasis on the mathematical underpinnings of this new scientific field. The Cambridge Mathematics of Information (CMI) PhD is a four-year course leading to a single PhD thesis.

Cambridge Computational Biology Institute MPhil and PhD ​ - The MPhil in Computational Biology course is aimed at introducing students in the biological, mathematical and physical sciences to quantitative aspects of modern biology and medicine, including bioinformatics. The course has been developed by the Cambridge Computational Biology Institute and is run by the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences (CMS).

Centre for Scientific Computing MPhil and PhD  - The MPhil programme on Scientific Computing is offered by the University of Cambridge as a full-time course which aims to provide education of the highest quality at Master’s level. A common route for admission into our PhD programme is via the Centre’s MPhil programme in Scientific Computing.

Part III Mathematics  - Part III is a 9 month taught masters course in mathematics.  It is an excellent preparation for mathematical research and it is also a valuable course in mathematics and in its applications for those who want further training before taking posts in industry, teaching, or research establishments. Students admitted from outside Cambridge to Part III study towards the Master of Advanced Study (MASt).  Students continuing from the Cambridge Tripos for a fourth year, study towards the Master of Mathematics (MMath).  The requirements and course structure for Part III are the same for all students irrespective of whether they are studying for the MASt or MMath degree. There are over 200 Part III (MASt and MMath) students each year; almost all are in their fourth or fifth year of university studies. 

School of Clinical Medicine Graduate Training Office - Prospective students interested in pursuing a graduate degree course in a subject area related to clinical medicine at the University of Cambridge should consult the School’s individual departmental websites for detailed information about the courses which they run and the University’s Graduate Admissions website for information on the application process and on funding opportunities.

Centre for Doctoral Training in Data, Risk And Environmental Analytical Methods  - The CDT embraces a wide range of world-leading Doctoral research in the area of Big Data and Environmental Risk Mitigation. The CDT research underway seeks to utilise emerging technologies, techniques and tools, to more accurately monitor the environment, enabling cutting edge research. To provide end-users with more integrated information at improved temporal and spatial resolutions to deliver solutions to environmental challenges (both acute and long- term). Funded by  NERC  (the Natural Environment Research Council, NERC Ref: NE/M009009/1), the DREAM (Data, Risk and Environmental Analytical Methods) consortium is made up of Cranfield, Newcastle, Cambridge and Birmingham universities.

Centre for Doctoral Training in Data Intensive Science  - The Cambridge CDT in Data Intensive Science is an innovative, interdisciplinary centre, distributed between the Department of Physics (Cavendish Laboratory), Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics (DPMMS) and the Institute of Astronomy (IoA).

MPhil in Data Intensive Science - This course aims to take science graduates and to prepare them for data intensive research careers by providing advanced training in three key areas – Statistical Analysis, Machine Learning, and Research Computing – and their application to current research frontiers.

Cambridge Digital Humanities - The MPhil provides the opportunity to specialise in a chosen subject area as well as an advanced level introduction to DH approaches, methods and theory. The course provides critical and practical literacy, the chance to advance an extant specialization by re-contextualizing it in relation to advanced theoretical work, and the chance to develop as a DH scholar.

The Cambridge Centre for Data-Driven Discovery (C2D3) brings together researchers and expertise from across the academic departments and industry to drive research into the analysis, understanding and use of data science and AI. C2D3 is an Interdisciplinary Research Centre at the University of Cambridge.

• Supports and connects the growing data science and AI research community 
• Builds research capacity in data science and AI to tackle complex issues 
• Drives new research challenges through collaborative research projects 
• Promotes and provides opportunities for knowledge transfer 
• Identifies and provides training courses for students, academics, industry and the third sector 
• Serves as a gateway for external organisations 

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Student blogs and videos
• Why Cambridge

Qualifications directory

• How to apply
• Fees and funding
• Frequently asked questions
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Visiting the University
• Term dates and calendars
• Video and audio
• Find an expert
• Publications
• International Cambridge
• Public engagement
• Giving to Cambridge
• For current students
• For business
• Colleges & departments
• Libraries & facilities
• Museums & collections
• Email & phone search
• Graduate Admissions
• Prospective Graduate Students

Studying at Cambridge

• Department of Geography

PhDs in Geography and the Scott Polar Research Institute

• Postgraduate study
• MPhil study
• MPhil in Anthropocene Studies
• MPhil in Conservation Leadership
• MPhil in Geography
• MPhil in Holocene Climates
• MPhil in Polar Studies
• How to apply (MPhil)
• PhD degrees
• Studentships
• Environmental Science PhD topics
• Advice – demystifying postgraduate research admissions
• Videos about postgraduate study
• Current PhD students
• Visiting PhD Students scheme
• Post-doctoral research
• Contact details

The Department has a large community of around 80 PhD students working on their own projects. The PhD students at Geography and the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) study a broad range of topics that reflect the diverse interests of the academic staff in the Department.

1. Before making an application

Before applying, you should satisfy yourself that advanced study in your chosen research topic can be supervised by an academic at Geography or SPRI. Acceptance of any applicant will be dependent on specialist supervision being available. Unfortunately, if we cannot supervise your topic, we will decline your application regardless of its academic merit. Please check the research groups then look through the online staff list .

Identification of a potential supervisor does not imply a guarantee of admission and the full admissions procedure must be followed in all cases. If your potential supervisor’s details are available from our website, you may e-mail the person with a draft research proposal (maximum 2,000 words). If contact details are not available, kindly e-mail the Postgraduate Office Administrator with your research proposal and the name(s) of whom you are trying to contact.

2. Go to the University’s Postgraduate Admissions Pages

Go to the University’s Postgraduate Admissions pages which has all the information you need to make a formal application. Applicants should plan well in advance to ensure their papers can be processed in time. The deadline for all PhD applicants is March 26th 2024.

Please note this deadline does not apply to applicants for the Cambridge ESRC DTP Interdisciplinary Studentship , who should contact graduate.enquiries @ geog.cam.ac.uk before making an application.

When making the formal application PhD applicants will need to provide a statement (maximum 2,000 words) detailing your research proposal, including aims and methods, sources and the location of the proposed research. Your proposal should include a list of specific resource needs for your research such as travel budget, fieldwork, laboratory equipment, chemical and IT needs. Please state in your application which academic in the Department your believe has interests that are closest to your own and therefore might supervise your research. It is advisable to approach the Academic identified in advance to discuss your proposal.

Physical Geography applicants choosing from the list of topics do not need to include a research proposal but should include information about why you have chosen a topic and the relevant experience you have for the chosen topic.

If you are applying for a PhD programme, and have only recently started a masters degree at a new institution, we understand that it may be more suitable for you to request references from your prior academic and/or professional environment.

Cambridge Funding Competitions deadlines:

GATES (US) – 11th October 2023;

GATES (non-US), Trusts and Research Councils – 5th December 2023;

NERC DTP ( home and international students ) – 5th January 2024 (although you are encouraged to apply by 5th December to be considered for other funding sources too).

Applications must be made in advance of these dates to be considered for funding, please note these deadlines are earlier than the final admissions deadline. Please also note these deadlines include submission of all your references which must have been submitted by your referees in advance of these funding deadlines.

Doctoral work in the Department is funded through Research Council funding ( ESRC , AHRC and NERC ), studentships from the Cambridge Trust , the Gates Foundation and other funding agencies. While the Geography Department has modest funds for fieldwork or conference attendance, it does not fund PhD studentships.

• Overseas applicants should look in particular at scholarships available through the Gates Foundation and scholarships administered by the Cambridge Trust . You should apply for these by the advertised deadline when you complete your formal application. Information can be found and eligibility can be checked via the University’s Postgraduate Admissions page.
• UK students should look in particular at the Research Council studentships and funding available via the Cambridge Trust .

It is advisable to complete a Funding Search to help you find the most suitable funding options from those listed above.

Finance information for PhD courses run by the Department is to be found from the University’s Postgraduate Admissions pages .

In addition to fees and maintenance, you will need to ensure you have funds to cover all fieldwork, laboratory work, access to data, archives and travel needs for the length of your study. You should ensure that you have sufficient funds or that your funding body provides sufficient support.

Apply now for entry in 2024

See more videos about Postgraduate study at the Department of Geography

PhD in Geography: Full course details

PhD in Polar Studies: Full course details

Funding opportunities

• Studentships / funding
• Physical Geography/Environmental Science PhD studentships / funding

Related links

• Research groups in the Department
• Picking a College
• IT information
• Continuing from an MPhil to a PhD
• PhD in Polar Studies
• Postgraduate Admissions
• Contact details at Geography
• About this site
• Site privacy & cookie policies
• Login with Raven
• Page last updated: 2nd October 2022 by Webmaster

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• University A-Z
• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Terms and conditions
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Spotlight on...
• About research at Cambridge

• Search PhD Projects & Programmes
• PhDs by Subject
• PhDs by Institution
• Latest PhDs

University of Cambridge

We are one of the world's oldest universities and leading academic centres, and a self-governed community of scholars. Cambridge comprises 31 Colleges and over 150 departments, faculties, schools and other institutions.

By Department/School/Faculty

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

• Your job application
• Amazon culture & benefits
• Diversity at Amazon
• Job categories
• Interview tips
• Disability accommodations
• About Amazon

Influence the Amazon of tomorrow

Amazon internships and full-time roles for graduates give you the opportunity to solve problems, innovate on behalf of our customers, and shape our business.

Design your career

At Amazon, your career will grow in new and exciting directions—designed by you. You’ll have the opportunity to be part of innovative projects, lead initiatives, and take ownership and responsibility.

Here, you’ll work with groundbreaking technology and learn from the best all over the world, united with the common goal to delight our customers.

Our internship roles for students, and our full-time roles for graduates, give you the chance to make a real impact on the lives of millions.

Specialized student opportunities

Operations opportunities for students.

Use innovative technologies to support customers through our global network of fulfillment centers and delivery stations.

AWS internships

Explore the cloud industry and build real-world skills and connections with AWS.

Amazon Pathways

Reach senior levels within Amazon Operations with the Pathways Operations Leadership Development Program. MBA or higher.

Hear from recent Amazon interns

Coming into Amazon as an intern, I’ve seen the most talented people who inspire me to be better, want to improve, and do what I do every day.

There’s no typical day at Amazon, and that’s what I love about it most. Here, I’m given the flexibility to create processes that directly help people.

I’m looking forward to contributing to Amazon’s mission and making a positive impact in the industry. I’m eager to have an enriching learning experience of six months, which will be a fantastic head start for my career.

Build the future at Amazon

Global reach.

Download video transcript

Graduate students and interns around the world.

A day in the life

Spend a day with Kazeem.

Path to success

Edward, intern turned software development engineer.

Love your work

Shreya, from intern to software engineer.

Join the Amazon university talent community.

Interested in student opportunities at Amazon? Sign up today and we’ll keep you posted on relevant roles and how to apply.

Find Careers

• Job Categories
• US and EU Military recruiting
• Warehouse and Hourly Jobs

Working At Amazon

• Amazon Newsletter
• Our leadership principles
• Review application status
• EU background checks

Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs

Prospective graduate student information.

Carnegie Mellon University is a global research university with a proud heritage of outstanding graduate and undergraduate education and research. Our vision is that CMU will meet the changing needs of society by building on its traditions of innovation, problem solving and interdisciplinarity. From the arts to technology, humanities and the sciences, we reach across boundaries to bring together bright minds to move us forward locally, nationally and globally with creative solutions to worldwide challenges.

CMU is home to master’s and doctoral programs within our seven schools and colleges, which are ranked among the top in the country .  CMU also offers online programs and dozens of interdisciplinary programs . In addition, CMU is a global university with more than a dozen degree-granting locations and more than 20 research partnerships.

To learn more about the graduate programs offered at CMU, see the Guide to Graduate Degrees and Programs section , which provides a college-based list that will direct you to the college websites for detailed information. You are also encouraged to explore the information and resources throughout this website to learn more about the many facets of graduate study at CMU.

• Academic Calendar
• Discovering Pittsburgh
• Exploring Pittsburgh Travel and Accommodations
• Off-Campus Housing
• News and Events

A cornerstone of our graduate education is research with a focus on advancing knowledge and finding meaningful solutions to significant problems of society. This real-world, hands-on approach has made CMU home to excellent faculty and students in engineering, computer science, the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences, business administration and the fine arts.

This philosophy has also been the basis for interdisciplinary study and research to an extent that is rarely found elsewhere. CMU houses a myriad of interdisciplinary research facilities that combine expertise in diverse fields to produce exciting new areas of exploration.

Our commitment to diversity in our research and in our student population truly makes CMU a unique place to carry out your graduate education. Support for our graduate students and respect for diversity begins with recruitment and continues through our many retention programs. Whether students are looking for professional development opportunities, small project research grants or funding for conference attendance, CMU provides people, programs and resources for our students to succeed.

Admission and Application Process

Each program manages their own separate admissions process, including deadlines and requirements, and this information varies by department. You are encouraged to visit the department's website in which you are interested to find specific details.

A student’s qualifications are not assessed until a full application has been received and processed. To learn more about your eligibility and how to apply, visit the department’s website in which you are interested. Some departments provide a few guidelines regarding the level of competitiveness. If provided, this would be found on the department website.

You are welcome to apply to more than one program, but in most cases you will need to complete separate applications for each. It is recommended not to assume that you can submit the exact same materials for each and to look closely at each program’s application requirements. Moreover, many departments have a list of FAQs that will address common issues, so if you are having technical difficulties with the application, check the department website and if the problem is not addressed on the website, contact the department directly.

Check the department website for an admission notification timeline or contact a department administrator to find out when you can expect a response regarding admissions.

All admissions-related questions, including where to submit transcripts, exam requirements, and how to set up a visit, should be directed to the department in which you are interested by visiting the college/school website linked in the Guide to Graduate Degrees and Programs section .

Tuition and Financial Support

For the most part, students in the master's programs are self-supporting, and Ph.D. students are at least partially funded and encouraged to apply to fellowships. Each program makes their own arrangements regarding financial support of potential graduate students. Applicants should seek information from the department of interest for their specific opportunities. 

More information regarding tuition and fees can be found on the Student Financial Services website . 

Visit the Funding Opportunities and Fellowships page to learn more about the centralized programs and resources that are in place for graduate student conference funding, small project research grants, professional engagement funding, and fellowship and scholarship opportunities, including the CMU Rales Fellows Program .

Guide to Graduate Degrees and Programs

You are encouraged to explore the individual school/program’s website for a full listing of available programs. 

• College of Engineering
• College of Fine Arts
• Dietrich College of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
• Mellon College of Science
• School of Computer Science
• Tepper School of Business

University-Level Programs

• Entertainment Technology Center
• Integrated Innovation Institute
• Online Programs

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Course Directory

PhD in Chemistry

Postgraduate Study

• Why Cambridge overview
• Chat with our students
• Cambridge explained overview
• The supervision system
• Student life overview
• In and around Cambridge
• Leisure activities
• Student unions
• Music awards
• Student support overview
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Disabled students
• Accommodation
• Language tuition
• Skills training
• Support for refugees
• Courses overview
• Department directory
• Qualification types
• Funded studentships
• Part-time study
• Research degrees
• Visiting students
• Finance overview
• Fees overview
• What is my fee status?
• Part-time fees
• Application fee
• Living costs
• Funding overview
• Funding search
• How to apply for funding
• University funding overview
• Research Councils (UKRI)
• External funding and loans overview
• Funding searches
• External scholarships
• Charities and the voluntary sector
• Funding for disabled students
• Widening participation in funding
• Colleges overview
• What is a College?
• Choosing a College
• Applying overview
• Before you apply
• Entry requirements
• Application deadlines
• How do I apply? overview
• Application fee overview
• Application fee waiver
• Life Science courses
• Terms and conditions
• Continuing students
• Disabled applicants
• Supporting documents overview
• Academic documents
• Finance documents
• Evidence of competence in English
• AI and postgraduate applications
• Terms and Conditions
• Applicant portal and self-service
• After you apply overview
• Confirmation of admission
• Student registry
• Previous criminal convictions
• Deferring an application
• Updating your personal details
• Appeals and Complaints
• Widening participation
• Postgraduate admissions fraud
• International overview
• Immigration overview
• ATAS overview
• Applying for an ATAS certificate
• Current Cambridge students
• International qualifications
• Competence in English overview
• What tests are accepted?
• International events
• International student views overview
• Akhila’s story
• Alex’s story
• Huijie’s story
• Kelsey’s story
• Nilesh’s story
• Get in touch!
• Events overview
• Upcoming events
• Postgraduate Open Days overview
• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD Study webinars
• Virtual tour
• Research Internships
• How we use participant data
• Postgraduate Newsletter

Primary tabs

• Overview (active tab)
• Requirements
• How To Apply
• Testimonials

Course closed:

Chemistry is no longer accepting new applications.

The PhD is offered by the Department of Chemistry as a full or part-time period of research and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. 

Please note: part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study. There are attendance requirements and part-time students will need to live close enough to Cambridge to fulfil these.

Students are integrated into the research culture of the Department by joining a research group, supervised by one of our academic staff,  in one of the following areas of chemistry:

Biological Chemistry

Life is the chemistry that goes on inside every one of us. We seek to understand this chemistry, both the physical processes occurring at the molecular level and the chemical reactions, and we also seek to control the chemistry as a way to treat diseases. Biological Chemistry at Cambridge comprises several research groups with additional contributions from many more. The major themes are biological polymers, proteins and nucleic acids - how they interact with each other and with small molecules. How do proteins fold to a defined structure and why do they sometimes not fold properly but aggregate causing neurodegenerative diseases? How do proteins catalyse the reactions that they do and can we make small molecules that inhibit these processes? What structures can nucleic acids adopt? How can we detect and what is the role of modifications of individual nucleotides? How can we target medicinally active compounds to where they are needed in the body? By addressing these questions, we seek to improve human health and the treatment of diseases.

Materials Chemistry

The technological devices we depend on, from aeroplanes to mobile phones, rely upon ever-increasing structural complexity for their function. Designing complex materials for these devices through the art of chemical synthesis brings challenges and opportunities.

Members of the Materials RIG invent new materials in view of potential applications. Modern materials chemistry is a wide ranging topic and includes surfaces, interfaces, polymers, nanoparticles and nanoporous materials, self assembly, and biomaterials, with applications relevant to oil recovery and separation, catalysis, photovoltaics, fuel cells and batteries, crystallisation and pharmaceutical formulation, gas sorption, energy, functional materials, biocompatible materials, computer memory, and sensors. 

Physical and Atmospheric Chemistry

Physical Chemistry at Cambridge has two broad but overlapping aims. One is to understand the properties of molecular systems in terms of physical principles. This work underpins many developing technological applications that affect us all, such as nanotechnology, sensors and molecular medicine. The other is atmospheric chemistry where the interactions between chemical composition, climate and health are studied using a range of computer modelling and experiment-based approaches. Together these two areas form a richly interdisciplinary subject spanning the full range of scientific methodologies: experimental, theoretical and computational. It is a research area with something for everyone.

Synthetic Chemistry

Synthetic research at the University of Cambridge is focused on the development of innovative new methods to make and use molecules of function. Our interests range from the innovative catalytic strategies to make small molecules, to supramolecular assemblies or the total synthesis of biologically important compounds and natural products. Our research is diverse, pioneering and internationally leading. The dynamic environment created by the research groups working at the cutting edge of the field, makes postgraduate research at Cambridge the best place for outstanding and motivated students.

Theoretical Chemistry

Research in Theoretical Chemistry covers a wide range of lengths and timescales, including the active development of new theoretical and computational tools. The applications include high-resolution spectroscopy, atomic and molecular clusters, biophysics, surface science, and condensed matter, complementing experimental research in the Department.

We develop new tools for quantum and classical simulations, informatics, and investigate molecules using descriptions that range from atomic detail to coarse-grained models of mesoscopic matter. This work often begins with analytical theory, which is developed into new computer programs, applied to molecules and materials of contemporary interest, and ultimately compared with experiment.

Educational aims of the PhD programme:

• give students with relevant experience at the master's level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision;
• give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests;
• provide all students with relevant and useful researcher development training opportunities to broaden their horizons and properly equip them for the opportunity which they seek following their PhD studies.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have

• a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
• demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
• shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research, research techniques and methodologies;
• demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research; and
• taken up relevant and highly useful researcher development training opportunities to develop skills and attributes for their desired future career.

Students currently studying for a relevant Master's degree at the University of Cambridge will normally need to obtain a pass in order to be eligible to continue onto the PhD in Chemistry.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

The Department of Chemistry hosts a virtual open day for prospective postgraduate students comprising online laboratory tours, a chance to meet with current students and academic staff, and an opportunity to talk to professional services staff about the application process. 

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of chemistry, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Michaelmas 2024 (closed), lent 2025 (closed), easter 2025 (closed), funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• Planetary Science and Life in the Universe MPhil
• Micro and Nanotechnology Enterprise MPhil
• Computational Methods for Materials Science CDT PhD
• Scientific Computing MPhil
• Basic and Translational Neuroscience MPhil

Postgraduate Admissions Office

• Admissions Statistics
• Start an Application
• Applicant Self-Service

At a glance

• Bringing a family
• Current Postgraduates
• Cambridge Students' Union (SU)

University Policy and Guidelines

Privacy Policy

Information compliance

Equality and Diversity

Terms of Study

About this site

About our website

Privacy policy

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...