Apply for the MPhil in Technology Policy

Are you ready to join the diverse and talented people who, each year, prepare for a career in the governance of science and technology?

Applications now open

Applications for entry in October 2025 are now open, with a closing date of 25 February 2025.

Cambridge students chatting.

Who are we looking for?

The MPhil in Technology Policy attracts bright and highly motivated individuals with a science, engineering or other quantitative background and a strong interest in technology policy.

This programme is right for you if: 

  • you have a UK First Class Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in science or engineering. Other disciplines are considered if you have a solid quantitative background
  • you have good interpersonal, communication and team-working skills, in addition to numeracy, problem-solving and reasoning skills
  • you have English language proficiency, maths and stats proficiency

(English proficiency: English as the native language or IELTS minimum overall score of 7.5, with not less than 7.0 in each element or TOEFL minimum overall score of 110, with not less than 25 in each element). 

Class profile

View the MPhil in Technology Policy class profile.

Class profile

Application process

Entry to the MPhil programme is very competitive, so we advise you to apply early. This is particularly important if you are planning to apply for scholarship funding.

This is our application process:

Application preparation

Prepare your application

Start your application process as early as you can. Contact your referees, gather all required documentation and research Colleges. Applying early is especially important if you intend to apply for scholarship funding.

Application submission

When you’re ready, submit your application online

Submit your application form and supporting documents via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal.

Go to applicant portal

Receipt of application

Get receipt of your application

You will receive an email or letter of acknowledgement of receipt of your application and supporting documentation, and an ID number from the Postgraduate Admissions Office.

Application review and video interview

A review period where we consider applications

Our Admissions Committee, consisting of members of Cambridge Judge Business School faculty, meets to reviews all applications. Due to the high number of applicants, this process takes several weeks. Should your application be viewed positively, you will be invited for an online interview. You will be notified of the outcome via the University Applicant Portal.

Fraudulent applications

The University of Cambridge takes robust action against admissions fraud. If we find that fake documents or false information has been submitted, we will withdraw the application and any others made by the same person.

Learn more about postgraduate admissions fraud

Successful candidates receive a Conditional Offer

If your application is successful, you will receive a formal offer letter via email and access to your Self-Service account.

Use the Self-Service account to find out everything you need to know about the progress of your application and to provide the required documents to meet your offer conditions. You can also print a summary certificate of offer from your Self-Service account.

Please note that conditions attached to your offer may include:

  • financial (proving that you have the funds to support yourself while studying on the programme)
  • language (proving that your English language skills meet the programme’s minimum requirements)
  • academic (proving that you have a UK First Class Honours degree in science or engineering, or an international equivalent)
  • or the provision of original documents

It is your responsibility to meet all requirements and to let the Postgraduate Admissions Office know when you have done so by providing the necessary documentary evidence.

Progress to Unconditional Offer 

Prepare to attend your MPhil in Technology Policy programme.

The Postgraduate Admissions Office will confirm by email and the Self-Service account that you may begin your MPhil programme at the start of the academic year. Where appropriate you will also receive a Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS) certificate for visa application.

You can now begin arranging your accommodation in Cambridge and make visa applications where applicable.

What happens next?

Visit the Postgraduate Admissions “What Happens Next?” webpage or view the Postgraduate Admissions website’s admissions process flowchart to find out more about the application process.

The Programme Office will be in touch to communicate further particulars regarding the Orientation week etc. from July onwards and you will be also provided with a summer reading list.

Our minimum requirements

Ensure you have everything you need to submit your optimal application. Below is the list of requirements for applying to the MPhil in Technology Policy programme. 

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.

Fees and funding for MPhils

Find out more about financing your MPhil and explore scholarships available to you.

Fees and funding
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