skip to content

Centre of Development Studies

 

Applying 

Funding

Studying

 

Applying

What are the academic requirements for entry?

Please see https://www.devstudies.cam.ac.uk/studywithus/mphil-in-development-studie... for information.

Back to top

 

I do not meet the academic requirement, can I still apply?

This course is very popular and a high volume of applications are received every year. If you have not or are not predicted to achieve the required academic grades it is very unlikely you will be offered a place on the course.  If you do not achieve the required English Language scores you will not be admitted.

Back to top

 

What are the language requirements?

If you have not previously studied in the UK, it is important to check the equivalence guidelines for your country using the search function at https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international/international-qualifications.

A fluent command of written and spoken English is essential. Adherence to this requirement is strict, especially for candidates on one-year courses. Students must be able to demonstrate that they are able to communicate in English at a level and in an idiom suitable to the subject.

Visit https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international/competence-english to see if you will need to provide a language test certificate.

Accepted English Language Tests and minimum levels

IELTS score of 7.5 (with a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component).

TOEFL score of 110 (with 25 in each element). 

Back to top

 

What supporting documents are required?

Please see How to apply.

Back to top

 

What is the deadline for applications?

Please see our entry on the Course Directory.

Back to top

 

Do I need to submit a GRE/GMAT score as part of the application process?

No.

Back to top

 

Is there an application fee?

Yes, for further details please consult the Postgraduate Admissions Office website.

Back to top

 

Which college should I apply to?

The University of Cambridge is a collegiate university, and each college offers an extra dimension to student life.  All students are required to be members of a college.

Cambridge colleges are not associated with particular academic disciplines.  All teaching for postgraduate students is provided by the Centre or Faculty, not by the college. You are therefore free to apply to any college you choose. When you are choosing your college, you may like to think about the following questions:

  • Would I prefer an all-postgraduate college or an undergraduate college with postgraduate students?
  • How likely is it that the colleges I am considering will be able to provide me with living accommodation?
  • Do the colleges I am considering have large international communities?
  • Are these colleges able to offer travel or other grants?
  • (For women applicants) Would I prefer a women-only college or a mixed college?

When completing the application form for admission, you can indicate two college preferences for college membership or you can make an open application which will allow a computer program to make college choices for you.

The academic decision on whether to recommend you for a place on your chosen course is made by the Centre to which you apply, not the college. Your application papers will be sent to the colleges only after a formal academic offer of admission has been made by the Postraduate Admissions Office (Postgraduate Committee).

Back to top

 

Can I choose when I start my studies?

Our course starts in Michaelmas Term (beginning of October), unfortunately it is not possible to defer your start to any point mid-year.

Back to top

 

Is it possible to apply for more than one MPhil course?

It is possible to apply for more than one of the MPhil courses that the University offers. However, you will need to submit a separate set of application materials for each programme that you apply for.

Back to top

 

Does the Centre have mature students?

The Centre has a number of mature students, and there are no age restrictions.

Back to top

 

Are decisions regarding applications made on a rolling basis?

Decisions on applications are not made on a rolling basis. The deadline for funding applications is 05 December 2023, and the aim is to make all decisions within 12 weeks of this closing date. For those not applying for funding, there is an additional second deadline in February 2024, with decisions released 12 weeks later. 

Back to top

 

When will I find out your decision?

We aim to make a decision and inform applicants within 12 working weeks for all applications received before the funding deadline 05 December 2023. We aim to make a decision within 12 working weeks of the final deadline 29 February 2024 for all applications received after the December deadline and before the final deadline. 

Back to top

 

Funding

Am I eligible for funding?

The funding bodies are separate to the Centre, your eligibility will be subject to your own circumstances and by the terms of which each body award their scholarships.

The University holds two main funding rounds for all postgraduate applicants with deadlines in October and January for admittance the following academic year.

Please see 'Fees and Funding' for further details.

Back to top

 

Am I eligible to work during my studies?

The University does not allow students to undertake paid work while they are studying full-time, and you should not expect to accrue additional income in this way.

It is a requirement of the University that all full-time postgraduate students have their funding fully in place before they start their course. Students on one-year courses are not allowed to undertake any type of paid work during their period of study.

 Back to top

 

How much will it cost?

As a postgraduate student at the University you are liable to pay a University Composition Fee (UCF) and you are also expected to have 'maintenance' funds to support your living costs whilst you are studying. The value of the UCF is dependent on your 'fee status', which is determined according to your nationality and place of permanent residence.

If you are made a conditional offer of admission to Cambridge, you will need to obtain sufficient funding for the full duration of your course. Evidence of funding is required before your admission to the University can be confirmed. This is known as a financial undertaking. 

Please see 'Fees and Funding' for further information. 

 Back to top

 

I have missed the funding deadlines, are there any other opportunities available?

There may be other external funding opportunities, please consult the Cambridge Funding Search for further details.

 Back to top

 

Studying

Who will be my supervisor?

If your application is successful we will search for an appropriate academic supervisor, please do not approach potential supervisors yourself.

 Back to top

 

How many people are accepted onto the course each year?

For the the 2021 intake, approximately 175 offers were made, for approximately 85 available places.

 Back to top

 

Can I bring my family?

If you wish to bring family with you to Cambridge whilst studying, you will need to consider not only the financial implications but also your accommodation and any childcare, schooling needs and immigration rules. Please refer to the advice for International Students for further guidance if you are intending to arrive from another country. 

 Back to top

 

Do I need to reside in Cambridge for the duration of my course?

If you are accepted for full-time postgraduate study at the University, you will be required to live in or close to Cambridge for at least the minimum period of study.

This means:

  • Living within ten miles of the city centre for research students and those taking most other postgraduate courses.

 Back to top

 

How do I organise my accommodation?

The colleges are able to house many of their full-time postgraduate students, either in the colleges themselves or in postgraduate hostels or purpose-built flats. However, few colleges can house all their student members. You may prefer to find your own living accommodation independently of the college, or may have to do so; this can be the case if you come to Cambridge with a partner or children as there is only limited college accommodation for couples and families. If your college is unable to provide accommodation for you, you can get help from the Accommodation Service and the Postgraduate Union. The Accommodation Service is responsible for letting 360 University-owned properties. These are a mixture of furnished and unfurnished one-, two- and three- bedroom flats and houses located at different sites across the city. Demand for these is high and priority is given to those who are new to Cambridge.

 Accommodation Service

 Back to top

 

Can I leave Cambridge during the academic year?

The University year consists of three terms. Term dates are published on the University's website. No full-time student can be a candidate for a Cambridge degree unless they have spent at least three terms resident in Cambridge; for a term to be 'kept' a student has to reside in Cambridge for a minimum number of nights (59 for the Michaelmas and Lent Terms and 56 for the Easter Term).

Please click here for Cambridge term dates. 

Back to top