phd by publication 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

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

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
Higher Degrees

Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics & Chemistry

Coronavirus Guidance
About the DC overview
Meeting dates
Department Contacts
Prospective students overview
Continuing students
Current students overview
Change in student status overview
Changing course, dept or mode
Extending submission deadline
Intermission
Withdrawal and reinstatement
Working Away from Cambridge
Supervision reports
First year review overview
Exams MRes & MPhil (taught) overview
Rules and Regulations
After the examination
Exams MPhil by thesis overview
Before you submit
Thesis submission
The oral (viva)
Results overview
Corrections
Revising a thesis
Exams PhD overview
Submitting a hardbound copy
PhD not awarded
LWA Research Fund
Complaints and appeals
Supervisors overview
Supervisor appointment
Roles and responsibilities overview
Supervisor role: postgraduate admissions
Supervisor role: current students
Supervisor role: probationary review
Supervisor role: examinations
Guidance for supervisors
Supervision reporting
Examiners overview
First Year Assessment
PhD or MPhil by thesis exam overview
Examiner appointment
Pre-viva actions
Post-viva actions
Submitting reports
Fee and expenses
Examining a revised thesis
MRes or MPhil (taught) exam overview
Examiner Appointment
Senior/Chair of Examiners
External Examiner for taught courses
Examiners and Assessors
Fees and expenses
Plagiarism or poor scholarship
Appeals procedures
Higher Degrees overview
PhD under Special Regulations
ScD and LittD
Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics & Chemistry
About the DC
Prospective students
Current students
Supervisors

Equal in status to the PhD taken by the conventional route, except that the eligible candidate submits a collection of published works that together make up a single coherent thesis.

Eligibility criteria Summarised on the Cambridge Students website and Ordinances Chapter VII

Guide for Applicants Applicant guide is available on the Cambridge Students website .

Application and Declaration forms Application and Declaration forms are available on the Cambridge Students website .

Assessment The work is examined at an oral by two examiners, as for the conventional PhD.

If you can't find the page you are looking for or find a broken link do let us know (please use the email link in the 'Contact us' section below).

Ukraine - University resources

Coronavirus advice from the University

Office closures

The Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics & Chemistry will be closed from 5pm on Thursday 28 March 2024 and will reopen again on Tuesday 2 April 2024. Research degree theses should still be submitted by your submission deadline even if that falls over the holiday period.

Meetings schedule

Meetings of the Degree Committee and Degree Ceremonies

Essential Links

Cambridge Students portal

Code of Practice for Postgraduate Students

International Students Office

Student Registry (for staff)

Degree Committee for Physics & Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, 17 Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RX. Tel: 01223 746764 / 746766

[email protected]

Site privacy & cookie policies.

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
Current Students
Postgraduates
Faculty of Philosophy
About Us overview
Academic Visitors
Administration overview
Accessible Documents Checklist
Video conferencing accessibility assessment guide
Cambridge Women Philosophers
Disability Access Guide
Health and Safety
How to find us

Important Dates

Information Technology overview
Using Google Meet
Zoom User Guide
Skype & PhoneConference Call and Screen Sharing
Microsoft Teams getting started
Panopto Recording & Publishing Overview
Zoom Security Tips for public meetings
Job Opportunities
Newsletters
Philosophy Green Team overview
Waste & Recyling
Green Team Events
Welfare overview
Welfare for Students
Welfare for Staff
People overview
Teaching & Research Staff
Director of Studies Area overview
Director of Studies Part 1B
Director of Studies Part II
Postgraduate Advisors Area
Support Staff
Current Academic Visitors
Academic Staff Administrative Roles
Paper Co-Ordinators
Research overview
Research Projects and Networks
Seminars and Discussion Groups
Employment destinations of recent Faculty PhD students
Research Funding Opportunities
Recent Faculty books
Open access at Cambridge
Current Students overview
Postgraduates overview
MPhil Course Information (Includes examination protocols)

PhD Course Information

Organisational Matters
Supervision
Lectures and Seminars
Faculty Resources
Advice and Support
PG Training Guide
Room Booking Guidance
Working Away
Working While Studying
Financial Support
Postgraduate Calendar
Deposit of Electronic PhD Theses
Postgraduate Forms overview
Appointment of PhD Examiners Form
Risk assessment form RA1
Risk assessment examples
Conference expenses funding application form
Postgraduate hardship funding application form
MPhil Essays and Dissertations (Raven Login)
MPhil Data Retention
University Timetable
Part IA Seminar (Discussion Group) Readings
Undergraduate Tripos Students Information
Lecture List
Course Outlines and Reading Lists (for Philosophy Students and Staff)
Course Outlines and Reading Lists (for auditors)
Undergraduate Exams overview
Sample Answers
Craig Taylor Prize
Extended Essays & Dissertations
Data Retention Policy
Part IA Past Exam Papers
Faculty Plagiarism Policy
Part IB Past Exam Papers
Part II Past Exam Papers
Guidelines for Examiners & Assessors (including Marking Criteria)
Sample paper for Part II paper 9
IB5 Sample Exam
Undergraduate Writing Skills overview
Tackling the Philosophy Essay Guide
Tackling the Philosophy Essay Guide (mobi version)
Tackling the Philosophy Essay Guide (epub version)
Tackling the Philosophy Essay Guide (Word version)
09 Plagiarism 2018revJuly18
Student Feedback & Support overview
Student Representation & Student-Staff Committee
Philosophy Student-Staff Committee Meeting Minutes
SSC minutes 1May18
Final SSCMinutes 30Oct18
SSC Unconfirmed minutes 05 Feb 19
SSC unconfirmedminutes 7May19
Student Complaints Procedure
SSC unconfirmed minutes 5Nov19
SSC minutes 04 Feb 2020 4
SSC minutes 5May2020 1
Philosophy Faculty Guidelines for Discussion Sessions
Prospective Students overview
Prospective Postgraduates
Prospective Undergraduates
Suggested Preliminary Readings
Prospective Undergraduate students - Frequently asked questions
Prospective Postgraduate students – Frequently asked questions
Events overview
Past Events overview
Past Events - Conferences, Workshops and Special Lectures
The Roles of Knowledge
The Roles of Knowledge Abstracts
Limits of Duty programme
The Limits of Duty
Decision Theory Seminar
No-platform and Hate Speech
What is Domination?
6th Cambridge Graduate Conference on the Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics
Universals_v2.pdf
JohnSearle Lecture
Immateriality, Thinking and the Self in the Long Middle Ages
Papers Heal Metaphysical atomism and the attraction of materialism
Oelze Summary of Talk
WIP Conference Poster
GoodmakersandgoodtakersTextsHO2.pdf
Minorities and Philosophy (MAP) Cambridge Conference 2018
Shyane Personal Identity handout 6th form conf 2019
Richard Holton Handout 6th form conf 2019
Library overview
Accessibility
Joining the library
Borrowing from the library
Philosophy eresources
IT, printing and copying facilities
Resources for undergraduates
Resources for researchers
Contact the library
Intranet overview
Undergraduate Teaching and Support Arrangements (including exam updates)
Director of Studies Area
Academic Teaching Resources and Protocols.
Samples for MPhil Examiners overview
Philosophy File Share overview
Undergraduate Exams
Undergraduate Writing Skills
Student Feedback & Support
Prospective Students

Registration

Monitoring progress, intermission, working away, preparation of thesis, questionnaires.

Research students are expected to be in residence in Cambridge pursuing their research between terms, except during periods of holiday agreed with their supervisor, normally up to 8 weeks in a 12 month period. Students who make time to take some holidays, or a break away from their studies, tend to do better.

PhD candidates may submit their theses after nine terms (three years) of research, and MLitt candidates after six terms (two years). The Student Registry and the Degree Committee expect a thesis to be a piece of work which can be produced by a capable, well-qualified and diligent research student, properly supervised and supported, within those times. It is very important that you design your project with these time-limits firmly in view. It is good both for morale and for your CV to submit your thesis within the stated times – and most PhD funding runs out after three years.

If your PhD research is suitably related to your MPhil work, you will usually be allowed to count some or all of your three MPhil terms towards the residency requirements of the PhD, if you are ready to submit your thesis before the minimum terms of study have elapsed. This means that you may submit a PhD thesis after only six more terms, if you wish. Please see the following webpage for further information:

https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/postgraduate-study/your-student-status/allowanceexemption-research-terms

The Student Registry and the Degree Committee recognise, however, that original research is liable to unforeseen difficulties and delays, so all PhD students are allowed 4 years in which to complete and submit their thesis (3 years for the MLitt). Unless there are extenuating circumstances, which would permit a student to apply for an extension to their submission date, candidates who do not submit by these final deadlines would be asked to withdraw from the University, until such time as they are ready to submit, and apply for reinstatement .

All students accepted for the PhD are on probation for their first year. In your third term of research, the Degree Committee will decide whether to register you as a candidate for the PhD (the registration then being backdated to your date of admission). You will have a registration interview with two Faculty assessors, other than your Supervisor. Central University information on the requirements of a registration review is here:

https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/self-evaluation

In some (rare) cases, your assessors may decide that you should be registered for the MLitt degree, instead of the PhD, at this stage. This registration interview cannot be delayed without good cause (e.g., illness). With your supervisors’ help, you start working out your plan of research, and the topic or topics of your written work, as soon as possible after you arrive.

Before registering you as a PhD candidate the Degree Committee must be satisfied (i) that you have a suitable plan of work and (ii) that you have begun to write about some part of it, in a sustained way, at a standard likely to get you the degree in a reasonable time. You are therefore required to email the following documents to your two assessors and the Postgraduate Administrator by the last day of Lent full term*:

a statement (1,000 words) of your plan of research.
a piece of recent written work (6,000-10,000 words) on some topic within this plan; and
an account of research already completed (1,000 words)

These submissions must be properly written up: rough drafts are not acceptable. The registration interview will take place shortly after the end of Lent Term, with your two assessors who will have read the submitted documents. The exact date of the review will be agreed on by the two assessors and the student. The requirements for registration are as outlined above. Students will be sent a copy of their review report once it has been approved by Degree Committee at their May meeting.

Prospective PhD candidates whose work does not show sufficient progress will be given the opportunity to submit an improved set of work by the last day of Easter full term*. A further interview will then take place with the two Faculty members writing independent reports for the Degree Committee in late June/early July*.

The Degree Committee will recommend that prospective PhD candidates whose resubmitted work is still deemed to be unsatisfactory either withdraw from the University or, less severely, be registered only as MLitt candidates. In the latter case they may later be re-registered as PhD candidates (with registration again backdated to the date of admission) if they submit sufficiently improved work at the same time in their second year (i.e. at their fifth term review).

The Degree Committee will recommend that prospective MLitt candidates whose resubmitted work is still deemed to be unsatisfactory withdraw from the University.

Monitoring progress

Your supervisor is required to report termly to the Student Registry and the Degree Committee on your progress. You will also be invited to submit self-evaluation reports on your progress on CamSIS. More information on the Feedback and progress reporting systems for postgraduate students is here:

In addition, there are the following reviews:

Fifth Term Review

This review takes place in the fifth term for a student who is registered for the PhD or MLitt. For this review you need to email the following documents to your supervisor, advisor, and Postgraduate Secretary by the last day of Lent full term*:

an account of research you have already completed (1,000 words)

These submissions must be properly written up: rough drafts are not acceptable. The review will take place shortly after the end of Lent Term, normally with the supervisor and advisor, who will report in writing to the first meeting of the Degree Committee in the Easter Term. The exact date of the review will be agreed on by the two assessors and the student. Students will then be sent a copy of their review report once it has been approved by Degree Committee at their May meeting.

In the unlikely event that your work does not show sufficient progress you will be given the opportunity to submit an improved set of work by last day of Easter full term*. A further interview will then take place with the supervisor and advisor writing independent reports for the Degree Committee in late June/early July*.

Seventh Term Review

This review takes place in the seventh term for a student who is registered for the PhD. For this review you are required to email the same three documents as are described above, again demonstrating ongoing progress, to your supervisor and advisor by the last day of Michaelmas full term*.

The review will take place shortly after the end of Michaelmas Term, normally with the supervisor and adrvisor, who will report in writing to the first meeting of the Degree Committee in the Lent Term. The exact date of the review will be agreed on by the two assessors and the student. Students will then be sent a copy of their review report once it has been approved by Degree Committee at their January meeting.

If the supervisor and advisor are not happy with a student's progress they may recommend to the Degree Committee that a student's registration be changed from PhD to MLitt. They may also recommend that candidates who are not making satisfactory progress towards completing their theses withdraw from the University. The student will be fully consulted before any such recommendation is made. Note also that students withdraw from the University for this reason (or because they have failed to submit on time), but who manage to complete their theses on their own, may apply to be reinstated in order to submit their theses for examination. Please see:

https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/postgraduate-study/your-student-status/reinstatement

Although this monitoring may sound onerous, experience shows that most often the reviews function as useful markers of progress, and as good opportunities to take stock and to talk about useful ways forward, in a forum slightly different from that of a normal supervision.

If your work is hindered or interrupted by medical, financial or other problems you may apply for leave to intermit your research for a period of time from 2 weeks, to up to 3 terms (for full time students). Terms intermitted do not count towards the above deadlines. Consult your Supervisor and the Postgraduate Secretary if you would like to discuss this option at any point in your studies. You can also find further information here:

https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/postgraduate-study/your-student-status/medical-intermission

Working away from Cambridge

It is possible to apply for leave to work away from Cambridge for a maximum of 3 terms at a time Some PhD students find this is useful if they wish to work with a supervisor who is external to the University of Cambridge for some of their PhD study. More information on the process of how to apply for leave to work away can be found here:

https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/postgraduate-study/your-student-status/work-away

To support students working away from Cambridge, it is recommended that students apply to the University for free travel insurance: https://www.insurance.admin.cam.ac.uk/travel-insurance/travel-insurance-students

The Faculty has a small allocation of funding for fieldwork, that students can apply for via the Postgraduate Office. As part of this application process, students will also be required to complete a risk assessment: https://www.safety.admin.cam.ac.uk/risk-assessment

The Faculty can provide a template risk assessment – please ask the Postgraduate Secretary for further information.

Preparation of theses

PhD (MLitt) theses in philosophy must not be more than 80,000 (60,000) words long. The word count includes appendices and footnotes but excludes bibliography. See here for further information:

https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/examinations/graduate-exam-information/submitting-and-examination/phd-msc-mlitt/word#philos

The University’s regulations require that to qualify for the award of the PhD degree, a thesis has to be in English (apart from quotations and technical formulae), to be clearly written, to take due account of previously published work on the subject, and to represent a significant contribution to learning (for example through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of new theory, or the revision of older views). The Degree Committee of Philosophy, in its advice to examiners, adds as an informal gloss on this that an acceptable thesis should contain some material of sufficient originality to merit publication and this material should be adequate to form the basis of, for example, at least two articles (together amounting to 15,000 - 20,000 words) or of a short monograph.

To qualify for the award of the MLitt degree, a thesis must be clearly written, take due account of previously published work on the subject, and represent a useful contribution to learning.

Candidates may get an idea of the standards expected of PhD and MLitt theses in philosophy by reading the copies of successful theses deposited in the University Library.

The detailed procedure for submitting PhD and MLitt theses for examination, which candidates should follow carefully, is at:

https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/examinations/graduate-exam-information/submitting-and-examination/phd-msc-mlitt/prepare

In what follows only a few salient points are picked out.

Candidates should apply for the appointment of examiners, through the Philosophy Postgraduate Secretary, when—but only when—their theses are nearly complete. (In particular, if they are going to submit their theses during the Long Vacation they should apply in good time for the late June/early July meeting of the Degree Committee*.) Together with the candidate, the supervisor should compete the form found here:

https://www.phil.cam.ac.uk/curr-students/postgraduates/Graduate-Forms

and submit this by e-mail to the Postgraduate Secretary. The candidate will also need to email the Postgraduate Secretary a one page summary of the thesis, to guide the Degree Committee in appointing suitable examiners. This abstract should be around 300 words in length – a candidate’s supervisor can provide further guidance on the expected content of the abstract.

Theses are examined independently by two examiners, one of whom will normally be from outside Cambridge. Candidates are required to submit their thesis initially via Moodle, the University’s Online Teaching Platform. The Postgraduate Secretary will provide further information on the process for softbound submission. As of 1 st October 2017, once their PhD has been approved, students are also required to submit an electronic copy of their PhD thesis to the University’s repository, Apollo. At the point of upload, students are given the choice of different access options, including the choice to make their thesis available Open Access immediately or to embargo access for an initial 12 months . The upload of the thesis can be done via the upload form in Symplectic Elements .

Once the award of the degree is approved, students should submit one hard bound copy to be deposited in the University Library. More information on the submission of electronic theses can be found on the Office of Scholarly Communication website:

http://osc.cam.ac.uk/theses

It is important that thesis examiners actually receive theses when they expect to do so; otherwise their other commitments may seriously delay the examination. In giving submission dates, candidates should therefore take care to be realistic, and not underestimate the time it takes to complete writing up, make final corrections, check references and proofs, and get their theses printed and bound.

What to expect from the viva

The examination is undertaken with two examiners, and may include an independent chair if the Degree Committee has deemed it appropriate. There are no rules for its duration, but as an approximate guide, the examination will normally take at least 90 minutes and is likely to conclude within three hours at a maximum.

The oral examination should allow:

The defence of your dissertation and the clarification of any matters raised by the examiners
the examiners to probe your knowledge in the field
the examiners to assure themselves that the work presented is your own and to clarify matters of any collaboration
the examiners to come to a definite conclusion about the outcome of the examination

What to bring with you to the viva

You can take a (marked up) copy of the thesis in with you. You may want to take a tablet or notepad and pen to make notes.
Water will be available in the room where you will be examined but you may like to take your own with you.

The default viva format is an in-person examination held in Cambridge, but students will have the option to choose an online viva if they wish. The University has provided additional information about the online viva process, which can be found here:

https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/files/guide_to_conducting_vivas_online.pdf

Examiners write independent reports on theses for the Degree Committee, making recommendations, which may or may not be conditional on the results of the oral examination. Because it often takes a considerable time for examiners to get round to, and to complete, this assessment, candidates must expect to wait (or return) for their oral examination up to two months (but no more than four months) after submitting their theses. Examiners may allow candidates who have had to return, e.g., to America or Australasia, the option of conducting the oral examination by video conference; but they are under no obligation to do so, and candidates must not assume that they will. If a candidate would like to request adjustments to their viva on the grounds of disability, they should complete a ‘voluntary disclosure form’ and return this to the Postgraduate secretary. The form can be found here: https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/files/voluntary_disclosure_form.pdf

An examiner who thinks that a PhD or MLitt thesis fails to reach the required standard, but could do so with suitable revision, may recommend allowing the candidate to submit a revised thesis. This can only happen once; a thesis which has already been resubmitted once cannot be submitted again.

An examiner who thinks that a PhD thesis fails to reach the standard required for that degree, but does reach the standard required for the MLitt, may recommend approving the candidate for that degree. A PhD examiner who thinks both of the above may recommend giving the candidate the alternative of submitting a revised thesis or of taking the MLitt (but not both).

If the examiners’ recommendations agree, the Degree Committee will normally accept them, unless the examination has been improperly conducted in some way, in which case new examiners may have to be appointed. If the original examiners’ recommendations disagree, the Degree Committee may resolve the disagreement by appointing a third examiner.

The University’s statement on academic misconduct, including plagiarism can be found at:

http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/plagiarism/students/statement.html

We ask PhD & MLitt students to provide their feedback at regular intervals throughout their course, in the form of a questionnaire sent from the Postgraduate Office. Usually there is one questionnaire sent at the time of each review. Feedback from students is important in helping us to improve the course, and we ask that all students complete all questionnaires.

Latest news

View all news

Quick links

All News Items

Moral Sciences Club

Philosophy Lecture List

Philosophy Podcasts

Moodle Undergraduate Site

Intranet Teaching and Examining Arrangements

Follow us on Twitter

Tweets by @CambridgePhilos

Information

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Photos by Ben Colburn displayed with his permission
Philosophy Contact Details
[email protected]
Map of Sidgwick Site
University Map

PhD in History

The PhD is taught by individual supervision .

There are lots of opportunities on offer: you can gain instruction in specialist disciplines, such as palaeography, languages, and computing; you can undertake training in professional skills appropriate for historians; you will be able to attend research seminars and workshops, and lots more. There is also now training available in transferable skills, such as communication, self-awareness and team-building. Although you will be focusing on your own research for most of your time, we want to help you to become a well-rounded and successful PhD candidate.

3-4 years full-time
5-7 years part-time

If you are interested in part-time study, please visit our Part-Time PhD in History page for more information.

At a glance

Students will research and write a doctoral thesis of up to 80,000 words, representing an original contribution to knowledge.

They will be supported throughout the course by a Supervisor, an experienced Cambridge academic who will provide one-to-one advice and feedback. At the same time, the student will take part in Cambridge's vibrant research community, attending seminars, postgraduate workshops and a broad spectrum of skills training.

Students are formally assessed twice. At the end of their third term, they submit a Progress Essay (up to 10,000) words and meet formally with their Supervisor and Advisor (another academic who provides additional guidance). This meeting determines whether the student has made sufficient progress to complete their thesis on schedule.

At the end of their research project, students submit their completed thesis and take part in an oral ('viva voce') examination on its contents. The two examiners will be leading academics in the field.

Students can expect to receive:

Regular oral feedback from their supervisor, as well as termly online feedback reports;
Oral feedback from peers during postgraduate workshops and seminars;
Access to regular training sessions and relevant undergraduate lectures to develop key skills;
Support for fieldwork research;
Opportunities to teach and supervise undergraduate students in their field of research.

If you have any questions, drop us a line on [email protected]

What are we looking for?

We see the primary purpose of the PhD being the preparation and presentation of a substantial piece of original research. From the very beginning of the PhD course, the student focuses on the writing of the doctoral dissertation. History is a broad subject which covers many areas, and we are always very excited to see the sheer range of research proposals submitted. When looking at this, we consider:

Whether it represents a significant contribution to learning through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory or the revision of older views;
Whether it takes due account of previously published work on the subject and you are therefore well-read;
Whether the thesis is clearly and concisely written, without exceeding the maximum limit of 80,000 words (excluding footnotes and bibliography).

If a research proposal is likely to take significantly longer than three years to complete, we don’t tend to accept it. However, if your topic seems feasible within the time-frame then we will be very interested!

Are there any course requirements?

Please also see the ‘ Requirements ’ tab in the prospectus on Graduate Admissions page:

For full-time PhD candidates, we require that you pursue supervised research in residence in Cambridge for nine consecutive terms (three calendar years). ‘In residence’ means living within a distance of 10 miles from the centre of Cambridge.

The dissertation must be submitted by the end of the twelfth term, earlier if possible.

In terms of applicant requirements, you can see our language and academic requirements on the link provided above. Otherwise, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply – we are a multicultural university and in your life as a PhD candidate, you will meet people from all over the world! The PhD is intellectually demanding so consider whether you have the self-motivation to pursue research at a high level of scholarship, and whether you have the enthusiasm to keep going when the going gets tough. You will not be alone in your studies, though – there are plenty of people here to help, including supervisors, administrators, college tutors, as well as many others.

PhD students are expected to begin their studies at the start of the term they choose to enter, usually October, January, or April. You will be in residence continuously throughout the year, apart from short breaks for research.

As the full-time PhD requires full-time study, we ask that students do not take any outside employment (even part-time employment).

How is the PhD examined?

Once you have submitted a full dissertation, it is examined by two examiners. These examiners are appointed by the Degree Committee after consultation with your supervisor. You will then have a viva voce – an oral examination – on the dissertation and the general field of your knowledge into which your dissertation falls. The University of Cambridge does not offer any qualifying grades or credits, so you will be awarded a pass or a fail – we hope it’s the former!

The below outlines, for full-time candidates, the registration and submission dates:

Minimum number of terms of research needed before submitting

Qualification: PhD
Term (1 being your first term): 9

Minimum number of terms of research which need to be in Cambridge (in order to qualify for the PhD)

Term (1 being your first term): 3

End of term by which your draft dissertation must be submitted to your supervisor

Term (1 being your first term): 10

Absolute final submission deadline

Term (1 being your first term): 12

Maximum number of terms for which an exemption or allowance will be made following a one-year course

For full-time PhD students their first year is a probationary year, at the end of which they undertake something called the RAE. This is the Registration Assessment Exercise, which is held between the student, the supervisor, and an Advisor (we appoint them for you). You submit work and then have a meeting to discuss what you have submitted, in order to check that you are on track and help you continue to frame your research. This exercise should take place in the third term of study. Once registered by the Faculty Degree Committee, you are a registered PhD student; up until this point, you are a NOTAF, which means ‘not at first registered’.

The piece of work you submit for the RAE is likely to be surveying your field of research, summarising progress so far, proposing a research strategy and timetable, and indicating the original contribution to knowledge that is intended.

Although it might sound like a scary process, this is your chance to shine and show off how much work you have done during your first year and how your research is coming along! It’s also a chance to discuss any problems, issues, or worries you may have with your research in a formal setting, though you will have ample opportunity to do this with your supervisor before the third term RAE.

Often, you will be starting the PhD course with a background of suitable research training which you undertook before admission, e.g. your Masters or MPhil degree. While you are at Cambridge, you can broaden this as much as you wish with the number of different opportunities available.

You may find it useful to consult our current Postgraduate Training pages

There are also plenty of other options within the University, for example other Departments and Faculties, as well as University-wide seminars, workshops, and conferences held throughout the year. There is a fantastic Language Centre as well as a specialist training system .This is before we’ve even started on what may be offered through your particular college!

Your supervisor is an excellent resource to use in terms of asking what is available and if there is anything which would suit you. They will be happy to help.

We actively encourage all of our full-time students to complete their PhDs within three years.

In order to help you stay on track, we ask that every full-time candidate undergo an assessment exercise in the Lent Term of their third year of research. You submit a one- to two-page synopsis of your dissertation together with a timetable for completion. You then have a formal discussion with your supervisor, and sometimes the Advisor.

The major government grant-giving bodies expect all our full-time students to complete within a maximum of four years. Therefore, in order to secure future funding for its students, the Degree Committee monitors its submissions rates closely. This is why we place emphasis on your research proposal being something feasible for completion in three years, and also why we have the first and third year assessments in order to help you as much as we can.

The fourth year isn’t guaranteed, so do try to plan your topic within a three-year time span. By that time, we hope you’ll be eager to get started on your career after the training you will have received 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

PhD in Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics

Prospective Students
Postgraduate Study

This is a three year research programme culminating in submission and examination of a single research thesis. Students joining the course will often have completed prior study at a level comparable to our Part III (MMath/MASt) course and many have postgraduate experience. Our students therefore begin their PhD research with a good understanding of advanced material, which they build on in various ways throughout the course of their PhD studies. Our PhD students might have written several papers before they submit their dissertation, and can go on to win academic positions at leading institutions around the world.

Structure of the PhD

Students are required to undertake a minimum of nine terms of research (i.e. three years). Students are not registered for the PhD in the first instance but are instead admitted on a probationary basis. All students are assessed for registration towards the end of their first year of full-time study (usually June). This assessment is based on a short written report submitted by the candidate for review by two assessors. In the fifth term there might also be a further assessment of progress, for which students submit a longer piece of written work and receive an oral assessment.

Research areas

The topic of the research thesis may be chosen from the wide range of subjects studied within the Department. It is expected that applicants to the PhD course will investigate the research interests and expertise of academic staff within DPMMS prior to making a formal application. This should be done by consulting the dedicated page on finding a supervisor , as well as research pages of our website , and individual profiles of our academic staff .

Additional training and opportunities

Whilst there are no mandatory taught components to the PhD degree, students may wish to undertake specific courses or further training to expand their knowledge, either for personal interest or to directly assist with their PhD research. All students are encouraged to participate and attend the wide range of lectures, seminars and events on offer within DPMMS and the Centre for Mathematical Sciences.

Many students submit a prize essay at the beginning of their fifth term. The best essays each year are of a scale and quality already adequate for a PhD dissertation, incorporating work already, or about to be, published. We intend that our students publish their work in leading journals. Our PhD students might have written several papers before they submit their dissertation, and can go on to win academic positions at leading institutions around the world.

DPMMS also promotes and encourages researcher development and transferable skills training. This can take the form of assisting with Part III catch-up lectures, attendance at skills based training sessions, or presenting their work at seminars and conferences. The University also offers training via the Researcher Development Programme .

There is no requirement for PhD students to teach but there are plenty of opportunities to do so, such as offering supervisions for third year undergraduates (this involves the supervisor sitting with a pair of students for an hour, discussing their work). PhD students might help too with running examples classes for Part III students.

Academic entry requirements

The usual minimum entry requirement is a first class honours degree, awarded after a four-year course in mathematics or mathematics/statistics, or a three-year degree together with a one-year postgraduate course in those areas. Part III (MMath/MASt) of the Mathemtical Tripos provides such a course and most of the PhD students in DPMMS have come through this route. The others have usually completed at least a comparable four-year undergraduate course, and many have postgraduate experience. Entry is competitive and a higher level of preparation may be required.

Funding opportunities

Applicants will be considered for Department funding. This may include a Research Council or Heilbronn Doctoral Partnership award. Receipt of this funding is not guaranteed and all applicants, irrespective of fee-status, are expected to apply to other funding schemes for which they are eligible. Applicants are advised to investigate potential sources of funding as early as possible.

Students should consult the Postgraduate Admissions website for details of the University Postgraduate Funding Competition. Other University wide funding opportunities can be found via the Funding Search Tool .

All applications for postgraduate study must be made via the University’s Postgraduate Admissions Office and details on the process for application and the supporting documentation required is provided on their website . It is important that applicants read all the relevant information and collate the necessary supporting documents prior to starting the application process. If you are an MMath student (i.e., Cambridge Part III student) you should include one reference from your College Director of Studies.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The Department would particularly welcome applications from women, since women are, and have historically been, underrepresented in our student cohorts.

Please ensure that you use the correct course code when making your application: MAPM21

Finding a supervisor

Applicants are encouraged to make informal contact with potential supervisors prior to making an application. Applicants should clearly state in the 'Proposed supervisor' field of the application form the name(s) of those member(s) of academic staff with whom they wish to work, and provide a clear indication of the areas or topics in which they intend to undertake research in the 'Research Summary' field. We do not currently require submission of a separate detailed research proposal.

Application and funding deadlines

We strongly encourage all applicants to apply by 12:00am (midnight) UK time on 4 January 2024. Anyone wishing to apply after this date should contact the DPMMS Course Administrator before submitting an application. Students wishing to be considered for Departmental funding, or as part of the University Postgraduate Funding Competition must apply by this deadline. If you are a USA citizen, resident in the USA, and wish to be considered for Gates funding, please note the deadline for applications is in October.

Selection process

After the January closing date, we will review all the applications received and contact those who have been shortlisted to invite them for an interview. Space limitations may mean that late applications cannot be considered.

Interviews take place either in Cambridge or online. During the interview, the panel will try to ascertain the extent of the applicant's mathematical knowledge and experience. We aim to contact all interviewees within a week or two of the interview with a provisional outcome. It is important to note, however, that formal offers of admission can only be made by the University’s Postgraduate Admissions Office.

Applicants should expect to receive a decision within twelve weeks following the submission of their completed application and required supporting documents. Applicants should check the Applicant Portal for formal notification of the outcome of their application.

Postgraduate open day

Click here for further information on the Postgraduate Open Day .

Please read our PhD applicant Frequently Asked Questions . For any enquiries not covered by the FAQs, you can email us on [email protected] .

Forthcoming Seminars

DAMTP Seminars
DPMMS Seminars
Statistical Laboratory Seminars
Isaac Newton Institute Seminars

News, Announcements and Events

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
Prospective Students
Postgraduate study
Faculty of Classics
The Faculty overview
The Caucuses
University and College Teaching Staff
Research Staff
Affiliated Lecturers
Visiting scholars and students
Supporting the Faculty overview
Support Classics outreach for young people
Support Studentships
Endow Academic posts
Create a new Postgraduate Centre
Equality and Diversity overview
Race Equality Statement
Athena SWAN
Harassment and Discrimination: Advice and Reporting
Equality and Diversity Committee
Faculty & College Officers
Environmental guidance statement
Faculty Newsletter
Professional Services Staff
Postgraduate Students
Cambridge Greek Play overview
Cambridge Greek Play 2022- Student Blog
Faculty Committee meetings calendar
How to get to the Faculty of Classics
Research overview
Research Projects overview
Contexts of and Relations between Early Writing Systems (CREWS) overview
CREWS - Project Members
PhD Studentship on the Early Greek Alphabet
CREWS Studentship Application Guidance
The Impact of the Ancient City overview
Project Members
Beneath the surface of Roman Republican cities overview
Roman York Beneath The Streets
Greek Epic of the Roman Empire: A Cultural History
Greek in Italy overview
Greek in Italy - Project Members
Interamna Lirenas Project overview
The excavation of the theatre
The inscribed sundial
Roman Colonial Landscapes (archived) overview
2010 Report overview
Geophysical Prospections (2010)
Recording of Standing Archaeological Remains (2010)
Field Survey (2010)
Analysis and Study of Archaeological Materials (2010)
2011 Report overview
Field Survey (2011)
Geophysical Prospections (2011)
Analysis and Study of Archaeological Materials (2011)
2012 Report overview
Geophysical Prospections (2012)
Field Survey (2012)
Analysis and Study of Archaeological Materials (2012)
Publications
Lerna: The Analysis, Interpretation and Publication of the Middle Bronze Age Phase
Cambridge Greek Lexicon overview
Introduction to the Lexicon
Lexicon: History and Personnel
Methodology and Future Use
Funding the Lexicon
Slips: Textual Citations
Tagging the Lexicon
Research Partnerships
Lexicographic Resources
Thomas Hardy, 'Liddell and Scott'
Mycenaean Epigraphy Group overview
Research and Archival Collections overview
The Ventris-Chadwick Correspondence
Decipherment overview
The Life of Michael Ventris
The Life of John Chadwick
Members/Contact
Links and Resources
Herculaneum Conservation Project
Aldborough Roman Town Project
Moral Psychology, Ancient and Modern
Classics Beyond Borders
West Area of Samos Archaeological Project (WASAP)
Modes of Reading and the Transmission of Texts in Antiquity
Postdoctoral Research Funding
Research data, ethics and data protection
Cambridge Classical Studies
Cambridge Classical Journal
Prospective Students overview
Undergraduate study overview
Four-year course
Three-year course
Why Classics matters
Course structure
How we teach
What students say
Open days and events
Summer schools
Frequently asked questions
Undergraduate Funding
Offer Holders
Postgraduate study overview
MPhil in Classics overview
PhD in Classics overview
VIEWS PhD studentship
How to Apply
Postgraduate funding overview
Student Profiles
Postgraduate Open Day - Sat 19 Nov
Placement Record
PGCE in Classics
Greek Art & Archaeology in the Faculty of Classics
Affiliated students

Teachers and Schools

Student Information overview
Undergraduate Students overview
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Prelim to Part IA (four year degree only) overview
Paper 1: Latin Texts and Paper 2: Latin and Greek Language
Paper 3: Classical Topics and Paper 4: Literary Essay
Introduction to Greek language
Part IA overview
Papers 1-5: Greek and Latin Language and Classical Texts
Paper 6: Classical Essays
Papers 7-8: Translation into Greek and Latin prose and verse
Part IB overview
Schedules A-B
Part II overview
Group A: Greek and Latin Literature
Group B: Greek and Roman Philosophy
Group C: Ancient History
Group D: Classical Art and Archaeology
Group E: Classical and Comparative Philology and Lingustics
Group X: Interdisciplinary Studies
General Courses
Optional (O) Papers
Classics in other Triposes
Transferable skills
After your degree
Postgraduate Students overview
Postgraduate Training
MPhil and PhD Handbooks
Advice on plagiarism
Travel awards
Student-Staff Joint Committee overview
Museum overview
Visit us overview
Covid Reopening FAQs overview
Getting to the Museum of Classical Archaeology
Museum Access
Museum Facilities & General Information
Group Bookings
Things To Do overview
Museum Events overview
Past Museum Events overview
Past Events: 2024
Past events: 2023
Past Events: 2021
Past Events: 2020
Past Events: 2019
Family Activities
Things to Do at Home overview
Ancient Romans Learning Resources
Ancient Greeks Learning Resources
Colouring Sheets
In Conversation With overview
Mary Beard and Aphrodite
Oedipus (aka Rosy Sida) and the Nike of Samothrace
Issam Kourbaj and the Children of Niobe
Lyn Bailey and the Dying Gaul
Sade Ojelade and Laocoon
Katharine Russell and the Terme Boxer
Classics Undergrads and Kouroi
Emlyn and Farnese Hercules
Michael Bywater and Meleager
MOCA Specials overview
MOCA Specials - Accessible text
Learn Latin with MOCA
Summer with the Museums 2021
Museum Exhibitions overview
Previous Exhibitions
Previous Temporary Displays
Online exhibitions
Collections overview
Museum Highlights overview
Sounion Kouros
Temple of Zeus at Olympia - Pediments
Farnese Hercules
Highlights Pack
Collections: Watch, Listen & Read overview
Peplos Kore
Bronzing the Terme Boxer
Ask a Cambridge Expert: The Romans
Artist: Unknown, The Head of Apollo from Halikarnassos
The Bean Archive overview
George E. Bean overview
Life and Times
Tales of George
Highlights overview
George's Donkeys
The Archaeological Guides
Cast Collection
Research Catalogues
Picture Permissions overview
Commercial Licences: Terms and Conditions
Schools overview
School Trips overview
Primary overview
Key Stage 2: Ancient Greeks (In Person)
Key Stage 2 Romans (In Person)
Key Stage 2: Virtual Visits
Secondary & A-level overview
Key Stages 3-5: Museum Tours (In Person)
Key Stages 3-5: Virtual Visits
Art and Drawing Groups
Group Visits: Online Booking Form
Research and Teaching overview
Research Enquiries
Research Visits
About us overview
Museum History
Meet the Museum Staff
Join our Mailing List overview
Family Newsletter Archive
Events & Exhibitions Newsletter Archive
Schools Newsletter Archive
Museum News overview
17.3.2020 Coronavirus Update: Temporary Closure of MOCA
10.8.17 Closure for installation of a new carpet
3.11.16 Aphrodite goes to Greenwich
1.5.15 MOCA nominated for Family Friendly Award
17.4.15 London Maori Club welcomes Marian Maguire's The Labours of Herakles to Cambridge
Copyright Notice & Take Down Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Web Accessibility Statement
Support us overview
Volunteer overview
Bridging Binaries Volunteer Tour Guide
Summer Work Experience Placements (Two Weeks)
Events Volunteer Register
Library & Archives overview
About the Archives overview

Launch of the Faculty of Classics portal on the Cambridge Digital Library

Tales from the Archives No. 1, December 2023
Library Borrowing and Visiting
Library Collections overview
Book or Journal Suggestions
Services overview
Computing and WiFi
Printing, Scanning and Copying
Ask a librarian
Find Us / Contact Us
Seminars overview
Cambridge Philological Society and CCJ overview
Membership and subscriptions
CCJ - information for contributors
Back numbers of CCJ/PCPhS
Supplements to CCJ
Membership form (doc)
Membership form (pdf)
GDPR Statement
Classical Equalities Lecture 2024

PhD in Classics

MPhil in Classics
Postgraduate funding

The PhD is a three-year research degree, examined by a dissertation of up to 80,000 words. The criteria for obtaining the degree are that the dissertation represents a 'substantial contribution to knowledge', and that it also represents a realistic amount of work for three years' study.

Doctoral students spend most of their time working independently, researching their own specialist topic, but there is a wide variety of postgraduate seminars offered in the various subject areas (Greek and Latin Literature, Philosophy, History, Art and Archaeology, Philology and Linguistics, and Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Ancient World), and you will be encouraged to participate actively in one or more each term. If you need to acquire any further specialist skills, you will be entitled to attend any lectures you wish from the University's extensive undergraduate lecturing programme, in Classics or any other discipline; and the Faculty currently offers training in palaeography, epigraphy, Linear B and numismatics, and classes in a range of ancient and modern languages.

When you have submitted your thesis, it will be examined jointly by two experts in the relevant area, one of them from Cambridge, one from another university, and discussed orally at a viva with the two examiners. Many successful theses go on to become the basis for significant publications.

Course requirements

First Degree: Most applicants will be taking, or have completed, a Master’s level degree course (MPhil, MSt, MA, or other research preparation programme), and we are looking for a first class/Distinction level of work on that course from a British university, or the equivalent from an overseas university.

Your qualification need not be entirely in classical subjects, but we normally expect some evidence of first-class/Distinction level attainments in areas directly relevant to your proposed research.

English Language: If English is not your first language, you will also need to satisfy the Faculty’s English language condition (as follows) prior to your admission being confirmed. You must achieve the minimum requirements in the same sitting, and no more than two years before the start of your course.

IELTS: Overall band score of 7.5, with not less than 7.0 in individual elements.
CAE (Cambridge English Advanced): A grade (plus an assessment by our language centre)
CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency): A or B grade
TOEFL: Overall score of 110, with not less than 25 in individual elements.

This condition is waived if you have:-

completed a course equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree;
running for three years or more;
at an English-language institution;
in the last two years.

For full information, please refer to the University website .

Greek & Latin: The majority of research projects, with the exception of those which are strictly archaeological in character, require a high level of Latin and/or Greek. The skills which you need to strengthen during your first year can include these languages, but it is unlikely that these could reach the high linguistic standards required for the PhD if you did not arrive here with at least a good grounding in them.

Latest news

Classical Equalities Lecture 25 April 2024 at 17.00 in G19

4 March 2024

Jane Draycott will be giving this year’s Classical Equalities lecture, on ‘ Prostheses in Classical Antiquity: Everything You Never Knew You Wanted To Know’. Jane Draycott is Lecturer in Ancient History at the University of Glasgow. Her research investigates science, technology, and medicine in the ancient world. She has...

Soundmarks Project

12 February 2024

Soundmarks, an art/archaeology collaboration between Rose Ferraby, Cambridge Archaeologist, and Rob St John using sound and visual art launches at DIG in York. In 2019 the pair created work exploring and animating the sub-surface landscape of Aldborough Roman Town in North Yorkshire, UK. Soundmarks Aldborough was re-shown...

Publication: The New Documents in Mycenaean Greek

24 January 2024

The Faculty of Classics is proud to announce the publication of The New Documents in Mycenaean Greek , edited by John Killen FBA, the Emeritus Professor of Mycenaean Greek. More than a dozen leading Mycenologists have contributed chapters and sections to this seminal work in two volumes, comprised of more than 1100 pages...

15 January 2024

The Cambridge Digital Library has launched a dedicated Faculty of Classics portal . The first two collections feature digitized archival material from the Papers of Alan J. B. Wace, Laurence Professor of Classical Archaeology 1934-1944. Digital Thessaly features Alan Wace’s notebooks and photographs from his 1908-1910...

View all news

Quick links

Lecture Timetable and Courses

Museum Services for Schools

Cambridge Philological Society

Alumni Page

Room Booking System

Postal Address: Faculty of Classics Sidgwick Avenue Cambridge CB3 9DA UK Tel: +44(0)1223 335960 Fax: +44(0)1223 335409
Information provided by: [email protected]

Further contact link

Faculty and College contacts
University Map showing Faculty of Classics

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
Course directory
How to apply
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
Research Centres
Institute of Criminology
Computer Office
Squire Law Library
Faculty of Law
About overview
History of the Faculty
Equality, diversity & inclusion overview
Athena SWAN
Diversifying the Law: Postgraduate research poster exhibition
Equal opportunities
Dignity at work
Societies overview
Graduate Law Society (CUGLS)
Events at the Faculty
Public media collections
Cambridge LawLink newsletter overview
LawLink January 2024
LawLink October 2023
LawLink July 2023
LawLink April 2023
LawLink January 2023
LawLink October 2022
LawLink July 2022
LawLink April 2022
LawLink January 2022
LawLink October 2021
LawLink July 2021
LawLink May 2021
LawLink January 2021
LawLink October 2020
LawLink July 2020
LawLink May 2020
LawLink January 2020
LawLink October 2019
LawLink July 2019
LawLink April 2019
LawLink January 2019
LawLink October 2018
LawLink July 2018
LawLink April 2018
LawLink January 2018
LawLink October 2017
LawLink July 2017
LawLink April 2017
LawLink January 2017
LawLink October 2016
LawLink July 2016
LawLink April 2016
LawLink January 2016
LawLink October 2015
LawLink August 2015
LawLink April 2015
LawLink January 2015
LawLink October 2014
LawLink July 2014
LawLink April 2014
How to find Us
People overview
University and College Teaching Officers in Law Faculty Officers University Teaching Officers in the Institute of Criminology University Teaching Officers in the Department of Land Economy Affiliated Lecturers Retired and honorary members Research Staff Research Students Development and Communications Administrative Staff Computing Staff Squire Library Staff
Directors of Studies and College Teaching Affiliates
College Research Fellows in Law
Human Resources
Courses overview
Research overview
Current research grants
Faculty Centres, Networks and Groups overview
Network of Empirical Labour Law Scholars (NELLS)
Cambridge Socio-Legal Group
Criminal Jurisprudence and Philosophy Group (CrimJur)
Cambridge Legal Theory Discussion Group (CLTDG)
Cambridge Law Club
Financial support for research
International Research Groups and Networks
Our PhD students
Prizes and distinctions for research
Research ethics
Research highlights
Research with impact
SSRN Legal Studies Research Paper Series
Cambridge Law Eminent Scholars Archive
International links overview
Faculty academic visitors
Exchange schemes
Access & outreach overview
Why study law?
How do I become a lawyer?
Outreach initiatives
Exploring Law Course: Studying Law at University
Exploring Law Conference overview
Attending the conference
Testimonials
Exploring Legal Futures Webinars
Student recruitment events
#getincambridge
Life at Cambridge/Applying
Finding out more: Helpful links
Alumni & development overview
Cambridge Women in Law (CWIL) overview
Statement of aims and objectives
CWIL Advisory Board
CWIL mailing list
Alumni events
Our benefactors
Squire Law Library appeal
Planned giving and bequests

The PhD programme

International links
Access & outreach
Alumni & development

Finance overview Funding How to apply

The PhD is awarded after three to four years of full-time research (or five to seven years of part-time study) on the basis of a dissertation of 80,000 words (exclusive of footnotes, appendices and bibliography, but subject to an overall word limit of 100,000 words exclusive of bibliography, table of contents and any other preliminary matter). Examination for the PhD involves an oral examination (viva) by two examiners.

Research students who intend to undertake PhD research are in the first instance automatically registered for a one-year research training programme leading to the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) in Legal Studies. They are assigned a supervisory team by the Degree Committee of the Faculty, ordinarily consisting of a supervisor (who is principally responsible for directing and assisting the research) and an advisor (who provides a second point of contact for academic advice). At the end of the first year, the Degree Committee decides whether students should be registered for the PhD. This decision is taken on the basis of the student’s personal progress log, first-year dissertation of 15,000 words, viva conducted by two assessors from within the Faculty, and outline of plans for the full research project. Candidates who successfully complete the requirements of the CPGS and the first-year progress review are retrospectively registered for the PhD.

All full-time PhD students are ordinarily required to be resident in Cambridge for the duration of their research (save where given leave to work away from Cambridge for academic reasons or whilst undertaking fieldwork), and during the first year in particular must attend weekly research training sessions in the Faculty.

This overview of the PhD programme must be read in conjunction with the detailed information available under the 'Courses' section (see, in particular, the Course Directory) of the Postgraduate Admissions website . Further information on postgraduate admission to research courses in the Faculty of Law is available from [email protected] or +44 (0)1223 330039.

The Faculty of Law The David Williams Building 10 West Road Cambridge CB3 9DZ United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 1223 330033 Email: [email protected]

Terms and Conditions

Connect with us.

Quick links

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
Prospective Students
Institute of Criminology
About overview
How to Find Us
Room Bookings
Current Vacancies
Annual Reports
Quicklinks overview
Institute of Criminology Merchandise
Research overview
Research Centres
Research Projects
Publications overview
Publications July - December 2023
The Cambridge Crime Harm Index
Prospective Students overview
MPhil Courses overview
PhD in Criminology overview
Current PhD Topics
Master of Studies (MSt) Courses
Undergraduate Courses in Criminology
Funding Opportunites
People overview
Academic & Research Staff
Affiliated Lecturers
Associated Teaching Staff
Administrative, IT and Library Staff
PhD Students
Current Visitors
The Sir Leon Radzinowicz Visiting Fellowship
Become A Visitor
Academic Career Pathways (ACP)
News & Awards overview
Awards overview
Kathleen McDermott Award
Manuel López-Rey Graduate Prize
MSt in Applied Criminology, Penology & Management Year 1 and 2: Informal Prize
Nigel Walker Prize
Sir Richard Mayne Award
Sir Robert Peel Medal
Victor Lissack Prize
Events overview
Upcoming Events
Event Recordings overview
2020 Events
2019 Events
2021 Events
2022 Events
2023-events
2024 Events
Pre-2019 Events overview
PRC conference 2014 overview
PRC Conference 2014 Talk 1
PRC Conference 2014 Talk 2
PRC Conference 2014 Talk 3
PRC Conference 2014 Talk 4
Past Events
Bill McWilliams Memorial Lecture
Nigel Walker Lecture
Library overview
Library Services
Collections
Online Resources
Student Initiatives overview
Student Initiatives - Policy and Application
Cambridge Decolonising Criminology Network
Alumni overview
Keeping In Touch
Alumni Benefits
MSt Thesis Database

PhD in Criminology

MPhil Courses

iocsidgwicktrees590x288.png

Admissions Enquiries

For further details about the PhD course please contact the Graduate Administrators : Ms Charlotte Dove and Mrs Faith Payne

The PhD in Criminology is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of the preparation and presentation of a substantial piece of independent and original academic research. Cambridge doctoral students in criminology are supervised by leading scholars in their chosen fields, and student publications have been internationally recognised.

The Institute of Criminology has a worldwide reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. PhD candidates benefit from close links with the Institute's six dedicated research centres, providing them with unrivaled opportunities and the support to develop as independent researchers, while being part of an integrated community of criminologists working at different levels and through multidisciplinary approaches. The Cambridge PhD is a structured, yet flexible course of study, which supports individual development for becoming a professional researcher. It will help students develop the core skills needed by an arts, humanities or social sciences professional researcher of the future, which are valued by both academic and non-academic employers. By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired the skills, experience and knowledge to undertake postdoctoral work (research and teaching) or another related professions.

PhD in Criminology Course

Training, support and development programme .

The Institute runs a comprehensive training, support and development programme for its PhD students. Frequent seminars are designed to develop research skills, technique and thinking.

While you are likely to be starting the PhD course with a background of suitable research training which you undertook before admission, e.g. through your Masters or MPhil degree, during your time at Cambridge you can broaden this as much as you wish with the number of different opportunities available.

You are advised to discuss your training needs with your supervisor and record any training undertaken.

PhD candidates are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these training opportunities and the many interdepartmental workshops offered within the Institute and the University more widely.

Researcher Development Programme

The School of Arts and Humanities organises a Researcher Development Programme covering a range of topics from PhD skills training, to language training and writing and editing skills.

Social Sciences Research Methods Programme (SSRMP)

The Social Sciences Research Methods Programme is an interdisciplinary initiative offering high-quality research methods training to postgraduate students. The courses offered by the SSRMC cover skills relevant across the social sciences in a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, from basic training to advanced statistical analysis.

Seminars and Events

The Institute of Criminology holds weekly seminars and events, and candidates for the PhD are strongly encouraged to participate in the wider research culture of the Institute. These include the 'Brown Bag' seminars (aimed at criminologists at all levels of career progression within the Institute: PhD students, post-doctoral fellows and University teaching officers), Institute Guest Speaker seminars (usually Thursday evenings during term time), and MPhil teaching seminars.

Personal and Professional Development

The University's Skills Portal provides information on the transferable skills PhD students may wish to cultivate and enhance, and lists training opportunities available across the University, together with links to useful resources outside the University.

Careers Service

The Careers Service provides information and resources on jobs and opportunities within different sectors, advice on making applications and interviews, appointments with careers advisors, as well as career panels, skills sessions and events. Its services are available to all alumni for life.

Language Centre

The Language Centre supports the teaching and learning of languages throughout the University and is an excellent resource for academic purposes, whether you need to improve your language skills to help with your research or before undertaking fieldwork.

Supervisors and Research Topics

If you are confident that your proposed research is a good fit with your nominated supervisor, we recommend that you contact them in advance. If no potential supervisor is expressly stated in your application, the Admissions Panel will try to match applicants with willing supervisors based on academic interests and area of expertise, but there is no guarantee that this will always be possible.

If you have any questions about whether your topic is a good fit with your potential supervisor’s interests, you may email them, attaching both a CV with details of the degrees you have taken and the marks you have obtained, and a brief research proposal (1-2 pages max).

Include in the main text of your message a short statement about your background (what you have studied so far, your degree result or grade average, any relevant experience) and research interests.
Indicate why you wish to work with that member of staff, in particular (not just Cambridge in general), and what you can bring to the research group. Demonstrate your awareness of their research and how it aligns with your research interests.
It is helpful to include information on your funding situation and plans.
There is no need to attach references or transcripts.

Please be aware that our PhD supervisors receive large numbers of enquiries, and therefore cannot give detailed feedback on your proposal.

Postgraduate PhD applicants are required to nominate a supervisor as part of their application.

Please consult the list below to see which members of staff are available to supervise PhD students starting in October 2023. Availability depends on several factors, including sabbatical leave arrangements, contractual arrangements, and the number of students already being supervised by each member of staff. Each listing includes a few words outlining research/supervision interests. When choosing your nominated supervisor, it is important that there is some overlap with your own research interests or approach. You can find more detailed information by clicking through to supervisors’ research profiles. If you have any questions about whether your topic is a good fit with your potential supervisor’s interests, you may email them, attaching both a CV with details of the degrees you have taken and the marks you have obtained, and a brief research proposal (1-2 pages max). Also:

Please note: No preference will be given to applicants who have made informal contact before applying. Please be aware that our PhD supervisors receive large numbers of enquiries, and therefore cannot give detailed feedback on your proposal.

The application portal for 2024/25 is now live.

Academic requirements, new admissions.

We expect (full-time and part-time) PhD applicants from outside the University of Cambridge to have a Master's degree, with a distinction or close to distinction or equivalent, preferably in a social science discipline although applicants from other disciplines will also be considered.

Continuing from MPhil to PhD (current Cambridge students)

Both the Institute's MPhil courses provide excellent preparation for doctoral study, and many of our MPhil students choose to stay at Cambridge to pursue a Cambridge PhD. However, we do recommend that current MPhil students considering applying to study for a PhD should complete the MPhil in Criminological Research. Continuation from the MPhil course is subject to a MPhil student achieving at least 74% overall.

How to Apply

Full-time and part-time applications for the PhD in Criminology must be made through the University's Postgraduate Admissions Office Applicant Portal . Only applicants have access to their application(s) on the application portal. The Institute is not able view (or amend) an application until it is complete. Please note the following:

Completing your online Application Form (Full-time and Part-time applicants)

When will i receive a decision.

Full-time and part-time PhD applications are considered on a rolling basis (as they are received) up until each Term's application deadline.
We aim to assess and make a decision for all applications within eight weeks of receiving a complete application form (which includes two academic references). As part of the decision making process, you may be invited to attend an interview with your prospective supervisor and another members of the admissions panel. Interviews maybe conducted in person, or via Zoom / Teams. [ Part-time applications : If the department decides to make you an offer the applicant will also be interviewed by their proposed supervsior to establish a five-year research plan, which will set out your attendance requirements for training and seminars, frequency of supervisions and progress stages.]

Admission Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Postgraduate Admissions Office has a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions relating to the applications process. Please refer to these while making your application and throughout the process of applying.

Funding your Studies

If you wish to be considered for University based funding you must submit your PhD application in full by 4 January 2024, or 11 October 2023 if you are a USA citizen resident in the USA and wish to be considered for Gates funding .

Full details on course fees can be found at the Postgraduate Admissions website.

When considering applying for a course consider the living costs as well as the course fees required during your time here. The finance overview will help you calculate your costs.

There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trusts, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Research Councils and central University funds. Eligibility for the funds can be based on what course you are studying, your country of origin, or other criteria.

The Postgraduate Admissions Website has detailed information about these funding opportunities . This includes information about eligibility, how to apply and application deadlines.

There is also a funding search tool which will help you identify possibly funding opportunities.

You are also advised to do your own research on other funding sources, including the Colleges. Competition for funding is high so we strongly advise that you apply for as many funding opportunities as possible, to maximise the chance of success. On our funding page we have highlighted some funding opportunities where our students have achieved success in previous years.

Institute of Criminology Sidgwick Avenue Cambridge CB3 9DA T: +44 (0)1223 335360 F: +44 (0)1223 335356 E: [email protected]

Contact: [email protected]

Site privacy & cookie policies, about the institute, quick links.

Exchange Online

Desktop Services DS-File Store

Faculty of Law

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 Postgraduate

Phd by published work, what is phd published work.

A PhD awarded for the submission of a portfolio of published research to the standard of a regular PhD.

Who can apply?

Candidates may apply for the PhD by published work under Regulation 38 and the associated Guidance on the Requirements for the Award of Research Degrees .

Candidates must be either:

Members of academic staff or administrative or library staff of equivalent status of the University. Normally has been employed by the University for at least three years immediately prior to the submission of published work; or
Graduates of at least seven year’s standing normally holding a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Please note: You do not need to be a Warwick graduate to be able to apply for the PhD by published work.

Application Process

Candidates must make a research application using the standard online Postgraduate Application Form
Candidates must apply for the PhD most relevant to the portfolio of work that they will be submitting
Candidates should state clearly on the form that they wish to be considered for the PhD by Published Works
Candidates should then submit their CV (this can be uploaded with their application) and copies of the Works to be considered
Candidates should submit between 3 - 8 publications, which will form the intellectual basis of the examination for the award, for consideration (this may vary dependent on the discipline and focus of the candidate's research)
Submissions should include further contextual information regarding the publications, including, but not limited to, the profile of journals that articles have been published in, the candidate's individual contribution to each of their publications, the number of citations, and their significance to the field.

Consideration Process

The Head of the relevant Department will initially consider the submission. (S)he will appoint an Academic Advisor to provide guidance to the candidate on the presentation of the published work.
The Academic Advisor should produce a statement that outlines the Candidate's suitability for admission to a PhD programme, an assessment of the quality of publications presented, and any further relevant details regarding the Candidate, including their employment (current or past), area of expertise and profile within their discipline/field of research.
If the Head of Department is satisfied with the submission, (s)he will ask that the Chair of the Faculty Education Committee consider the submission.
If the Chair of the relevant Faculty Board is of the view that the Works are of the appropriate standard, (s)he will make a recommendation to the Chair of the Board of Graduate Studies that the candidate is admitted to the PhD.
An offer can only be made once the Chair of the Board of Graduate Studies has given his/her approval following consideration of the aforementioned recommendation.
Candidates should be aware that a successful application does not guarantee the award of the degree – candidates are required to successfully complete the examination process as set out in the Guide to Examinations for Higher Degrees by Research .

Period of Registration

The normal period of registration will be for 12 months.
Where the candidate is not a member of the staff of the University, submission for examination for the degree of PhD may be made after a minimum period of six months' registration.
Where the candidate is a member of the staff of the University, submission for examination for the degree of PhD may be made after a minimum period of three months' registration.
During the period of registration, students will additionally need to submit the Works to be assessed and a Covering Document of between 5,000 and 10,000 words setting out the relationship between the Works presented, the significance of the Works as a contribution to original knowledge within the relevant field, and, as an appendix, a full bibliography of all of the works ever published by the candidate.
The normal fee is an amount equivalent to one year’s full-time fee for the traditional PhD in the relevant academic year and department regardless of the date of submission of the work.
The fee for members of staff and for graduates of the University is charged at 20% of the home full-time postgraduate research fee.

Further information

All inquiries regarding applying for a PhD by published work should be directed to the Postgraduate Admissions team.
For detailed information on the requirements for an examination of the PhD by published work, see Regulation 38 and the associated Guidance on the Requirements for the Award of Research Degrees , and the Guide to Examinations for Higher Degrees by Research .
For information on the fees for your registration for the PhD by published work, please consult Student Finance .

Useful Links

Postgraduate Admissions
Student Finance
Regulation 38
Guidance on the Requirements for the Award of Research Degrees
Guide to Examinations for Higher Degrees by Research

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 Physics

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
Terms of Residence
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
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

The PhD in Physics is a full-time period of research which introduces or builds upon, research skills and specialist knowledge. Students are assigned a research supervisor, a specialist in part or all of the student's chosen research field, and join a research group which might vary in size between a handful to many tens of 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 the facilities available. The student, however, may work within a given field for a period of time before their personal topic is determined.

There is no requirement made by the University for postgraduate students to attend formal courses or 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. Postgraduate students are also expected to participate in the undergraduate teaching programme at some time whilst they are based at the Cavendish, in order to develop their teaching, demonstrating, outreach, organisational and person-management skills.

It is expected that postgraduate students will also take advantage of the multiple opportunities available for transferable skills training within the University during their period of research.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the research programme, students will have demonstrated:

the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication;
a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice;
the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems;
a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry; and
the development of a PhD thesis for examination that they can defend in an oral examination and, if successful, graduate with a PhD.

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.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, doctor of philosophy, department of physics, 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, easter 2025, funding deadlines.

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

Similar Courses

Physics MPhil
Planetary Science and Life in the Universe MPhil
Mathematics MPhil
Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics PhD
Astronomy 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

Information compliance

Equality and Diversity

Terms of Study

About this site

About our website

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...

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
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught
Postgraduate examinations
Writing, submitting and examination
PhD, EdD, MSc, MLitt
Cambridge students
New students overview
Pre-arrival courses
Student registration overview
Frequently Asked Questions overview
Who needs to register
When to register
Received registration in error/not received registration email
Problems creating an account
Problems logging in
Problems with screen display
Personal details changed/incorrectly displayed
Course details changed/incorrectly displayed
Accessing email and other services
Miscellaneous questions
Contact Form
First few weeks
Manage your student information overview
Student record overview
Camsis overview
Extended Self-Service (ESS)
Logging into CamSIS
What CamSIS can do for you
Personal information overview
Changing your name
Changing Colleges
Residing outside the University's precincts
Applying for person(s) to join you in Cambridge
Postgraduate students overview
Code of Practice for Master's students
Code of Practice for Research Students
Postgraduate student information
Requirements for research degrees
Terms of study
Your progress
Rules and legal compliance overview
Freedom of speech
Public gatherings
Disclosure and barring service overview
Cambridge life overview
Student unions
Extra-curricular activities overview
Registering societies
Military, air, and sea training
Food and accommodation
Transport overview
Bicycles and boats
Your course overview
Undergraduate study
Postgraduate study overview
Changes to your student status (postgraduates only) overview
Applying for a change in your student status (postgraduates only)
Changing your mode of study
Withdrawing from the University
Allowance/exemption of research terms
Withdrawal from Study
Reinstatement
Changing your course registration
Changing your department/faculty
Changing your supervisor
Exemption from the University composition fee
Confirmation of Study: Academic Verification Letters
Extending your submission date
Medical intermission (postgraduates)
Non-medical intermission (postgraduates)
Returning from medical intermission
Working away
Working while you study
Postgraduate by Research Exam Information
Research passports
Engagement and feedback
Student elections
Graduation and what next? overview
Degree Ceremonies overview
The ceremony
Academical dress
Photography
Degree ceremony dates
Eligibility
The Cambridge MA overview
Degrees Under Statute B II 2
Degree certificates and transcripts overview
Academic Transcripts
Degree Certificates
After Graduation
Verification of Cambridge degrees
After your examination
Exams overview
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught overview
All students timetable
Undergraduate exam information overview
Postgraduate examinations overview
Examination access arrangements overview
Research programmes
Taught programmes
Writing, submitting and examination overview
PhD, EdD, MSc, MLitt overview
Research Best Practice
Preparing to submit your thesis
Submitting your thesis
Word limits
The oral examination (viva)
After the viva (oral examination)
After the examination overview
Degree approval and conferment overview
Final thesis submission
Examination allowances for certain Postgraduate degrees (except PhD, MSc, MLitt and MPhil by thesis degrees)
Requesting a review of the results of an examination (postgraduate qualifications)
Higher degrees overview
Higher doctorates
Bachelor of divinity
PhD under Special Regulations
Faith-provision in University exams
Publication of Results
Exam Support
Postgraduate by Research
EAMC overview
Annual Reports of the EAMC
Dates of meetings
Frequently asked questions
Guidance notes and application forms
Resources overview
Build your skills
Research students
Fees and financial assistance overview
Financial assistance overview
Overview of Financial Assistance
General eligibility principles and guidance
Cambridge Bursary Scheme funding overview
What you could get
Scottish students
EU students
Clinical medics and vets
Independent students
Extra scholarships and awards
Undergraduate Financial Assistance Fund
Postgraduate Financial Assistance Fund
Realise Financial Assistance Fund
The Crane Fund
Loan Fund I
External Support
Support from your Funding Sponsor
Guidance for Academic Supervisors and College Tutors
Fees overview
Funding overview
Mosley, Worts, and Frere Travel Funds
Support for UKRI Studentship Holders overview
Student loans overview
US loans overview
Application procedure
Entrance and Exit Counselling
Cost of attendance
What type of loan and how much you can borrow
Interest rates for federal student loans
Proof of funding for visa purposes
Disbursement
Satisfactory academic progress policy
In-School Deferment Forms
Leave of absence
Withdrawing and return to Title IV policy
Rights and Responsibilities as a Borrower
Managing Repayment
Consumer information
Submitting a thesis — information for PhD students
Private loans
Veteran affairs benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Student support
Complaints and appeals

Submitting your thesis for examination (PhD, EdD, MD, BusD, MLitt, MSc)

Format of the thesis.

The thesis must:

be written in British English, apart from quotations and recognised technical formulae

be in A4 portrait format

use one-and-a-half spaced type

include any photographs or other illustrations scanned into the text

be saved in the electronic format and naming style specified by your Degree Committee

Examiners are not expected to edit work. They will deal with errors of fact and typographical errors that affect the meaning of your work, as well as larger structural issues. The extent to which the text has or has not been properly prepared may influence their recommendation concerning the award of the degree. You are therefore advised to check your thesis thoroughly prior to submission to ensure clear, formal British English has been used throughout and that there are minimal typing and/or spelling mistakes.

How and when to present the thesis for examination

You must submit an electronic copy of your thesis for examination, and any required accompanying documents, to your Degree Committee by your submission deadline (which can be found under 'Thesis Submission details' on the Academic tile in your CamSIS self-service). You are required to submit your thesis for examination by your deadline even if the date falls over a weekend or holiday period.

Your Degree Committee should provide you with guidance for electronic submission; please contact them directly if you require any assistance.

The thesis you submit to your Degree Committee will be the thesis forwarded to the examiners for examination. It is not possible to 'retract submission' or to send a revised copy directly to your examiners. Therefore you should carefully check the file(s) you upload when submitting your thesis.

Postgraduate students must keep a minimum number of terms of research before they can submit (for example, 9 for the full-time PhD or 15 for the part-time PhD or EdD) unless they have been granted an allowance or exemption of terms . If you attempt to submit too early and have not had an allowance or exemption of terms approved, your thesis submission will not be accepted or will be kept on hold and not forwarded to your examiners until the first day of your 9th (full-time) or 15th (part-time) term.

Requirements

You must include the following bound inside your thesis:

1. A title page displaying:

the full title of the thesis

your full legal name (as it appears on your passport, marriage certificate or deed poll)

your college

the date of submission (month and year)

a declaration stating: "This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy/Doctor of Education/Doctor of Business/Doctor of Medicine/Master of Science/Master of Letters (as appropriate)."

2. A declaration in the preface stating:

This thesis is the result of my own work and includes nothing which is the outcome of work done in collaboration except as declared in the preface and specified in the text.

It is not substantially the same as any work that has already been submitted before for any degree or other qualification except as declared in the preface and specified in the text.

It does not exceed the prescribed word limit for the [insert relevant] Degree Committee. (For more information on the word limits for the respective Degree Committees see Word Limits and Requirements of your Degree Committee )

3. An abstract/summary of your thesis

4. [if applicable] the list of additional materials that were approved for submission alongside the thesis

You must also submit the following documents (not included inside the thesis):

Required: One declaration form

Optional: Research Impact Statement If pandemic, war/conflict, or natural disaster have significantly impacted on your research, you are invited to submit a Research Impact Statement with your thesis using the template provided. The purpose of the statement is for you to describe any restrictions or difficulties experienced in undertaking your research as a result of pandemic, war/conflict, or natural disaster, and to provide details of any alternative arrangements made to complete the work for your thesis. Further details for students and supervisors can be found in the Research Impact Statement guidance and the Research Impact Statement form can be downloaded here .

Inclusion of additional materials

Students other than those in the Faculty of Music must seek permission through their CamSIS Self Service page if they wish to submit additional materials for examination alongside their thesis. Additional materials are integral to the thesis but in a format that cannot be easily included in the main body of the thesis (for example, 3D graphics). You should refer to the ' Policy on the inclusion of additional materials with a thesis ' before making an application to include additional materials. This process should be initiated prior to the thesis submission. If a thesis is submitted with additional materials and without permission to include them, it will be held by the Degree Committee until approval is confirmed.

Please bear in mind that if you are granted permission to submit additional materials, you are required to upload the same materials to the University repository, Apollo , when you submit your approved thesis post-examination (doctoral candidates only). Therefore, the inclusion of additional material that contains uncleared third-party copyright or sensitive material may affect the access level that is most appropriate for your thesis.

Submitting a revised thesis

If you are resubmitting your thesis following a viva outcome of being allowed to revise and resubmit the thesis for examination for a doctoral degree, you need to follow the same procedure as for the original thesis submission .

What happens following submission of the thesis for examination

When you submit your thesis for examination the Degree Committee will check the submission, acknowledge receipt, and inform Student Registry you have submitted. The Student Registry will update your CamSIS record.

The Degree Committee will forward your thesis to your examiners. If you have not received confirmation of the date of your viva (oral examination) within six weeks of submitting your thesis, or if you have any questions with regard to your thesis at this stage, you should contact your Degree Committee.

Your Examiners should not ask you for a printed copy of your thesis or other material in advance of your viva (oral examination). If they do, please seek advice from your Degree Committee.

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
Prospective Students
Postgraduate Study
Department of Sociology
Our History
Job Vacancies
Green Team overview
Everyday Tips for the Office
Environmental Action Plan
Green Travel
Green Cambridge
Green Seminar Series
Alumni overview
Help support the Department of Sociology
Alumni Benefits
Alumni Events
Academic Staff
Affiliated Staff
Postdoctoral and Research Staff
Postgraduate Students
Emeritus Academics
Administrative Staff overview
Paulina Baltsoukou
Lara Gisborne
Yvonne Martin-Portugues
Ellen Munnelly
Lucy O'Connor
Lucian Stephenson
Abigail Youngman
Théa Murray
Yvonne Frankfurth
Undergraduates overview
Part I overview
Supervisions
One-Year Part II
Undergraduate Teaching FAQs
Postgraduates overview
Library Services
Resources & Training
Support & Wellbeing
Cambridge University Sociology Society (SocSoc)
Why study Sociology?
Undergraduate Study overview
Course Structure
Applying to Sociology
Fees and Funding
Guidance for Teachers
Preparing for Interview
Student Testimonials
Support and Services
Postgraduate Study overview
Choosing a Supervisor
Applications overview
Postgraduate FAQs

Visiting Scholars

Outreach & Open Days
Y10-13 Photo Competition
Events overview
External Events
News overview
Decolonise Sociology ↗
Applications
Undergraduate Study

PhD in Sociology

The PhD in Sociology offers a world-class programme of research study in sociology supervised by experts in their respective fields. The Department of Sociology at the University of Cambridge is ranked first for Sociology in the Guardian's Best Universities league table and first for Sociology in the Complete University Guide League Table 2024 . And the QS World University rankings list our departments as 2nd out of over 500 Sociology Departments across the world in 2023.

In the first year you are encouraged to take research methods courses offered by the Department and the Social Science Research Methods Programme (SSRMP) to build the methodological grounding of your individual research projects.

The Department also offers a programme of seminars covering transferable skills such as academic writing, presentation skills and in-depth information about how to progress the PhD and the academic career. PhD students are supported by their supervisor and a faculty adviser.

Watch our open day video

The Programme

The course aims to provide all students with the skills they need to be professional researchers and academics. There is an organised programme of courses for first-year PhD students, which has three major components:

Basic academic and research skills, designed to provide the essential tools of academic work
The core training programme, which covers issues of social science research in general
Issues of research specific to particular disciplines or areas of interest, and research design, including the integration of methodological, theoretical and substantive issues

The standard period for PhDs is 3-4 years full-time or 5-7 years part-time. Click here for further information about part-time PhD studies .

Meet our Candidates

What you can do with your phd.

Students who complete graduate programmes in Sociology have the opportunity to develop the analytical and writing skills to help them succeed in academia but also in careers such as health and social care, marketing and public relations, politics, and education, amongst others.

Postgraduate Prospectus

The PG prospectus details all the courses on offer at Cambridge, as well as introducing the different Colleges and describing the admissions process.

The Department of Sociology University of Cambridge Free School Lane Cambridge CB2 3RQ

Tel: 01223 (3)34520

Contact: [email protected]

Privacy notice & cookie policies.

Website Updates

Profile Update Form

Research Project Form

Event Promotion Form

Tweet Request Form

Useful Information

Annual Reports

Equipment for Loan

Digital Editorial Guidelines

IT Services Guide

twitterrrr.png

facebook_logo_square.png

117156_media_512x512.png

768px-youtube_play_button_square_2013-2017.svg_.png

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...

IMAGES

PhD by Publication Explained
Academic & Professional Publishing by Cambridge University Press
Guidelines for PhD Thesis Paper Publication (Reputed Journals)
‘A degree of a different character’: 100 years of the Cambridge PhD
PhD by Publication
University of cambridge phd thesis writing

VIDEO

What is a Research
Research and Publication Ethics || Common PhD Course Work Examination paper of all university
International Conference on Humanities, Art and Social Studies (HAS 2024)
Episode 1
ISRC 2024 : INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE INVITATION
Research & Publication ethics Paper|| phd course work|| #phd #pyqs

COMMENTS

PhD under Special Regulations
Who can apply for a PhD under Special Regulations? An application can be made by: A graduate of the University of Cambridge, of not less than six years standing from admission to their first degree (to qualify as a graduate, a candidate must have a degree - qualifications such as diplomas and certificates are not degrees); and who. EITHER. (a ...
Requirements for research degrees
Requirements for research degrees Doctorate (PhD, EdD, EngD, PhD by Special Regulations) Doctoral degrees are awarded to those who have demonstrated all of the criteria below: a significant contribution to the field of study through the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, connection of previously unrelated facts.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A Cambridge PhD is intellectually demanding and you will need to have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research. ... Some Cambridge dissertations go on to form the basis of significant publications. Although you will spend long hours working independently, your department and College will ...
PDF Guide for Applicants: PhD Degree under Special Regulations
Guide for Applicants: PhD Degree under Special Regulations . 1. The University of Cambridge may award the PhD Degree under the Special Regulations to a graduate of the University who is eligible to apply for the Degree and who has submitted published work which, in the opinion of the Examiners, gives clear proof of a
Doctor of Philosophy by publication
A Doctor of Philosophy by publication (also known as a Ph.D. by Published Work, PhD by portfolio or Ph.D. under Special Regulation; also a thesis by publication, a thesis with publications, a publication-based thesis, an articles-based thesis, a manuscript-style dissertation, a compilation thesis and a journal format thesis) is a manner of awarding a Ph.D. degree offered by some universities ...
The PhD
The PhD. Overview The PhD is a research degree examined by a dissertation of up to 80,000 words, usually after three or more years of research. The criteria for obtaining the degree are that the dissertation represent a 'substantial contribution to knowledge' and that it also represents a realistic amount of work for three years' study.
PhD by Publication
PhD by Publication. A PhD by publication is a degree awarded in recognition of an extensive amount of research published in numerous formats or journals. Unlike a conventional doctorate, you are not expected to undertake a new research project. This page will give a simple overview of what a PhD by publication is, and how to get one.
PhD under Special Regulations
Contact us. Degree Committee for Physics & Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, 17 Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RX. Tel: 01223 746764 / 746766.
PhD Course Information
The Postgraduate Secretary will provide further information on the process for softbound submission. As of 1st October 2017, once their PhD has been approved, students are also required to submit an electronic copy of their PhD thesis to the University's repository, Apollo.
PhD in History
Overview. The PhD is taught by individual supervision. There are lots of opportunities on offer: you can gain instruction in specialist disciplines, such as palaeography, languages, and computing; you can undertake training in professional skills appropriate for historians; you will be able to attend research seminars and workshops, and lots more.
Full article: The PhD by publication in the humanities and social
The PhD by publication. The PhD by publication is variously called a thesis by publication (Nygaard and Solli Citation 2021), a thesis with publications (Mason Citation 2018), a publication-based thesis (Sharmani et al. Citation 2015), an articles-based thesis (Nygaard and Solli Citation 2021), a manuscript-style dissertation (Anderson and Okuda Citation 2019), a compilation thesis (Gustavii ...
PhD in Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics
This is a three year research programme culminating in submission and examination of a single research thesis. Students joining the course will often have completed prior study at a level comparable to our Part III (MMath/MASt) course and many have postgraduate experience. Our students therefore begin their PhD research with a good understanding of advanced material, which they build on in ...
Publish and be doctor-rated: The PhD by published work
Cambridge PhD by publication in 1966, although an innovation in the UK, was a. relatively late contribution to academic practice (see Simpson, 1983). Since 1966 a fur ther 60 ...
Higher doctorates
An application for a Higher Doctorate can be made by: A graduate of the University of Cambridge of not less than eight years standing from admission to his/her first degree (to qualify as a graduate, a candidate must have a degree - qualifications such as diplomas and certificates are not degrees). A person who has been admitted:
PhD in Medicine
PhD in Medicine. Doctoral studies are carried out by science postgraduates, medical students combining clinical training with the PhD, and clinically qualified doctors undertaking scientific training. The research covers the whole spectrum of medical science from basic biology to clinical therapies.
PhD in Classics
PhD in Classics. The PhD is a three-year research degree, examined by a dissertation of up to 80,000 words. The criteria for obtaining the degree are that the dissertation represents a 'substantial contribution to knowledge', and that it also represents a realistic amount of work for three years' study. Candidates work closely with their ...
The PhD programme
Further information on postgraduate admission to research courses in the Faculty of Law is available from [email protected] or +44 (0)1223 330039. Finance overview Funding How to apply The PhD is awarded after three to four years of full-time research (or five to seven years of part-time study) on the basis of a dissertation of 80,000 ...
PhD in Public Health and Primary Care
The aim of the PhD course is to provide a sound foundation in study design and conduct, data acquisition and handling, quality issues, statistics, discussion of research ethics, issues of intellectual property, multidisciplinary team working, access to a variety of research settings and dissemination of findings. ... Gates Cambridge US round ...
PhD in Criminology
The PhD in Criminology is an advanced research degree, awarded on the basis of the preparation and presentation of a substantial piece of independent and original academic research. Cambridge doctoral students in criminology are supervised by leading scholars in their chosen fields, and student publications have been internationally recognised.
PhD by Published Work
Candidates may apply for the PhD by published work under Regulation 38 and the associated Guidance on the Requirements for the Award of Research Degrees. Candidates must be either: Members of academic staff or administrative or library staff of equivalent status of the University. Normally has been employed by the University for at least three ...
PhD in Physics
The PhD in Physics is a full-time period of research which introduces or builds upon, research skills and specialist knowledge. ... and merit publication; ... Gates Cambridge US round only Oct. 11, 2023. These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025. ...
Submitting your thesis for examination (PhD, EdD ...
The thesis you submit to your Degree Committee will be the thesis forwarded to the examiners for examination. It is not possible to 'retract submission' or to send a revised copy directly to your examiners. Therefore you should carefully check the file (s) you upload when submitting your thesis.
The PhD
PhD in Sociology. The PhD in Sociology offers a world-class programme of research study in sociology supervised by experts in their respective fields. The Department of Sociology at the University of Cambridge is ranked first for Sociology in the Guardian's Best Universities league table and first for Sociology in the Complete University Guide League Table 2024.

Study at Cambridge

Supervision

Related Links

Study at Cambridge

Office closures

Meetings schedule

Essential Links

[email protected]

Study at Cambridge

PhD Course Information

Registration

Monitoring progress

Fifth Term Review

Seventh Term Review

Working away from Cambridge

Preparation of theses

What to expect from the viva

What to bring with you to the viva

Latest news

Quick links

Follow us on Twitter

Information

Other Links

PhD in History

At a glance

What are we looking for?

Are there any course requirements?

How is the PhD examined?

Study at Cambridge

How to apply

PhD in Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics

Structure of the PhD

Research areas

Additional training and opportunities

Academic entry requirements

Funding opportunities

Finding a supervisor

Application and funding deadlines

Selection process

Postgraduate open day

Forthcoming Seminars

News, Announcements and Events

Study at Cambridge

PhD in Classics

Course requirements

Latest news

Quick links

Further contact link

Study at Cambridge

The PhD programme

Terms and Conditions

Quick links

Study at Cambridge

PhD in Criminology

iocsidgwicktrees590x288.png

Admissions Enquiries

PhD in Criminology Course

Supervisors and Research Topics

The application portal for 2024/25 is now live.

Continuing from MPhil to PhD (current Cambridge students)

How to Apply

Completing your online Application Form (Full-time and Part-time applicants)

Admission Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Funding your Studies

Contact: [email protected]

Study Postgraduate

Who can apply?

Application Process

Consideration Process

Period of Registration

Further information

Useful Links

Study at Cambridge

PhD in Physics

Primary tabs

Learning Outcomes

Key Information

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Similar Courses

Postgraduate Admissions Office