The Department welcomes applications for part-time PhD studies from candidates wanting to further their academic abilities whilst remaining in employment.
Part-time PhD study is a five-year commitment spanning 15 Cambridge terms. Part-time research students are expected to be in Cambridge for around 45 days per year, spread throughout the year, for lectures, supervision and other training.
Applicants interested in part-time study must approach potential supervisors in advance of applying, and secure informal confirmation that the academic is willing to supervise for this extended period of study. Applicants must check the relevant box for "part-time study" on the Applicant Portal, as well as naming their potential supervisor. Applications without a named supervisor will not be reviewed.
During the admissions process, part-time applicants will be interviewed by the potential supervisor and one other academic, typically the Director of Postgraduate Education, to assess whether
- the proposed research is feasible for part-time study
- the applicant is able to sustain a part-time approach to study
- the applicant has funding for five years
- the applicant will be able to fulfill attendance requirements
An offer of a place is given based on an individual five-year research plan which sets out your attendance requirements for training and seminars, frequency of supervisions and progress stages.
For residence and visa requirements, please check the Part-time Postgraduate Study Guide.
International Students
International students who require a student visa to study in the UK are expected to apply for the full-time programme. This is owing to the restrictions of a part-time student visa. The University will only sponsor a student visa for the part-time option if the reason for studying part-time is due to a disability. Further information is outlined on the International Students webpages.
Before applying you should contact the postgraduate admin team for up-to-date information about visa support.
