The course is open to graduates and other qualified candidates (see entry requirements) who wish to pursue a research, practice or leadership career in population health sciences. Applications for this course are highly competitive.
After reading the advice for applicants, apply using the University’s Applicant Portal. In the Applicant Portal, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and request references.
An application is only complete when:
- you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
- you have paid the £50 application fee. Further information on application fees see here.
- your referees have provided their references.
If you miss the deadlines specified in the applicant portal, you will not be able to submit your application.
Applicants may want to check their eligibility for an application fee waiver. Note the early deadline (30 November) for such applications.
Applicants must fully explore the MPhil PHS course website, including the advice for applicants, and make thorough use of the pre-application self-screening tool, before completing their application. Applicants must carefully follow all instructions given here and on the website.
More information on the application process for the MPhil course is provided here by the University of Cambridge Graduate Admissions office. Applications for the academic year 2025/26 open on September 3rd 2024, and will close on March 27th, 2025.
As this is a popular course, we strongly recommend that you submit your completed application (including references) as early as possible. Please note: we also recommend applicants check back to the website frequently while making their application, as admissions for the course and/or specific specialisation themes may close early if oversubscribed and all places are taken.
Applicants should normally receive a response to their application within twelve weeks of applying.
The Cambridge Postgraduate Open Day takes place virtually in November. Bookings open in September. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day site for more details.
Selection process
The assessment panel will be seeking assurance that the candidate has the experience, ability and commitment necessary to complete the MPhil course, become a future leader in the field of Population Health Sciences, and that the course will support their future career goals. The following criteria are used to consider applications:
- Class of first degree
- References from senior staff at the most recent university and/or place of employment
- Relevance of previous academic and work experience
- Candidate’s responses to course specific questions, and statement of their reasons for wishing to take the course
- Candidate’s reflection on their engagement with the pre-application self-screening tools
- Other supporting evidence, including an up-to-date curriculum vitae
All applications are considered in batches on an approximately monthly basis (rolling admissions) and offers are made throughout the application period. Applicants who pass initial review by two admissions committee members will then be invited for an interview by members of the course admissions committee. Interviews will be held remotely.
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.
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English. If required – you can check using our tool
- Medical Science – Verification of Qualifications: Please confirm that your qualifications meet all the course entry requirements (check entry requirements on the course website and then verify international qualifications if necessary).
- Statement of Interest (2500 characters)
- Relevant Experience (1000 characters)
- Maths and Stats experience (1000 characters)