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Postgraduate Study

Course closed:

Polar Studies (Scott Polar Research Institute) is no longer accepting new applications.

Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal, where you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and request 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 £60 application fee
  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.

Applicants for research in polar studies should select the following course: PhD (probationary) in Polar Studies at the Scott Polar Research Institute (EASP22). We will then decide into which category – EASP22 Polar Studies (Natural Science) or EASP21 Polar Studies (Social Sciences and Humanities) – your application falls. This will affect the level of fee you pay if you are an overseas applicant and also whether or not you need an ATAS statement.

Selection Process

Applications are considered when they are received (rolling admissions).

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
  • Reasons for applying (1500 characters)
  • Research proposal
    You should include a statement (approximately 2,000 words) of your research proposal, including aims and methods, sources and the location of the proposed research. Please state which academic in the Department could supervise your research. Physical Geography applicants, choosing from the list of topics available on the Department website, do not need to include a research proposal but should include a statement saying why they have chosen a topic or topics and their suitability for the chosen topic or topics. Your proposal or statement should include a list of specific resource needs for your research (such as travel budget, fieldwork, laboratory equipment, chemical, IT needs, etc) and an outline of relevant experience (including employment and non-academic experience) relevant to your application.

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.

Key Information


3-4 years full-time

5-7 years part-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Geography and Scott Polar Research Institute

Enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2018
Application deadline
March 29, 2019
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2019

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

Graduate Funding Competition
Jan. 3, 2019
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 10, 2018