How to apply

Applications are usually made online and only occasionally by paper application. Both methods of application are processed by the central University.

Visit the University of Cambridge’s Graduate Admissions website to apply online using the Applicant Portal. You will need to submit all required supporting documentation at the same time as the rest of your application.

You will see all the instructions on how to complete the application are clearly included during the online application process. Take your time and read the instructions carefully as mistakes can invalidate your application and delay the process.

Note that deadlines for application submission are 12:00am (midnight) UK time on the date stated. Plan to submit your application in advance so that if you experience any issues, we can assist you.

Have your CV (curriculum vitae, or résumé) ready to upload via the Applicant Portal, as this is a required part of your application for admission.

While not an absolute requirement, prior work experience will generally count in an applicant’s favour. Given the highly competitive nature of our admissions process, we strongly encourage you to have at least one year’s work experience before applying, but we consider all applications submitted.

The typical length of work experience that students possess before starting the programme is 2 to 5 years. Many of our students will already have extensive employment experience in technology-based organisations in either the private or public sector.

Your statement needs to cover:

• why you have chosen to do the MPhil in Technology Policy
• what work experience and other relevant experience (especially leadership experience) you might have
• how you feel the MPhil in Technology Policy will help in your future

There is a character limit set up for this field by the University Applicant Portal.

You’ll need university transcripts and certificates for each degree you have studied for or are currently studying for.

A degree in science or engineering will normally be expected but in the past, graduates from other disciplines with a strong interest in technology policy and a solid quantitative background have joined the programme. The minimum standard required is a UK First Class Honours or international equivalent.

In most countries, this is a First Class Honours degree (Bachelor’s, Licentiate, Vordiplom), but a masters-level degree may be required from some countries. The minimum standard required is a very good first degree, which translates in most countries into ‘A’ grades. Please refer to the Postgraduate Admissions website to find out the minimum requirement from graduates completing their studies in other countries.

We are looking for highly capable graduates with a background in a quantitative discipline, particularly engineers and scientists. Degree-level study of a quantitative discipline is expected.

Fluency in the English language, both in written and spoken form, is a must. We therefore expect all candidates to meet one of the following criteria:

• English as your native language
• an IELTS minimum overall score of 7.5, with not less than 7.0 in each element; the separate components must have been taken at the same time and in the past 2 years
• a TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) minimum overall score of 110, with not less than 25 in each element

Not yet taken a language test? Test result out-of-date or not up to the required standard? Don’t worry, you don’t have to include your English language test scores with your initial application documents; they can be forwarded on later in the process. If you are made an offer, one of the conditions of entry will be getting the required standard of language test score.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview to assess their fit with the programme. The interview is not meant to evaluate your English language skills. Therefore, if your first language is not English, the University of Cambridge requires a separate assessment for your English level.

You’ll need to provide details of 2 academic referees when completing your application in the Applicant Portal. Your referees will then need to provide your reference via the referee portal. You’ll need to ensure these references are provided before any course or funding deadline for your application to be considered. You can track the submission of references via the applicant portal, and you should remind your referees if your references are not submitted (or request a new referee). Before you submit your application make sure you have your referee’s consent to provide a reference for you.

There is an application charge of £50 per application (unless you are from a country which is eligible for fee waiver). You can make the payment by providing your card details to our secure server when you submit your online application.