Applications and prerequisites

Applications for admission in October 2026 (Michaelmas term) open in early September 2025 and will close on 15 May 2026. Applicants for admission in January 2027 (Lent term) may submit a complete application up until 1 October 2026. Note, however, that to be considered for funding from the Cambridge Trusts, all applicants must submit their applications for admissions no later than 23:59 (GMT) on 2 December 2025 for the academic year 2026-27.

Applicants should refer to the Postgraduate Admissions page for links to the application portal, deadlines, guidance and information.

Please note the following:

• Applications for funding support from the University and Cambridge Trust must be submitted by 23:59 (GMT) on 2 December 2025 regardless of whether the application is for a Michaelmas or Lent term start: see University funding deadlines.
• Research students are admitted to the Certificate of Postgraduate Studies in Computer Science (see CPGS) in the first instance.
• The Course code is CSC1.
• Applicants will also need to include a brief research abstract within the section of the application form which asks for a research topic and to indicate a potential supervisor's name, that is, the academic in the Department with whom you have been in discussion.
• Applications are considered as they are received.

Please note that your application can only be considered by the department once it is complete and has been submitted.
You will need to upload all your supporting material including a research proposal. It is therefore very important to have all your supporting material, including agreement from your referees to provide you with references, your transcripts and degree certificates, sample of written work and research project proposal ready to submit before you start the application.

Prerequisites

Applicants for the PhD in Computer Science should:

• Hold a first-class honours degree, or equivalent to a good UK first-class honours degree, which should be in computer science. Alternatively, applications will be considered from those holding a degree of equal status in engineering, science, mathematics, or another numerate degree, and where the applicant can demonstrate significant relevant preparation for the PhD in Computer Science.

• A master's-level degree such as the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science (or other postgraduate work) is highly desirable.

• Applicants will have sent their proposed supervisor a draft or complete version of the research proposal before submitting their application and discussed the proposed research with a member of the research staff. Applicants will have permission to submit an application for admission from the proposed research supervisor. The name of the proposed research supervisor will be written in the application form.
• Applicants will have two academic references. If the applicant has been in relevant employment for several years, one of the referees may be a line manager. Note that those applying for Gates Cambridge Scholarships will require a third personal referee.
• Applicants will submit one or two pieces of written work in English such as conference or workshop papers.
• Note that the proposed supervisor may not unilaterally agree to supervise a prospective student without the approval of the PhD Applications Panel and the Degree Committee for Computer Science and Technology. The only University body with the authority to make an offer of admission is the University's central Postgraduate Admissions Office.

Applicants wishing to apply to undertake a PhD on a part-time basis should refer to the Department's Part-time PhD advice for potential part-time students.