UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE - Postgraduate Guide 2020
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2 Welcome www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk 5
Welcome to
Welcome Cambridge
Consistently rated among the top universities in
both national and international league tables, the
University of Cambridge offers a world leading
postgraduate education. With a global outlook and
reach, our mission is to contribute to society through
For hundreds of years, My student days at Cambridge offered the pursuit of education, learning and research at
me the precious opportunity to challenge
Cambridge has nurtured and deepen my knowledge. But they
the highest international levels of excellence.
generation after generation also provided the space and the time
of students. to broaden my intellectual horizons,
allowing me to read voraciously and
The collegiate University is bound
together by a deep-rooted sense of
community, shared purposes and a
widely, and to interact with one of the
most stimulating and diverse groups of
people I had ever met – staff and students
140+ Top 5
from around the globe. countries represented among undergraduates for academic and employer reputation
willingness to share resources and talents.
and postgraduate students (QS World University Rankings 2019)
Our commitment to excellence in
At Cambridge, we continue to reach our
education, learning and research is
Top 10 98
hands outward. As we do so, we welcome
uncompromising and lived out in practice
an ever more diverse group of students
every day in our lecture theatres and
who have the desire and ability to learn
supervision rooms, our libraries and labs.
and produce new insights that shift our Cambridge is one of the top ten universities most affiliates of the University have been awarded
understanding of the world around us. often targeted by Britain’s leading graduate the Nobel Prize since 1904
employers (The Graduate Market in 2019)
Professor Stephen Toope
Vice-Chancellor
Contents
Timeline of People at Cambridge ............................................................. 4 Applying .................................................................................................................. 14
Our Research ............................................................................................................ 6 After Applying ..................................................................................................... 16
Courses ........................................................................................................................ 8 Finance and Funding ...................................................................................... 18
Research Facilities ................................................................................................. 9 Colleges ................................................................................................................... 20
Student Support ................................................................................................ 10 International Students / Frequently Asked Questions ........... 22
Careers ....................................................................................................................... 11 Find Out More and Visit Us ......................................................................... 23
Student Life ............................................................................................................ 12
6 Timeline of People at Cambridge www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk 7
Timeline
of pe op le at
Cambridge Charles Darwin
Reproduced by kind perm
and Fellows of Christ’s
ission of the Master
J.J. Thomson
Courtesy and copyright of the Cavendish Laboratory
Xu Zhimo
John Cockcro
Courtesy and cop
ft
College yright of the Ca
vendish Laborat
ory
1687 1831 1869 1897 1912 1928 1932
Isaac Newton Charles Darwin is Emily Davies, suffragist, J.J. Thomson, Lawrence Bragg Xu Zhimo The atom is split for the first time, creating
publishes ‘Principia recommended by Botany and others found Cavendish Professor discovers the composes his the study of nuclear physics, by John
Mathematica’, Professor John Stevens Girton College, the first of Physics, discovers mechanism of influential poem Crockcroft and Ernest Walton under
establishing the Henslow to join HMS Beagle residential university- the electron. In X-ray diffraction. ‘On Leaving the direction of Ernest Rutherford. Their
fundamental principles as the naturalist on its level institution of higher following years, Three years later, Cambridge’ whilst Nobel Prize for physics is awarded in 1951.
of modern physics. scientific survey of South learning for women. inventors use his he shares his studying at the In this year, F.R. Leavis, Lecturer in English,
American waters. work to develop Nobel Prize for University as a
Emily Davies also publishes ‘New Bearing in English
nt: The Mistress
and new devices such as Physics with his visiting scholar. Poetry’. His distinctive style of literary and
Acknowledgeme e, Cambridge
Fellows, Gir ton Co lleg the telephone, radio father, W.H. Bragg. cultural criticism influences generations
and television. of students in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.
1960 1953 1947 1941 1938
Sir Charles Oatley, Rosalind Franklin, David Attenborough The first Dorothy Garrod is
Professor of Electrical Francis Crick and graduates having studied aeroplane to be elected to the Disney
1968 Engineering at the James Watson discover Natural Sciences. powered by one Professorship in
Anthony Hewish and University’s Department the structure of DNA. of Frank Whittle’s Archaeology, the first
Jocelyn Bell discover of Engineering, leads a Their discovery opens revolutionary new woman Professor at
pulsating stars or ‘pulsars’ team which develops Rosalind Fran the door to the study jet engines takes Cambridge. Dorothy G
arrod
klin
using Cambridge’s the first scanning Credit: Newnha of an entirely new ugh to the air. Credit: New
m enboro nd nham College
avid Att
Cambridge
Mullard Radio Astronomy electron microscope. College Cambrid
ge science - genetics. D la
Chris B
o
Credit:
Observatory. Their work
alters the course of
modern cosmology.
Zadie Smith Her Majesty is the Patroness of
1988 1999 2000 Credit: David Sha 2009 2019 Queens’ and visited the College for
kbone lunch with more than 80 Fellows,
students and staff.
Professor Stephen Hawking, Lucasian Cambridge scientists Alumna Zadie The University Her Majesty
Professor of Mathematics, publishes his book, identify the gene Smith releases of Cambridge the Queen
‘A Brief History of Time’, one of the best-selling causing diabetes and her debut novel, celebrates opens the
scientific books of all time. He is already high blood pressure. 'White Teeth', which its 800th Papworth
eminent for his work on black holes and the becomes a best anniversary. hospital on the
Big Bang theory of the origin of the universe. seller and wins a Cambridge
number of awards. Biomedical
Campus.
8 Our Research www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk 9
1 4
Our Research
8
In Cambridge, we are committed to achieving excellence in research,
and to ensuring that our research contributes to the wellbeing of society.
Here are a few examples of recent research topics at Cambridge:
Exploring viral charity campaigns
1. Using AI to avert ‘environmental catastrophe’ - 7. Pioneering a new way to turn sunlight into fuel - Using AI to avert and their psychological ‘recipe’
A new Centre at the University of Cambridge will develop The quest to find new ways to harness solar power has ‘environmental catastrophe’ and all-too-brief lifespan
artificial intelligence techniques to help address some of taken a step forward after researchers successfully split
the biggest threats facing the planet. water into hydrogen and oxygen by altering the
photosynthetic machinery in plants.
2. ‘Murder map’ reveals medieval London’s meanest streets Credit: Katarzyna Sokół
- First digital map of the murders recorded by the city’s coroner 5 Discovering how
in early 1300s shows Cheapside and Cornhill were homicide 8. Discovering how multilingualism could benefit multilingualism could benefit
‘hot spots’, and Sundays held the highest risk of violent death India’s poorest schoolchildren
India’s poorest schoolchildren - Multilingualism is the 2
for medieval Londoners. norm in India. But rather than enjoying the cognitive and
Credit: Violence Research Centre learning advantages seen in multilingual children in the
Global North, Indian children show low levels of learning
basic school skills. Professor Ianthi Tsimpli is trying to
3. Developing technique to ‘listen’ to a patient’s
disentangle the causes of this paradox.
brain during tumour surgery - Surgeons could soon
Credit: Ianthi Tsimpli
9
eavesdrop on a patient’s brain activity during surgery to Rapid melting of the world’s largest ice
remove their brain tumour, helping improve the accuracy of http://cam.ac.uk/202172 shelf linked to solar heat in the ocean
the operation and reduce the risk of impairing brain function.
Credit: Kai Schreiber 9. How AI system may accelerate search for cancer
discoveries - Searching through the mountains of published
cancer research could be made easier for scientists, thanks
4. Exploring viral charity campaigns and their ‘Murder map’ reveals medieval 6
to a new AI system. Global cancer research attracts massive London’s meanest streets
psychological ‘recipe’ and all-too-brief lifespan -
amounts of funding worldwide, and the scientific literature is
New work focusing on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge reveals
now so huge that researchers are struggling to keep up with
the very brief shelf life of such viral campaigns, and suggests
it. It is the first literature-based discovery system aimed at
the nature of ‘virality’ and social tipping points themselves
supporting cancer research.
may be a stumbling block to deeper engagement with
social issues that campaigns aim to promote.
Credit: NIH Image Gallery
3
Credit: Charlie Baker Researching how washable, wearable How AI system may accelerate
10. Solar storms could cost USA tens of billions of dollars battery-like devices could be woven search for cancer discoveries
5. Rapid melting of the world’s largest ice shelf - The daily economic cost to the USA from solar storm-induced directly into clothes
electricity blackouts could be in the tens of billions of dollars,
linked to solar heat in the ocean - An international
with more than half the loss from indirect costs outside the
team of scientists has found part of the world’s largest ice
blackout zone.
shelf is melting 10 times faster than the overall ice shelf 10
average due to solar heating of the surrounding
Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
ocean surface. 7
Credit: Poul Christoffersen
6. Researching how washable, wearable battery-like
devices could be woven directly into clothes - Based
on cheap, safe and environmentally-friendly inks and woven
directly into fabrics, washable, wearable ‘batteries’ have been Find out more about the research
developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge. taking place at Cambridge by
Credit: Felice Torrisi visiting our website - Pioneering a new way to turn Solar storms could cost USA
Developing technique to ‘listen’ to a patient’s sunlight into fuel tens of billions of dollars
www.cam.ac.uk/research/spotlight-on
brain during tumour surgery
10 Courses | Research Facilities www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk 11
Research ‘Being in Cambridge gives
Courses Facilities
you access to virtually any
resource that you might need
to consult in your research:
not only the existing stock
and Support
in all the libraries, but also
additional books, articles,
etc. that they can quickly
acquire for you.’
Yui
With over 300 postgraduate courses on offer PhD Research More than 100 libraries across the collegiate University PhD in English
at Cambridge, including taught and research The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the
opportunities across an incredibly broad range principal research degree at Cambridge and is
of academic disciplines, you can choose a course available in all faculties and departments. Libraries Museums Computing and IT
that suits your subject and research interests. As a doctoral student, you will be focussed The collegiate University has more The University has nine specialist All Colleges, as well as many
on research which represents a significant than 100 libraries across the Colleges, museums and collections, as well departments and libraries, have
contribution to learning, and you’ll work faculties and departments. The main as the University Botanic Garden. computer suites offering a range
on this research in a department which is University Library is a legal deposit Encompassing a wide range of of general and specialist software.
Masters at Cambridge: The MPhil Explained internationally renowned for the originality library holding more than eight resources from local archaeological Wi-Fi is available throughout the
At Cambridge, the majority of our Master’s degrees lead and global significance of its advances in million books, journals and other finds and internationally renowned Colleges and departments, and most
to a Master of Philosophy (MPhil). There are two types of theories and knowledge. documents ranging in age from 3,000 paintings to specimens collected College rooms are connected to the
MPhil on offer at Cambridge: year-old manuscripts to the latest by Charles Darwin, postgraduate University network and internet. An
The MPhil by Advanced Study
Teaching articles available online. Postgraduate students are able to use these IT service desk and free computer
(includes a taught element) At Cambridge, you will be taught by academics students also have access to the collections for study, research, programme training courses are
who are prominent experts and leaders in their University Library’s 32 affiliated and also for personal interest. available to all students.
The MPhil by Research libraries, covering a broad range
field. Your department or faculty will assign www.museums.cam.ac.uk www.uis.cam.ac.uk
Both types of MPhil provide excellent preparation for full-scale of subjects.
you a personal supervisor whose role is to
Over 8 mil lion volumes
PhD research. MPhil students are introduced to specialist www.lib.cam.ac.uk
knowledge and research skills by gaining valuable experience
guide your programme of study or research. Language tuition
in the Uni versity Library
It is this blend of academic challenge and
in preparing and producing a research dissertation. Whether you wish to learn a new
supportive encouragement which makes Skills training language or improve your language
postgraduate study at Cambridge an
All postgraduate students receive skills to complement your studies
intellectually rewarding experience.
training in research skills via their and enhance your employability, the
department or faculty’s postgraduate Language Centre offers taught and
training programme. Students also self-study courses at various levels in
For more answers to Frequently Asked have access to optional skill-based a number of languages. An academic
Questions, please visit our website: courses provided by departments, the English language support programme
Centre for Professional and Personal is also available for overseas students
www.cam.ac.uk/pgfaq Development, and the who require additional help to refine
Careers Service. their language ability.
www.ppd.admin.cam.ac.uk www.langcen.cam.ac.uk
‘What I enjoy the most here is the
access to a large amount of training.
Also, the visiting scholars that this
university attracts make the ‘No matter what resource you need access to,
discussion much more interesting.’ Cambridge can connect you to it. Be it journal
articles, archived material, or collaborators around
Simon the world, Cambridge is a nexus for it all.’
PhD in Theoretical Chemistry
Samuel
PhD in Plant Sciences
12 Student Support | Careers www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk 13
Student Support Careers
Graduate Union Disability Resource Childcare Office Career destinations
Our Graduate Union (GU) represents Centre The Childcare Office operates Cambridge graduates are highly employable and our students
the interests of all postgraduate The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) an Information Service, which aims go on to careers across many industries and sectors. But it is not
students and provides a range of offers guidance, information and to support families of the University just employment that our postgraduate courses prepare you for –
central services and support to support, and is an essential contact for community. The service offers many Master’s students go into further research study, and many
help ensure you have a fulfilling disabled applicants including those information on family related issues of our PhD students pursue careers in research and academia.
student experience. We are proud with a specific learning difficulty or including childcare, schooling, health The University of Cambridge Careers Service can work with
that our Graduate Union is one of long-term health condition. Disclosing care, financial support and local you from day one to explore options, connect with employers
the only students’ unions in the UK this information won’t form part of the community resources. The University and navigate the complex job market – saving you time and
exclusively for postgraduate students. decision process and your application has three day nurseries at Edwinstowe maximising your employability prospects. Whether you have
Membership of the Graduate Union is will be processed in exactly the same Close, West Cambridge and Eddington no idea what to do next, a few ideas or a definite plan, the Careers
automatic and free, and spouses and way as any other application. for children from three months to school Service offer plenty to help you take the next step, such as:
partners are able to become associate age, as well as a Holiday Playscheme
members in order to attend events You are strongly encouraged to • One-to-one guidance consultations;
which operates during the state school
and use GU services. disclose any disability including any holiday periods (excluding Christmas and • 14 major careers events each year;
specific learning difficulty (SpLD), Bank Holidays) for school-age children.
The GU is run by a board of elected • An extensive programme of briefings and skill sessions;
long-term health condition or
officers and an Executive Committee www.childcare.admin.cam.ac.uk • Upcoming employer presentations;
of voluntary student officers, who
mental health condition, and provide
any relevant information in your • Free resources to help create CVs and cover letters; No. 1 in the UK for
focus on four key areas: Other Sources of Support
• Representation
application. If you have disclosed a
disability and receive a conditional Accommodation Service
• Free access to online practice psychometric tests employer reputation
www.accommodation.cam.ac.uk • A database of over 4,000 job vacancies.
• Welfare and support offer of admission to the University,
the DRC will get in contact to put a www.careers.cam.ac.uk (QS World University
• Student services and facilities International Student Office Rankings 2019)
support plan in place to make any www.iso.admin.cam.ac.uk
• Events reasonable adjustments during your
The GU, along with the time at Cambridge.
Undergraduate Students’ Union www.disability.admin.cam.ac.uk
(CUSU), also run the Students’
Unions’ Advice Service in order Faith
to provide free, confidential and Advice tailored to you
The University of Cambridge
independent support to all students The Careers Service offers a wide range
and its Colleges are a multi-faith
of the University of Cambridge. of services, including advice and support
community and provide facilities ‘Support from academic
www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk and opportunities for individuals to specific to postgraduate students. You can
supervisors has been make an appointment with the Careers
explore their faith and beliefs. The exceptional - I have a great
University provides a range of faith Service for personally tailored advice and
relationship with my to consider your options, and our careers
societies and communities which are supervisor and other staff
open to all individuals, with multi- advisers can help you make informed
in the department. I have career choices and work out what to
faith facilities available to Cambridge engaged with the Counselling
students. Around Cambridge there are do next, whether that is:
service at the University who
also a range of religion-specific places provide excellent support • Matching your interests and skills
of worship. Some Colleges also have a and welfare services and to possible careers
Chaplain or Dean who have a pastoral are an integral part of the • Providing guidance on working
role among members of the College support/welfare at the as a postgraduate student
community and are available to all University.’ • Offering job application support
students of all faiths.
Rebecca
PhD in Medical Science
14 Student Life www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk 15
Student life
Entertainment, • Games, hobbies and
outdoor pursuits
music and festivals
• Media (eg. journalism, TV, radio,
However you like to spend your time, film-making, photography)
there’s always something to keep you
In and arou nd Ca mbrid ge
• Performing arts (eg. comedy,
entertained. Cambridge has four
dance, drama, music)
theatres, three cinemas, and two major
entertainment venues offering varied • Politics and debating
programmes that include comedy, • Science and technology
drama, dance, concerts and club See the full range on the Societies
nights. Throughout the year, the city Directory: www.societies.cam.ac.uk.
hosts a growing number of music
festivals as well as lots of other events, Sport
fairs and festivals, including: The sports scene at Cambridge is
• Folk, Jazz and Rock Festivals Outside the city huge. More than 80 sports are offered
• Buskers and Street If you want to explore further afield, here, including team games, water
Performers Festival London is just 50 minutes away by sports, martial arts, racket sports
• Watersprite International train and there’s also plenty to and extreme sports.
Student Film Festival discover in the region. One of the advantages of being
• History Festival • Walking and cycling routes collegiate is how easy it is for students
• Literary Festival • Punting up river to Grantchester to get involved with sports at any
• Eat Cambridge Festival • Ely and its cathedral level. There are College teams for
• Beer Festival • Historical buildings, gardens novices and experts, as well as the
• Strawberry Fair and museums University teams that represent
• Midsummer Fair Cambridge against other universities
• Nature reserves, wildlife parks
• Shakespeare Festival and club teams. Most sports teams
and zoos
at the University include a mix of
• Film Festival • Karting, a real snow slope,
undergraduates and postgraduates
• Dragonboat Festival and indoor skydiving
so everyone is welcome to take part.
• Mill Road Winter Fair
Student societies Many clubs and groups offer taster
Pubs, clubs and restaurants All students at Cambridge are able to sessions at the beginning of each year so
Cambridge has a great range of pubs take full advantage of the clubs and you can try them out and find out more.
and coffee shops – there are more societies on offer at the University,
www.sport.cam.ac.uk
than 100 before you start to count the and our postgraduate students can
dozens of College and University bars get involved in all aspects of student
and cafés! There’s a great selection life here beyond their academic studies.
of places to eat for any mood, taste,
‘One thing I do love about occasion, and budget. Better still,
At Cambridge, there are hundreds
of student groups, clubs and
Cambridge emerged victorious
Cambridge is the variety
of niche-interest clubs
various cafés and restaurants offer
societies relating to: in the lesser known Oxf ord
and Cambridge Goat Race
special discounts for students.
available - the only • Academic subjects
difficulty is not doing Shopping • Community, charity and of 2017.
too many things!’ volunteering projects
Cambridge’s three shopping centres,
Lee the market and the city’s central • Particular cultures
streets house most high street names and nationalities
PhD in Anglo-Saxon,
Norse and Celtic alongside independent shops and • The environment
boutiques. Just outside the centre, you • Faiths and religions
can find an eclectic mix of international • Food and drink
food shops, cafés and restaurants.
‘Cambridge for me is just the right size. Big enough
so that there is lots going on and you don’t get bored,
Sarah
but small enough that you feel part of a community’ PhD in Pharmacology
16 Applying to Cambridge www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk 17
Applying to 3 4 5
Cambridge Applicant
Portal
Academic
references
Colleges
All postgraduates are a member of a
College (see p20-21). In your application
To apply to the University of Cambridge, you must submit an online application The Applicant Portal is where You are required to submit two to Cambridge, you can indicate two
through the Applicant Portal on our Graduate Admissions website. Applications to you write and submit your academic references, which you College preferences or choose to make
our postgraduate courses open in early September each year with various deadlines application, as well as pay the can request and submit via the an open application to have a College
application fee. Visit our website Applicant Portal. You should allocated to you. While over 65 per cent
throughout the year that you need to consider. This section guides you through the
to see if you are eligible for a fee ensure you have your referees’ of applicants get one of their College
postgraduate application process, from finding your ideal course, to receiving an offer. waiver. Once you have selected consent before you apply. preferences, this cannot be guaranteed.
your course in the Course Please note that departments/faculties
Your referees must submit their
Directory, click the 'Apply Online' make admissions decisions for
1 2
references before your application
button to be directed to the postgraduate courses at Cambridge.
is considered, so you should request
Applicant Portal.
your references as early as possible.
Any supporting documentation
Course Deadlines requested on the course page
(e.g. transcripts) must also be
Before applying, you should thoroughly There are two deadlines that you need to consider: the application uploaded in a pdf format via the
research your prospective course, including and funding deadlines. Applicant Portal by the deadline.
its requirements, deadlines and course costs. If you wish to be considered in our Graduate Funding Competition
If you are applying for a PhD, you are advised (see p18-19) you need to apply by the funding deadline. Course and
to get in touch with a potential supervisor in funding applications are made via the same online form, so you
the relevant Department/Faculty. For advice must apply by whichever deadline comes first.
on how to find a suitable supervisor, you can
Please note, applications may close before the course deadline if all
check the Department’s PhD webpages or
places have been filled, so we recommend applying as early as possible.
contact the Department/Faculty directly.
www.cam.ac.uk/pgcourses
7
6 Interview
Submit your application Most departments/faculties will want to
interview you if your application is progressed
Once you have finished writing your application, uploaded all required to the next stage in the admissions process.
supporting documents and received references, your application is ready to Some scholarships and studentships will also
be submitted and you will be asked to pay the application fee. You will not invite shortlisted candidates for interviews.
be able to download a copy of your application after submission so please Most interviews will be conducted via
save your application before you submit if you would like your own copy. video conferencing or telephone.
18 After Applying www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk 19
After
Meeting offer conditions
Once you have received an official
offer of admission from the Graduate
Applying Offers
Admissions Office, you will receive access
to your Self-Service Account which tells
you everything you need to know
about your offer conditions.
W ha t ha ppen s ne xt ?
Your Self-Service Account allows you to:
• View your offer conditions
What are we looking for? • Print a certificate of your offer
Decisions on admission to the University for postgraduate study • Accept or decline your offer
Application form and supporting documents are made on academic merit and your suitability for the course. • Request a deferral of admission,
submitted via the Applicant Portal The availability of an appropriate supervisor and space on the if the course permits
course are also taken into consideration in our admissions process.
• Provide documents to meet
Around 90% of applications We consider all applications holistically and on an individual basis.
Department/Faculty reviews application and may your conditions
are considered by the
department within 12 weeks
hold interview
Offers Offer holders will need to provide an
If your application has been recommended by the Department/ official transcript. Your official transcript
Offer recommended by department/faculty? No Faculty and approved by the Graduate Admissions Office, you will
receive a formal offer of admission by email. If you have made more
may be sent to us electronically if your
institution has a recognised secure
than one application, you may receive more than one conditional electronic transcript system, namely
offer, but you will only be able to accept one. Digitary, HEAR or GradIntel. You will
Yes need to contact your institution to
enquire whether they offer this facility.
If you’re not able to send an electronic
transcript, you will need to send us your
Degree Committee reviews application
Approximately
Application certified original transcript via post.
is declined.
seven days
Unsuccessful
Offer recommended by Degree Committee? No applicants are
notified by email
and via the
Applicant Portal.
The deadline to meet the conditions
Yes
of your offer is the 31 July for
courses starting in Autumn.
Graduate Admissions Office reviews application
Approximately
seven days
Does application satisfy minimum requirements
for admission? No
Yes Most offers of
admission are made
in February and
March. If you applied
Applicant is offered Conditional Admission by the Graduate
before the general
Admissions Office on behalf of the University of Cambridge
funding deadlines in
December, or January,
you should find out
Application is sent to up to five Colleges and the outcome of your
applicant receives College membership within three application during
weeks of receiving a formal offer of admission these months.
20 Finance and Funding www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk 21
Finance and
Graduate Funding Competition Other financial support and scholarships Student Loans
There is a wide range of funding opportunities at There are still many other funding opportunities outside It may also be possible to take out a loan to help fund your
Cambridge. To make the process of applying for of our Graduate Funding Competition. You should make use studies. Home fee status students who live in England and
Funding
funding easier for our applicants, we operate an of the comprehensive online search tool to find other awards Wales, are under 60, and are applying for a Master’s course
annual Graduate Funding Competition. you may be eligible for that are not part of the Graduate may be eligible for a UK Government Postgraduate Loan.
Funding Competition: You can find out more information about these and
The Graduate Funding Competition co-ordinates funding
www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk additional private loan opportunities online:
from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge
Trust, Gates Cambridge, the Economic and Social Research www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/
Council (ESRC), the Arts and Humanities Research Council student-loans
The cost of studying at the University of
(AHRC), and some funding from Colleges and other awards.
Cambridge is broken down into two areas:
To be eligible for consideration in the Graduate
Funding Competition you must
Where to start? Useful advice for finance and funding
1. University Composition Fee (UCF) 1 submit your application and supporting documents
The UCF is paid to your College to cover the cost of via the Applicant Portal by the relevant Research early
your education and College membership and its value funding deadline Start researching funding opportunities as soon as possible.
If you have time, start at least a year before your course begins.
is dependent on your fee status (Home/EU/Overseas) 2 tick that you wish to be considered in the
and course of study. Funding section†
2. Maintenance Graduate Use the funding Explore other Consider a
The absolute minimum estimated living costs during Funding Funding
Source Eligibility Deadline Funding search tool funding options Student Loan
your time at the University.
Gates Citizens of any country October Competition Take a look at funding Take a look at other funding Consider whether you
When considering postgraduate study at the University, Find out what funding is options not included in opportunities, such as Gates would like to take out a
Cambridge outside the UK (USA citizens
you may find it helpful to look at the estimated annual included in the Graduate the Graduate Funding Cambridge or external student loan and
/residents)
financial commitment for your course, which you can Funding Competition on Competition listed on our funding. whether you are eligible.
calculate on our website. December/ search tool and find out After this, you should
January
our website and check the www.graduate.study.cam.
www.cam.ac.uk/pgfinance funding deadline for your how to apply. Not all ac.uk/finance/funding/ look in to how you
(course specific) funding is included within should apply and what
course. Ensure you submit external-funding
Cambridge All students December/ your application in time the Graduate Funding the next steps are.
Trust January to be eligible for Competition.
(course consideration.
specific)
UK Research UK, EU and EEA December/
Councils students. Generally, January Apply early
eligibility for full (course
Many scholarship deadlines fall early in December, for admission
or partial funding specific)
in the following year. If your course starts in January or April you
depends on
‘I had a terrific experience with my may need to apply for funding 18 months in advance.
meeting residency
scholars/friends from the funding requirements
body and they were one of the
main reasons why Cambridge Get funding or financing before you start studying
has been such a welcoming place For further information on funding deadlines please see the Course
†
In order to take up a place, successful applicants will need to evidence how they plan to finance
for me from the very beginning. Directory and funding section of the Graduate Admissions website: their study. You may not be able to find funding once your course has started and we
www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding
They not only provided me with would advise having your funding organised well in advance of you starting your course.
essential fi nancial support, but If you have been successful in the Graduate Funding
also with many other social and Competition, you will be notified sometime between the
academic opportunities during beginning of March and the end of July. The majority of Apply for many funding opportunities
the whole duration of the course.’ awards tend to be made in March and April. Unfortunately, We encourage you to apply for as many funding opportunities you are eligible for,
due to the number of applicants, only successful both internal and external to the University. Check our funding page for more
Filip Boskovic candidates will be notified. If you haven’t heard anything details. If you’re applying for a department award or a funded place, remember to
MPhil in Physics (by Research) by the end of July, you should assume that you haven’t also search and apply for other funding schemes to increase your chances of
been successful in being awarded funding. funding opportunities.22 Colleges www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk 23
Colleges
Choosing a College
Here are some things to consider, which may help you
make a decision about which College is right for you:
Your age – four Colleges only consider applications
from mature students (aged 21 and over), and two
At Cambridge, as well as being a member of the University, Colleges are for postgraduate students only.*
you are also a member of one of our 31 Colleges.
Your gender – three Colleges only consider applications
from female students. (Please note female applicants
can apply to any College.)*
Part-time students – not all Colleges accept
Cambridge Colleges form one of the key College choice The first two Colleges will be the preferences indicated in part-time students.
communities for postgraduates during As part of your application, you can indicate your application or the two Colleges assigned to you if
College size – Colleges accept differing numbers
their studies, offering a range of academic two College preferences or you can choose you made an open application. If you are not accepted
of students and so some student populations are larger
and pastoral support, accommodation to make an open application. Opting for by either of your preference Colleges, the additional
‘I’ve met fantastic than others.
and facilities for study and leisure. No an open application simply means that the Colleges will be determined by the system based on
friends at my College matter which College you join, you will system will automatically allocate College the availability of spaces within a College. Particular facilities – whilst all Colleges offer fantastic
– working on a huge be welcomed into an inclusive, choices for you. facilities, there are differences in the exact nature of the
range of topics – If you have been made a formal offer of admission
interdisciplinary, supportive and social facilities they offer. You should look at College websites
and I am grateful Choosing College preferences or making by the University, you are guaranteed to be accepted
community for postgraduate students. to find out more about what each has to offer.
for the support an open application has no effect on the by a College.
and friendship!’ Unlike undergraduate degree applications, outcome of your application to the University Accessibility – facilities and accommodation provision
What does a College offer?
Colleges do not assess and admit as Colleges do not make admissions decisions vary between Colleges. Therefore, if you have particular
Eleanor postgraduate student applications. for postgraduate courses at Cambridge. Your
Welfare and practical support through a Graduate
•
access requirements, we recommend you check which
PhD in History The decision on whether you will Tutor. They monitor your progress and provide
application will only be sent to a College Colleges would best meet your needs. You may find it
be made an offer is decided by the information on academic and pastoral matters and
after you have been made an offer of helpful to get in touch with the College directly to
department/faculty you apply to. organise an induction programme to help you settle
admission to the University. discuss your specific needs.
in. Colleges also provide a College nurse, Chaplain
Although around 65% of postgraduate and/or counsellor and provide advice on childcare The Disability Resource Centre’s Access Guide
students at Cambridge become a member provision in Cambridge. is a good source of additional information regarding
of one of their preference choices, you may Accommodation and catering with College
• facilities and accessibility.
be considered by up to five Colleges. catering offered in formal and informal environments, www.cam.ac.uk/accessguide
at a reasonable price. College accommodation and
To help you narrow down your College choices,
catering is not guaranteed. Information on other
you can use our College Key Facts and Figures:
accommodation is also offered.
www.cam.ac.uk/pgcollege-facts
Academic enrichment and support with the
•
provision of library and IT facilities, and opportunities Many full-time postgraduates live in College
to supervise undergraduates (where applicable). accommodation, but few Colleges are able to house all their
A cross-intellectual community with opportunities
• student members and so accommodation tends to be
to exchange experiences across disciplines and offered on a first-come-first-served basis. The University’s
generations in an informal setting through Accommodation Service can assist those who need to find
networks and seminars accommodation outside the Colleges:
Finance and funding: Advice on identifying and
• www.accommodation.cam.ac.uk.
obtaining financial assistance and help in cases of * Lucy Cavendish College will accept applications from all applicants,
regardless of gender, aged 18 and over for admittance from October 2021.
unforeseen and unforeseeable financial difficulties
A strong social focus with a student association or
•
graduate society run by students with College support.
• Social, cultural and recreational activities with suitable
facilities to enhance your personal development
• Lifelong membership to the College.24 International Students | Find Out More www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk 25
International Find
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for more than one course?
Yes, you can apply for as many courses as
Students Out More
you wish. You must complete a separate
application form for each course and you
must also pay the full application fee for
each application you make.
Can I apply to both Cambridge
and Oxford?
We are proud of our diverse student community, If you’d like more information or details about Graduate Admissions Office
with over 50% of postgraduate students coming Yes, the restriction on applying anything mentioned in this guide, or have questions
to both universities only applies 01223 760606
from overseas, representing more than 140 to undergraduate admissions. that have not been answered here, please visit the graduateadmissions@admin.cam.ac.uk
countries around the globe. Graduate Admissions website or contact the
I am still studying and do not have
Graduate Admissions Office directly. Graduate Union
a final transcript. What do I do?
Applying with Non-UK Qualifications Please request an interim transcript of 01223 333313
We accept a large number of qualifications from around the your courses/results so far from your enquiries@gradunion.cam.ac.uk
world. If you have not previously studied in the UK, you can university and upload this. If you receive a www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk
check the equivalence qualifications guidelines for your country conditional offer, you will need to provide
on the International Section of the Graduate Admissions website. the original final transcript to meet the
www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international-qualifications conditions of your offer. Disability Resource Centre (DRC)
Should I submit a CV? 01223 332301
English language requirements disability@admin.cam.ac.uk
If English is not your first language, you may be required to take Yes, all courses require you to upload
a CV to the Applicant Portal as part of www.cam.ac.uk/disability
a language test. You can check whether you are likely to be
asked to take a language test, which language tests your course your application.
accepts, and the minimum required score in the International Can I defer my place? International Students
section of the Graduate Admissions website. www.iso.admin.cam.ac.uk/contact
Deferments are only possible if your
https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international/ course has another start date within internationaladmissions@admin.cam.ac.uk
competence-english the same academic year and the course
permits deferal entry. Whether you can
For further information about applying as an international
defer your place is at the discretion of
Postgraduate Alternative Prospectus
student, such as visas and immigration advice, please visit
the Department/Faculty. www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk/alt-prospectus
the International Students website:
The Postgraduate Alternative Prospectus was
www.internationalstudents.cam.ac.uk
written by Cambridge postgraduates to give
For more answers to Frequently Asked insight into life at Cambridge. It provides you
with an overview of living and studying in
Questions, please visit our website:
Cambridge, tips on where to look for funding,
www.cam.ac.uk/pgfaq and guidance for the application process.
‘I have found the community
at my College and Faculty
to be welcoming, and this Visit Us
was an extremely helpful The University offers a Postgraduate Open Day, usually in November each year. The
resource and I now Postgraduate Open Day provides an excellent opportunity to speak to department
consider Cambridge to academics, visit Colleges, and get further information and advice about applying.
be a second home.’
The Postgraduate team also attend various roadshows and events across the UK
Tanya and overseas, which provide additional opportunities to find out more information.
Toronto, Canada
For details of these events and how to book a place, please visit the website:
www.cam.ac.uk/pgeventsFor more information contact one of the College admissions offices or: Graduate Admissions Office Student Services Centre New Museums Site Cambridge CB2 3PT 01223 760606 www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk graduateadmissions@admin.cam.ac.uk Details are correct at the time of printing (September 2019). © University of Cambridge, 2019.
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