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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.

It is possible that places will be filled prior to the course closing date. You are therefore strongly advised to make your application as early as possible.

Selection Process

Applications are considered in a series of ‘gathered field’ assessments of applications with a strict limit on the number of offers that can be made each year. These are usually held in November, in January and after the course closing date in May. 

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
  • Statement of interest (5000 characters)
    The statement of interest should cover your reasons for wishing to do this course and for studying Social Anthropology at this level,  any interests and past experience which you consider relevant, and possible dissertation topics you might pursue on the course, why you are interested in them, and some preliminary ideas about how you might carry them out.
  • Sample of work (1)
    Please upload a sample of work of around 2,000 – 4,000 words. The sample must be entirely your own work, fully referenced and in English.

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

All MPhil students who are admitted to the Department of Social Anthropology will be assigned a Principal Supervisor to support and guide their work. Your supervisor will be an expert in his or her field of research and will meet you regularly to discuss your work and oversee your progress. There is no need to contact a potential supervisor prior to making your application.

Apply Now

Key Information


11 months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Department of Social Anthropology

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
May 1, 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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