How to Apply for the PhD in POLIS

Academic Entry Requirements

The PhD programme at POLIS is highly competitive. To be considered for admission, applicants are required to meet the following academic benchmarks:

  • Undergraduate Qualification: A First Class Honours degree from a UK university, or a GPA of at least 3.85 (or international equivalent) from a non-UK university.
  • Postgraduate Qualification: A Master’s degree in a subject relevant to your PhD application, with a Distinction-level result or a GPA of at least 3.85 (either completed or currently in progress).

Important: Please note that both the undergraduate and postgraduate criteria must be met. If you do not meet these minimum requirements, the Department is unlikely to offer you a place.

Application Requirements

The following documents must be submitted via the application portal. 

  • Detailed Research Proposal: Your proposal must include a working title and should not exceed 2,500 words (including footnotes and titles, but excluding the bibliography). It should outline your intended research subject and thesis, indicate the methodology and sources to be used, and demonstrate how the project will contribute to existing knowledge.
  • Academic Transcripts: You must provide full transcripts of your university-level academic record.
  • Two Academic References: Two references must be submitted on your behalf. Referees should typically be university academics who have known your work for at least six months.
  • Evidence of English Language Competence:  If English is not your native language, and you have not previously been a student at the University of Cambridge, you must submit evidence proficiency. We accept the following tests:
    • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.5, with at least 7.0 in each component.
    • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 110, with at least 25 in each component.

Please note: If any of these elements are missing, the application will be considered incomplete and cannot be successful.

Deadline Notice

The application portal will close strictly at 23:59 (midnight) UK time on the advertised deadline date. We recommend submitting well in advance to avoid technical issues.

Additional Requirements

Supervisors

You are required to identify two to three potential supervisors on your application form. You can review a complete list of academic staff and their specific research interests here. Please note that identifying potential supervisors does not guarantee they will be assigned to you, as final allocations are made by the Department.

Academic Ranking and Performance

We strongly encourage you to include information regarding your academic ranking for both your undergraduate and Master's degrees.

  • Documentation: Most universities provide this information upon request if it is not already included in your transcript. You may upload additional documents containing this data alongside your transcripts.
  • Expectations: We anticipate that successful applicants will typically rank within the top 20% of their academic cohort. We recognise, however, that this condition may be relaxed for programmes with exceptionally high entry standards.
  • Evidence: Applicants who do not provide ranking information will be at a disadvantage. If a formal ranking is unobtainable, the onus is on the applicant to ensure their referees provide sufficient detail regarding completed assessments to allow for a ranking estimate. Simply stating a rank (e.g., "1/100") without supporting data will not be considered a meaningful ranking.

Optional Application Materials

In addition to the mandatory documents, you may also:

  • Upload a CV and a sample of written work (optional).
  • Arrange for a personal referee to submit a reference on your behalf (specifically for those applying for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship).

Key Dates for 2026-27 

  • Applications for the 2026-27 academic year opened in September 2025.
  • General Funding and Application Deadline: 2 December 2025.
  • Gates Cambridge (US Round) Deadline: 15 October 2025.
  • Start Date: Please note that the PhD programme only accepts applicants for an October start date. These dates cannot be deferred or changed.

Review and Interview Process

  • Assessment Timeline: It can take up to 12 weeks for the Department to review and consider applications.
  • Interviews: Shortlisted applicants are often invited to an interview, typically with a prospective supervisor. We will contact you via your nominated email address if you are selected.
  • Interview Dates: Interviews will be held online from 12–16 January 2026. Please be aware that alternative dates will not be offered.