How to Apply
MPhil in Development Studies: Application Guide (2026 Entry)
The MPhil in Development Studies is a world-class interdisciplinary programme designed for those seeking to lead in policy, research, or the private sector. Below is the comprehensive guide to entry requirements, deadlines, and the application process.
Entry Requirements
Academic Background
While the MPhil primarily attracts students with a background in the social sciences, we welcome applicants with degrees ranging from the humanities to the natural sciences. Previous intakes have included graduates in:
- Social Sciences: American Studies, Anthropology, Economics, International Relations, Political Science, Social Work, Urban and Regional Studies, and Sociology.
- Business & Policy: Finance, Economics, Business Management, and Public Administration.
- STEM & Humanities: Computer Science, Engineering, Operations Research, Biological Sciences, History, English, Journalism, Languages, and Philosophy.
Minimum Qualifications
To be eligible for the course, you must meet the following criteria:
Academic Standing: A minimum of a high 2:1 honours degree from a UK university, a 3.7/4.0 GPA, or the international equivalent.
English Language Proficiency: If your first language is not English and who have not previously studied for a degree in an English language university, you must provide evidence of proficiency:
IELTS: 7.5 (minimum 7.0 in each component)
TOEFL: 110 (minimum 25 in each element)
You can use this website to find out if a language requirement would be a condition of your offer.
Supervision
MPhil candidates should not contact potential supervisors before applying. If your application is successful, the Centre will allocate an appropriate supervisor once you have been admitted.
Dates for 2026 Entry:
- For 2026 entry, if you wish to be considered for Gates funding the application deadline is Wednesday 15 October 2025 (Time 12:00, noon in local US time zone) for US citizens resident in the USA.
- For all other funding for 2025 entry, including Gates funding for eligible non-US citizens, your deadline is 02 December 2025 (23:59 GMT). Self-funding applicants, you may also submit for this deadline.
- Self-funding applicants, your final deadline is 26 February 2026 (23:59 GMT).
Please see the Postgraduate Admissions webpage for details.
How to Apply
All applications are submitted through the Postgraduate Admissions Applicant Portal.
The Portal: Navigate to the Postgraduate Study website
Postgraduate Course Directory Application Fee: There is an application charge per submission (unless you are from a country which is eligible for fee waiver).
Funding: You can apply for most University-wide funding (Cambridge Trust, Gates, etc.) directly within the portal.
What Supporting Documentation do I need to apply?
1. First Academic Reference and Second Academic Reference
Please see this website for information on who to nominate as your referees, and how they submit their references. Please note that you must secure two academic letters of reference to be considered.
2. Personal Reference
This is only required if you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
3. Transcript
Please see this website for information on how to upload your transcripts.
4. Evidence of Competence in English if English is not your first language
- You can use this website to find out if your offer would include a Language Requirement.
- This website has information about the accepted tests and how to upload them.
You do not have to have a language test certificate when you apply. Whilst this is preferable, this can be uploaded during any part of the application process - and if an offer is made, can be included as one of the conditions of admission. You can find the "No Current Language Test Form" on this website.
The same form should also be used when you wish to request a language test waiver - there is an option on the form for this purpose.
5. Statement of Interest
You must complete the statement of intent, explaining why you wish to do this course and how it fits into your long-term career plans. This statement has a maximum of 2500 characters, including spaces.
6. Research Proposal
The proposal should be 500-800 words long and must include the following:
- The topic you wish to research: This explains the background to the topic and the question(s) you aim to investigate. In short, clearly articulate here what you want to research and why.
- The intellectual debates and academic literature: which frame the background to the proposed research. This should show some familiarity with existing literatures and how the research will build on them.
- The research methodology and methods:This section explains the approaches and tools you will use in your research. It helps show how you plan to answer your research questions. The section can include the main sources you will rely on.
- The contribution of the research:How the research furthers a particular argument, critiques an academic position, or fills in a gap in existing research.
Please make sure to use clear and concise language. There is no need to include full bibliographical material. You may indicate a potential supervisor on your application. Please note that the final decision about allocating MPhil dissertation supervisors resides with the Admissions Committee. If your application is successful we will search for an appropriate academic supervisor, please do not approach potential supervisors yourself.
7. CV/Resumé
Uploading Supporting Documentation
Applications will not be considered by the Department until all the documents are uploaded, as Postgraduate Admissions only send them to us once all the documents are present. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We do not chase applicants for missing documents. Therefore, you must submit all required supporting documentation, including references, at the same time as the rest of your application.
It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that all documents forming part of their application are correct and complete at the point of submission of the application. The department will not permit changes or additions to these documents after application. Additionally, the Admissions Committee will not review any documents which are not listed on the Postgraduate Admissions Office's website as required for the MPhil or PhD in Development Studies.
Incomplete/inactive applications (i.e. those which have been missing documents for a considerable length of time) will be withdrawn by Postgraduate Admissions, and will therefore never reach the Department.
After Applying
There are two deadlines for applications, 02 December 2025 (23:59 GMT) and 26 February 2026 (23:59 GMT). All applications received by the deadlines are considered by the Admissions Committee and we aim to make a decision within 12 working weeks of each deadline. Applicants seeking funding must apply in time for the 02 December 2025 deadline.