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Postgraduate Study

Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.

An application is only complete when:

  1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
  2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
  3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

Selection Process

Applications received before the funding deadline will be considered as part of a gathered field.  The deadline for University and Faculty funding is usually in early December.  We encourage applicants to get in touch with their potential supervisors early in the process.  It is in the applicant's best interests to submit their application early in the academic year, i.e.: to meet the funding deadline and to ensure that their application is considered in good time, as places can be filled before the final deadline date.

Applications submitted after the funding deadline will be considered by the Department within 12 weeks on a rolling basis.

Further information on How To Apply


Things You'll Need

In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.

  • Two academic references  
  • Transcript  
  • CV/resume
  • Evidence of competence in English  
    If required - you can check using our tool
  • Research proposal (M)
    Maximum length 600 words.
  • Extended research proposal (M)
    Maximum length 1,500 words.
  • Sample of work (1)
    Maximum length 3,000 words in English.
  • Asian and Middle Eastern Studies - language attainments
    This can be a simple list of the languages you have attained and to what level (e.g. beginner, intermediate etc). If you have any language certificates, you can upload them along with your application.
  • Statement of interest (1500 characters)
    Please use this section to explain why you are interested in studying at Cambridge University on this particular course.
  • Proposed Supervisor (M)
    For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below.
  • Project title (M)

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

  • Gates Cambridge Reference  
  • Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.


How to Find a Supervisor

Before you apply, we strongly encourage you to contact a prospective supervisor to discuss your research interests.  A full list of supervisors can be found on the Faculty's website.

Apply Now

Key Information


12 months full-time

2 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Master of Philosophy

Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
May 16, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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