Options for graduate study
Applicants for admission as a graduate student can choose from two options:
- MPhil
The MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is a course of study conducted by means of supervisions and seminars. It starts in early October and lasts until late June. Students who are admitted for the MPhil can apply to continue as PhD students. - PhD
The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a research degree. Applicants will only be admitted directly to the PhD if they have an exceptionally strong background in the field – usually the MPhil or Part III course in this department or a similar course at another university. They should already have an appropriate and focused research proposal.
It is also possible to be admitted to undertake up to one year of research supervised by a senior member of the Department. Such students are not registered for any degree, must pay the standard graduate student fees, and will not be awarded a degree. They are not normally allowed to continue such work in Cambridge for more than one year. Applications should be made in the normal way.
Students are not permitted to combine study for the MPhil or PhD with study for a degree at another university.
Graduate students in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science are registered through the Degree Committee for History and Philosophy of Science.