Frequently asked questions
Applying
How do I decide which Colleges to apply to?
The Board of Graduate Studies website gives information about each College, as well as suggesting some of the factors you may want to consider when selecting your two preferred Colleges. Further information is available on each College's website.
We strongly recommend that you include at least one of the five graduate Colleges (Clare Hall, Darwin, Hughes Hall, St Edmund's and Wolfson) among your College options, since these Colleges are more likely to accept you.
What should I put in section A(12) of the application form (‘Summary details of research proposal or reason for applying for the course’)?
Since you will be submitting an MPhil statement of purpose or PhD research proposal, it is not necessary for you to complete this part of the GRADSAF form.
Should I submit my CV (resumé)?
No, we do not accept CVs.
When is the deadline for applications?
The final deadline for applications is 30 June 2012, but it is likely that we will allocate all our places before 30 June. We therefore strongly recommend that you apply no later than 15 February 2012 to ensure that we can consider your application.
Please note there are earlier deadlines for applicants who wish to be considered for funding from the Cambridge Trusts, Arts and Humanities Research Council, Cambridge International Scholarships or Cambridge Home and European Union Scholarship Scheme. The earliest deadline, for applicants from the USA applying for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, is 15 October 2011. See funding for graduate students for more information.
Is there an interview?
Yes, admission is subject to an interview. The interview, with one or two senior members of the Department, can be conducted by phone or online if it is not practical for you to travel to Cambridge (unless the interview is for the part-time PhD, in which case it must be in person).
References
Can my referees send their references by email?
No, references should be either submitted online or sent to the Board of Graduate Studies on paper.
Should I submit a personal reference?
All applicants must have two academic references, but a personal reference is only required if you are applying for funding from the Cambridge Trusts. The personal reference is not seen by anyone in the Department.
Qualifications
Can you tell me if I am sufficiently qualified to be admitted to the MPhil course?
The best way for us to assess your suitability is for you to submit a complete application. We are unable to give you a preliminary assessment of the chances of your application being successful.
In general, applicants should hold (or be expected to achieve) a first class honours degree from a university in the UK, or a degree of an equivalent standard from an overseas university. In the US system a cumulative GPA of at least 3.7 is normally required.
Applications are assessed on an individual basis, taking into account academic qualifications, references and writing samples.
Can I be admitted straight to PhD studies or do I have to complete the MPhil first?
Applicants are not normally admitted as a PhD student unless they have completed either the MPhil or Part III course in the Department or a similar course at another university. If you apply for the PhD we may offer you a place on the MPhil course instead if we judge that it would be more appropriate for you.
Do I need to take an English language examination?
If you are not a native English speaker you must pass a language proficiency test at the required level before you can start at Cambridge. See the Board of Graduate Studies website for further information about English language requirements.
You do not have to take the test before you apply, but we recommend that you make arrangements for taking the test as early as possible.
Do I need to take a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test?
No, this is not required.
Study mode
Can I study HPS part-time?
We offer a part-time PhD, but the MPhil can only be taken as a full-time course.
Can I study HPS by distance learning or online learning?
No, we do not offer any distance learning or online learning courses.
Are PhD students permitted to work away from Cambridge?
Yes, it is possible for PhD students to get permission to work away from Cambridge for one or more terms, provided there are good academic reasons and adequate arrangements can be made for supervision in another institution. Full-time PhD students must be resident in Cambridge for at least three terms.
Further information
Where can I find statistical information, such as the number of applicants and the destinations of graduates?
This information is available on the CamDATA website.
Who should I contact if I have any other questions?
Please contact the Department.