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 the highest international levels of excellence. Cambridge has nurtured and deepen my knowledge. But they 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 widely, and to interact with one of the together by a deep-rooted sense of most stimulating and diverse groups of community, shared purposes and a people I had ever met – staff and students 140+ Top 5 willingness to share resources and talents. from around the globe. countries represented among undergraduates for academic and employer reputation Our commitment to excellence in and postgraduate students (QS World University Rankings 2019) At Cambridge, we continue to reach our education, learning and research is 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 Top 10 98 Cambridge is one of the top ten universities most affi liates 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 people at

Cambridge Charles Darwin J.J. Thomson Reproduced by kind permission of the Master Courtesy and copyright of the Cavendish Laboratory John Cockcroft and Fellows of Christ’s College Xu Zhimo Courtesy and copyright of the Cavendish Laboratory

1687 1831 1869 1897 1912 1928 1932

Isaac Newton Charles Darwin is Emily Davies, suff ragist, J.J. Thomson, Lawrence Bragg Xu Zhimo The atom is split for the fi rst 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 fi rst of Physics, discovers mechanism of infl uential poem Crockcroft and Ernest Walton under establishing the Henslow to join HMS Beagle residential university- the electron. In X-ray diff raction. ‘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. scientifi c 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 also publishes ‘New Bearing in English Emily Davies new devices such as Physics with his visiting scholar. Acknowledgement: The Mistress and Poetry’. His distinctive style of literary and Fellows, Girton College, Cambridge the telephone, radio father, W.H. Bragg. cultural criticism infl uences generations and television. of students in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

1960 1953 1947 1941 1938

Sir Charles Oatley, Rosalind Franklin, David Attenborough The fi rst 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 fi rst Jocelyn Bell discover of Engineering, leads a Their discovery opens revolutionary new woman Professor at pulsating stars or ‘pulsars’ team which develops Rosalind Franklin the door to the study jet engines takes Cambridge. Dorothy Garrod using Cambridge’s the fi rst scanning Credit: Newnham of an entirely new to the air. Credit: Newnham College Cambridge electron microscope. College Cambridge science - genetics. David Attenborough Mullard Radio Astronomy Credit: Chris Boland Observatory. Their work alters the course of modern cosmology. Zadie Smith Her Majesty is the Patroness of 1988 1999 2000 Credit: David Shakbone 2009 2019 Queens’ and visited the College for lunch with more than 80 Fellows, students and sta .

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 scientifi c 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 fi nd new ways to harness solar power has ‘environmental catastrophe’ and all-too-brief lifespan artifi cial 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 benefi t multilingualism could benefi t India’s poorest schoolchildren ‘hot spots’, and Sundays held the highest risk of violent death 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 3. Developing technique to ‘listen’ to a patient’s basic school skills. Professor Ianthi Tsimpli is trying to disentangle the causes of this paradox. brain during tumour surgery - Surgeons could soon 9 Credit: Ianthi Tsimpli 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 to a new AI system. Global cancer research attracts massive 6 psychological ‘recipe’ and all-too-brief lifespan - London’s meanest streets amounts of funding worldwide, and the scientifi c 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 fi rst 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 Credit: NIH Image Gallery social issues that campaigns aim to promote. 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 Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center 10 average due to solar heating of the surrounding ocean surface. 7 Credit: Poul Christoff ersen

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 sunlight into fuel www.cam.ac.uk/research/spotlight-on Developing technique to ‘listen’ to a patient’s tens of billions of dollars brain during tumour surgery 10 Courses | Research Facilities www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk 11

Research ‘Being in Cambridge gives you access to virtually any resource that you might need Courses Facilities to consult in your research: not only the existing stock in all the libraries, but also additional books, articles, and Support 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 articles available online. Postgraduate students are able to use these IT service desk and free computer The MPhil by Advanced Study Teaching (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 of subjects. Both types of MPhil provide excellent preparation for full-scale you a personal supervisor whose role is to PhD research. MPhil students are introduced to specialist guide your programme of study or research. www.lib.cam.ac.uk Language tuition knowledge and research skills by gaining valuable experience It is this blend of academic challenge and Over 8 million volumes Whether you wish to learn a new in preparing and producing a research dissertation. supportive encouragement which makes Skills training language or improve your language in the University Library 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 • One-to-one guidance consultations; members in order to attend events You are strongly encouraged to 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. • An extensive programme of briefings and skill sessions; The GU is run by a board of elected long-term health condition or officers and an Executive Committee mental health condition, and provide www.childcare.admin.cam.ac.uk • Upcoming employer presentations; of voluntary student officers, who any relevant information in your • Free resources to help create CVs and cover letters; focus on four key areas: Other Sources of Support No. 1 in the UK for application. If you have disclosed a • Free access to online practice psychometric tests • Representation disability and receive a conditional Accommodation Service • A database of over 4,000 job vacancies. employer reputation • Welfare and support offer of admission to the University, www.accommodation.cam.ac.uk 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 and its Colleges are a multi-faith The Careers Service offers a wide range of the University of Cambridge. of services, including advice and support community and provide facilities ‘Support from academic www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk specific to postgraduate students. You can and opportunities for individuals to supervisors has been explore their faith and beliefs. The make an appointment with the Careers exceptional - I have a great Service for personally tailored advice and University provides a range of faith relationship with my societies and communities which are to consider your options, and our careers supervisor and other staff advisers can help you make informed open to all individuals, with multi- in the department. I have faith facilities available to Cambridge career choices and work out what to engaged with the Counselling do next, whether that is: students. Around Cambridge there are 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

Entertainment, • Games, hobbies and music and festivals outdoor pursuits • Media (eg. journalism, TV, radio, However you like to spend your time, film-making, photography) Student life there’s always something to keep you • Performing arts (eg. comedy, entertained. Cambridge has four dance, drama, music) theatres, three cinemas, and two major entertainment venues offering varied • Politics and debating In and around Cambridge 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 • Fol k, 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 Cambridge against other universities • Midsummer Fair • Nature reserves, wildlife parks and club teams. Most sports teams • Shakespeare Festival 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. societies on offer at the University, and coffee shops – there are more 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 At Cambridge, there are hundreds occasion, and budget. Better still, Cambridge is the variety of student groups, clubs and Cambridge emerged vi cto rious various cafés and restaurants offer of niche-interest clubs societies relating to: special discounts for students. in the lesser known Oxford available - the only • Academic subjects and Cambridge Goat Race diffi culty is not doing Shopping • Community, charity and too many things!’ of 2017. Cambridge’s three shopping centres, volunteering projects the market and the city’s central • Particular cultures Lee and nationalities PhD in Anglo-Saxon, streets house most high street names 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 Academic Colleges Portal references 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 throughout the year that you need to consider. This section guides you through the application fee. Visit our website Applicant Portal. You should allocated to you. While over 65 per cent 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 fi nding 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 references before your application button to be directed to the postgraduate courses at Cambridge. is considered, so you should request Applicant Portal. 1 your references as early as possible. 2 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 fi rst. 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 fi lled, so we recommend applying as early as possible. contact the Department/Faculty directly. www.cam.ac.uk/pgcourses

7 6 Interview Most departments/faculties will want to Submit your application 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

Meeting offer conditions Once you have received an official After offer of admission from the Graduate Admissions Office, you will receive access to your Self-Service Account which tells you everything you need to know Applying Offers about your offer conditions. Your Self-Service Account allows you to: What happens next? • 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 hold interview department within 12 weeks 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? Faculty and approved by the Graduate Admissions Office, you will may be sent to us electronically if your No receive a formal offer of admission by email. If you have made more 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 Application certified original transcript via post. Approximately is declined. seven days Unsuccessful Offer recommended by Degree Committee? applicants are No 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

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 Finance and 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 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 Funding The Graduate Funding Competition co-ordinates funding additional private loan opportunities online: from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk Trust, Gates Cambridge, the Economic and Social Research www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/ student-loans The cost of studying at the University of Council (ESRC), the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), and some funding from Colleges and other awards. Cambridge is broken down into two areas: To be eligible for consideration in the Graduate Where to start? Funding Competition you must Useful advi ce for finance and funding 1. University Composition Fee (UCF) submit your application and supporting documents 1 Research early The UCF is paid to your College to cover the cost of via the Applicant Portal by the relevant 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, Cambridge outside the UK (USA citizens Find out what funding is options not included in opportunities, such as Gates would like to take out a you may find it helpful to look at the estimated annual /residents) included in the Graduate the Graduate Funding Cambridge or external student loan and financial commitment for your course, which you can Funding Competition on Competition listed on our funding. whether you are eligible. December/ calculate on our website. our website and check the search tool and find out After this, you should January www.graduate.study.cam. www.cam.ac.uk/pgfinance funding deadline for your how to apply. Not all look in to how you (course specific) ac.uk/finance/funding/ course. Ensure you submit funding is included within external-funding should apply and what 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 may need to apply for funding 18 months in advance. ‘I had a terrifi c experience with my 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 They not only provided me with www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding 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

Choosing a College Here are some things to consider, which may help you Colleges 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 than others. ‘I’ve met fantastic 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 If you have been made a formal offer of admission range of topics – interdisciplinary, supportive and social facilities they offer. You should look at College websites Choosing College preferences or making by the University, you are guaranteed to be accepted and I am grateful 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. Unlike undergraduate degree applications, outcome of your application to the University Accessibility – facilities and accommodation provision and friendship!’ 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 • Welfare and practical support through a Graduate postgraduate student applications. for postgraduate courses at Cambridge. Your access requirements, we recommend you check which Eleanor Tutor. They monitor your progress and provide PhD in History The decision on whether you will application will only be sent to a College Colleges would best meet your needs. You may find it information on academic and pastoral matters and be made an offer is decided by the after you have been made an offer of helpful to get in touch with the College directly to organise an induction programme to help you settle department/faculty you apply to. 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, unforeseen and unforeseeable financial difficulties regardless of gender, aged 18 and over for admittance from October 2021. • 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

Frequently Asked Questions International Can I apply for more than one course? Find Yes, you can apply for as many courses as you wish. You must complete a separate application form for each course and you Students must also pay the full application fee for Out More each application you make. Can I apply to both Cambridge We are proud of our diverse student community, and Oxford? 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 [email protected] countries around the globe. Graduate Admissions website or contact the I am still studying and do not have Graduate Admissions Offi ce directly. a fi nal transcript. What do I do? Graduate Union Applying with Non-UK Qualifications Please request an interim transcript of 01223 333313 We accept a large number of qualifi cations from around the your courses/results so far from your [email protected] 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 qualifi cations guidelines for your country conditional off er, you will need to provide on the International Section of the Graduate Admissions website. the original fi nal transcript to meet the www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international-qualifi cations conditions of your off er. Disability Resource Centre (DRC) Should I submit a CV? 01223 332301 English language requirements [email protected] If English is not your fi rst language, you may be required to take Yes, all courses require you to upload www.cam.ac.uk/disability a language test. You can check whether you are likely to be a CV to the Applicant Portal as part of 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. Deferments are only possible if your www.iso.admin.cam.ac.uk/contact https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international/ course has another start date within [email protected] competence-english the same academic year and the course For further information about applying as an international permits deferal entry. Whether you can Postgraduate Alternative Prospectus student, such as visas and immigration advice, please visit defer your place is at the discretion of www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk/alt-prospectus the International Students website: the Department/Faculty. 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 Questions, please visit our website: with an overview of living and studying in 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/pgevents For more information contact one of the College admissions offi ces or: Graduate Admissions O ce Student Services Centre New Museums Site Cambridge CB2 3PT 01223 760606 www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk [email protected] Details are correct at the time of printing (September 2019). © University of Cambridge, 2019.