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Postgraduate Study

Course closed:

Biological Sciences 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. 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.

If you are also applying for Targeted and iCase studentships, a list of projects can be found on the BBSRC-DTP website.

For further details on the application process, please refer to the .

Selection Process

Applications are considered together as a gathered field after the closing date in December. Successful applicants will be notified in January and invited to attend an interview, which will be held via Zoom.

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 Theme (one option)
  • Studentship
  • Project Title (250 characters) (mandatory)
    If you are interested in being considered for the Standard DTP studentship only, add 'Standard' to the text box. If you are interested in being considered for a Targeted and/or iCase project, please insert the project codes in order of preference. You can choose up to 2 projects from the list available at: You can apply for a Standard DTP studentship and 2 projects. If you want to do this, please ensure you insert in order of preference 'Standard' and the projects codes.
  • Biological Sciences - Alignment of Interests
    Describe how your research interests align with the research areas and objectives of the programme.
  • Biological Sciences - Your Motivation
    Explain what motivates you to apply for a PhD and what drives your interest in pursuing this program. Highlight your inner motivation to learn and develop.
  • Biological Sciences - Innovative Thinking
    Describe how you persist through challenges, learn from feedback, and use problem-solving or creative thinking to explore issues from new perspectives. Draw from examples from your academic, professional or personal life.
  • Biological Sciences - Independent Study
    Describe how you manage your own learning and meet important milestones. Provide examples from your academic, professional, or personal life that demonstrate how you have successfully handled independent tasks or how you have developed these skills in preparation for doctoral study.
  • Biological Sciences - Recent Developments Within Your Research Area
    Discuss your knowledge of developments in your research area, including relevant methods or theories or approaches you’ve engaged with through experiences such as self-directed learning, practical applications in a professional setting or in academic contexts.
  • Biological Sciences - Research Process
    Discuss your understanding of the research process and your knowledge of relevant methods and techniques.
  • Biological Sciences - Technical Skills
    Describe the technical skills relevant to your research interests (e.g. database management, programming languages), and how you’ve developed these skills in your academic, professional or personal life. You might also discuss how you plan to further develop these skills in the future, with specific examples.
  • School of Biological Sciences - Widening Participation Questionnaire
    Applicants to this course are asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study. Find out more about our use of contextual information here: postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/contextual-data.

Gates °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

  • Gates °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï Reference  
  • Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See for more information.


How to Find a Supervisor

If you are interested in applying for a Targeted and/or iCase project, you must contact the project supervisor in advance of submitting your application to discuss the project.

If you are applying for a Standard studentship only - there is no need to contact a supervisor in advance of submitting your application. 

Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

School of the Biological Sciences This course is advertised in multiple departments. Please see the Overview tab for more details.

Course - related enquiries

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Dec. 3, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2025

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

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2024
Gates °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï US round only
Oct. 16, 2024

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.