MPhil in Conservation Leadership

Length and dates of course:
11 months, October to August
Application deadline:
28 March
Academic requirement:
2:1 or three to five years relevant postgraduate work experience
English language requirement: See table of specific scores needed for this course
Course code: GEM10

This course is designed for graduates with three to five years of relevant experience in biodiversity conservation, who have a specific knowledge of conservation, public policy, business strategy or the voluntary sector anywhere in the world. The unique features of this course are its delivery by a partnership between several university departments and conservation organizations based around Cambridge who form the Cambridge Conservation Initiative and its engagement with management and leadership. The course will train students to address the challenges of biodiversity conservation in an integrated and interdisciplinary manner, by focusing on an understanding of the root causes of ecosystem change and biodiversity loss. The course will seek to develop leadership potential by promoting students capacity to understand the links among drivers of biodiversity loss and to enable students to think creatively about conservation solutions across organisational, political boundaries and economic sectors. The course consists of two elements: Six core modules in terms 1 and 2 which will each be assessed by submitted essays or equivalent exercises. A professional placement completed in term 3 and the summer period assessed by submission of a placement report at the end of August Lecture and seminar topics will address a range of key issues in conservation, including: conservation ideas: the evolution of strategies and policies; drivers of biodiversity change; conservation planning and management; conservation: complex, contested and interdisciplinary; conservation governance; conservation enterprise; managing conservation organisations; communicating conservation. Further information
MPhil in Conservation Leadership Fees and Costs Graduate Course Costs
Notes on Application
A complete application for this course will depend on whether you are a continuing student or a new admission. Please see the relevant box below.

Continuing students must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references statement of purpose (750 words) (please see Geography website for title)
You are a continuing student if you have previously been admitted to a graduate course by the Board of Graduate Studies (or by the Institute of Continuing Education, for an MSt degree), and became a matriculated student on that course.
How To Apply New applicants for admission must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references transcripts or degree certificates English Language Score Report (if English is not your first language) personal reference - ONLY if you wish to be considered for funding from the GATES CAMBRIDGE TRUST. (See Personal reference for the Gates Cambridge Trust for further information) statement of purpose (750 words) (please see Geography website for title)
How To Apply
Further information
Department of Geography: How to apply for an MPhil

MPhil in Environment, Society and Development

Length and dates of course:
9 months, October to June
Application deadline:
28 March
Academic requirement:
At least a 2.i honours degree from a UK university or equivalent
English language requirement: See table of specific scores needed for this course
Course code: GEM2

This nine-month course provides advanced training in ideas related to the problems of nature and society. The course deals with these issues globally but there is some emphasis on the less industrialised countries. The course has recently been redesigned and relaunched, with the aim of making more links with other courses in the University, and ensuring that it is delivering cutting edge ideas and materials. The course aims to enable students to develop an understanding of key issues in environment and development, and it also provides students with the opportunity to specialise and develop specific knowledge of particular topics. It is run within the Department, but there will be opportunities to attend modules in MPhil courses in cognate Departments in the University, including Development Studies and the Centre for African Studies. Many students with valuable work experience join this course, especially those who wish to have the opportunity to read more widely and develop critical assessment of different directions in environment and development policy. The course consists of two components: A series of topics taught through compulsory and optional lectures and seminars in the first and second term, assessed by submitted essays, a presentation and book reviews. A supervised dissertation, planned through the first two terms, and developed and written up in the Easter vacation and third term. The dissertation may be desk-based or may involve a short period of fieldwork if appropriate and if resources are available. Lecture courses will cover themes in: political ecology; society, culture and human development; climate change politics; conservation and society; institutions and rural resources; power, civil society and social movement. The availability of academics to supervise dissertation topics may vary from year to year depending on research leave and other commitments Further information
MPhil in Environment, Society and Development Fees and Costs Graduate Course Costs
Notes on Application
A complete application for this course will depend on whether you are a continuing student or a new admission. Please see the relevant box below.

Continuing students must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references 750 word dissertation proposal
You are a continuing student if you have previously been admitted to a graduate course by the Board of Graduate Studies (or by the Institute of Continuing Education, for an MSt degree), and became a matriculated student on that course.
How To Apply New applicants for admission must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references transcripts or degree certificates English Language Score Report (if English is not your first language) personal reference - ONLY if you wish to be considered for funding from the GATES CAMBRIDGE TRUST. (See Personal reference for the Gates Cambridge Trust for further information) 750 word dissertation proposal CV
How To Apply

MPhil in Geographical Research

Length and dates of course:
11 months, October to September
Application deadline:
28 March
Academic requirement:
At least a 2.i honours degree from a UK university or equivalent
English language requirement: See table of specific scores needed for this course
Course code: GEM6

PLEASE NOTE that this course is now full and are therefore no further applications are being accepted.

This course is intended to cover the needs of students seeking advanced research training and is a good foundation in preparation for beginning a PhD. The course structure ensures that core methodical debates in geography are examined within each geography module. You choose two geography modules which are combined with two modules in research design and methods, and a thesis. The geography sections vary, but are currently
Political ecologies, society and development: a broad range of rival theories and concepts of environmental sustainability, development policy, and impact assessment Political economies of global change: new economic geography, economic development, labour markets and social inclusion Culture, history, and demography: theories and epistemologies in the context of research themes: welfare; medicine and demography; fertility, mortality and morbidity; disease and deviance; colonial discourse. GIS and remote sensing: the theory and practice of GIS and remote sensing applied to human geography, and the spatial processes and models underlying spatial distributions Multi-disciplinary gender studies: gender analysis of human society, addressing topics such as conflict, globalization and social policy The options can be combined with individual reading courses so that the specific course content can be designed for each student taking into account their needs, prior knowledge and prior experience. The research methods components ensure that you acquire proficiency in the use of a range of software, knowledge of alternative IT sources, understanding and introductory experience of survey methods, statistical methods and a range of qualitative/ethnographic concepts and methods. There are four modules:
Foundations in Applied Statistics Survey methods Statistical methods Qualitative methods
Modules can also be taken from the following MPhil courses: MPhil in Environment, Society & Development MPhil in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies
Further information
MPhil in Geographical Research Fees and Costs Graduate Course Costs Funding Details ESRC funding possible
Notes on Application
A complete application for this course will depend on whether you are a continuing student or a new admission. Please see the relevant box below.

Continuing students must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references 750 words (max) research proposal
You are a continuing student if you have previously been admitted to a graduate course by the Board of Graduate Studies (or by the Institute of Continuing Education, for an MSt degree), and became a matriculated student on that course.
How To Apply New applicants for admission must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references transcripts or degree certificates English Language Score Report (if English is not your first language) personal reference - ONLY if you wish to be considered for funding from the GATES CAMBRIDGE TRUST. (See Personal reference for the Gates Cambridge Trust for further information) 750 words (max) research proposal
How To Apply
Student Testimonials "The M.Phil in Geographical Research was a highly rewarding course. Owing to the excellent balance struck between taught and self-guided components, it served as a really good stepping stone between my previous undergraduate degree and a PhD. In addition, because the course is so flexible, it provides an excellent opportunity to really exploit the great teaching resources on offer in Cambridge and to develop your ideas and interests into a substantial research project that can be carried forwards to doctoral level."

James Palmer (May 2010)

MPhil in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies

Length and dates of course:
11 months, October to September
Application deadline:
15 March
Academic requirement:
At least a 2.i honours degree from a UK university or equivalent
English language requirement: See table of specific scores needed for this course
Course code: GEM9

The MPhil in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies seeks to provide rigorous advanced training in the multi- and inter-disciplinary study of gender. It is designed for those who wish to prepare for PhD or further research and also, for students who want to enhance their understanding of 'gender' by undertaking a one-year MPhil only MPhil Objectives: The primary objective of the course is to introduce students from a wide variety of academic, business and policy backgrounds to the traditions, methods and front-line research that shape an advanced gender analysis of human society. Over twenty-three different departments within the University of Cambridge come together on this course to address a range of topics such as Conflict; Globalization; Labour Market Inequality; Social Policy; Culture; Bio-medical advances, Human Rights and Justice. Graduates from this MPhil will emerge as highly desirable candidates for NGO, governmental, policy, business, and academic careers The course aims to provide students with: 1. with a range of intellectual and methodological approaches within Gender Studies and related fields 2. with the ability to interpret complex research publications effectively. 3. with the ability to apply normative theories to substantive research topics. 4. with independence and competency and the confidence to use a range of methods for gathering, analyzing and interpreting research material. 5. with the opportunity to develop their capacity to frame research questions, to construct appropriate research designs, and develop a thorough grasp of alternative approaches. 6. with an opportunity to develop an independent capability to manage research, including data management and the writing up of research as well as understanding codes of research practice and research ethics. 7. with an opportunity to develop their skills in presentation of research and also how best to make use of constructive criticism.
Further information
Department of Geography: MPhil in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies Fees and Costs Graduate Course Costs Funding Details ESRC funding possible
Notes on Application
A complete application for this course will depend on whether you are a continuing student or a new admission. Please see the relevant box below.

Continuing students must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references research proposal for dissertation (750 words)
You are a continuing student if you have previously been admitted to a graduate course by the Board of Graduate Studies (or by the Institute of Continuing Education, for an MSt degree), and became a matriculated student on that course.
How To Apply New applicants for admission must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references transcripts or degree certificates English Language Score Report (if English is not your first language) personal reference - ONLY if you wish to be considered for funding from the GATES CAMBRIDGE TRUST. (See Personal reference for the Gates Cambridge Trust for further information) research proposal for dissertation (750 words)
How To Apply
Further information
Department of Geography: How to Apply for an MPhil Student Testimonials "A year spent at the Centre for Gender Studies can easily be compared to bungee jumping. Experience for the mind: challenging, thrilling and intense. Above all else, it is a unique chance to see oneself and the world from a different perspective. Multi- and inter-disciplinarity are concepts that have been increasingly used in trying to engage with an ever-more intricate world; the MPhil in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies goes to the core of this matter by delivering a programme that crosses all traditional boundaries between schools of thought. Starting with a course content that ranges from the analysis of biomedical research, philosophy and international relations to economic development, this MPhil offers a truly innovative approach into complex and topical issues by bringing together experts from over 20 departments of the university.

Moreover, the refreshingly diverse background and high level of commitment of my cohort group has also been central not only to my enjoyable experience at the Centre, but also to the high quality of discussion and insights that have fed into my research. Add to that the number of high calibre international scholars and guest speakers who regularly visit the Centre to discuss their most recent research and who freely give their time to discuss our own projects, this MPhil programme offers a thriving environment for the exchange of ideas and development of original thoughts. Whatever one's background or objectives may be, irrespective of being at a stage in which one already has a clear idea about their research or being a beginner who expects to acquire sophisticated tools and frameworks of analysis that can be transferable into one's future pursuits, the MPhil in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies is an unequal opportunity for anyone who wants to embark on a potentially life-changing journey."

Monica Wirz (PhD student)

MPhil in Polar Studies

Length and dates of course:
9 months, October to June
Application deadline:
28 March
Academic requirement:
At least a 2.i honours degree from a UK university or equivalent
English language requirement: See table of specific scores needed for this course
Course code: GEM7

The aims of the course are to provide an understanding of key contemporary research problems in a range of disciplines in either the humanities and social or physical sciences relating to the Arctic and Antarctica, and for students to undertake original research on a topic selected in consultation with members of staff. The principal topics covered in term one vary, but may include some of the following, for the Humanities and Social Sciences strand: northern peoples; knowledge, science and culture; history of environmental issues, science and exploration of polar regions. For the Physical Sciences strand: polar remote sensing; glaciers, ice sheets and climate change; processes and patterns of ice-influenced marine sedimentation. Scott Polar Research Institute

Further information
Graduate Degree Courses at the Institute
Notes on Application
A complete application for this course will depend on whether you are a continuing student or a new admission. Please see the relevant box below.

Continuing students must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references sample of written work (3,000 - 5,000 words) statement of intended research (500-1000 words)
You are a continuing student if you have previously been admitted to a graduate course by the Board of Graduate Studies (or by the Institute of Continuing Education, for an MSt degree), and became a matriculated student on that course.
How To Apply New applicants for admission must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references transcripts or degree certificates English Language Score Report (if English is not your first language) personal reference - ONLY if you wish to be considered for funding from the GATES CAMBRIDGE TRUST. (See Personal reference for the Gates Cambridge Trust for further information) statement of intended research (500-1000 words) sample of written work (3,000 - 5,000 words)
How To Apply
Student Testimonials "I came to the MPhil course after doing an undergraduate degree in the United States. I was excited to come to Cambridge and in particular the Scott Polar Research Institute because of the diverse and energetic academic environment available. SPRI became not only my department but an amazing and welcoming community. The lectures were helpful, but for me the real strength of the course was the opportunity it gave me to pursue my own academic interests with the intellectual support of great library resources and academic support of the SPRI researchers. Thanks to the opportunity for individual motivation, study, and research, the MPhil in Polar Studies set me up very well for continuing on to doctoral research in the field."

Allen Pope (May 2010)

PhD

Application deadline:
28 March
Length of course:
3 years (full-time), 5 years (part-time)
Academic requirement:
At least a 2.i honours degree from a UK university or equivalent Applicants applying to continue from MPhil courses will need to achieve a mark of 70% or more overall and 70% in the dissertation element. Registration on to the MGS PhD programme would be subject to standard Departmental procedures (successful assessment of 1st year review)
Applicants applying to continue from MPhil courses will need to achieve a mark of 70% (Good Pass) or more overall, with a mark of 70% (Good Pass) or more in the dissertation element
English language requirement: See table of specific scores needed for this course
Course code: EAGG22
Fee rate: Science or Arts (see below)

The Geography Department welcomes applications from well qualified candidates for the PhD with previous training in Geography or a related discipline and normally a relevant Masters qualification. The PhD is a full-time 3 year research degree (or 5 year part-time), examined by a dissertation of up to 80,000 words. A successful dissertation will represent a 'substantial contribution to knowledge' and will also represent a realistic amount of work for 3 years' study (5 years part-time). In the first year, students attend a comprehensive training programme based around seminars and workshops dealing with the debates in geography, the practice of developing and designing research projects, and the methods and techniques required to undertake the empirical elements of research. This programme may, in part, be delivered through co-operation with other departments in social sciences, humanities and physical sciences depending on each student's individual needs. The University also offers a comprehensive range of training courses for personal and professional career development. Research in Geography embraces both natural sciences (physical geography) and the social sciences and humanities (human geography). Applicants will need to select the PhD in Geography (EAGG22) when making their application. The department will then decide which category your application falls into. This will either be: EAGG22 Geography (Natural Science/Physical Geography) carries the Science fee and requires an ATAS statement EAGG21 Geography (Social Science and Humanities/Human Geography) carries the Arts fee and does not need an ATAS statement Supervision : Each graduate student is assigned a principal supervisor to guide their research. They will work closely with their supervisor. Therefore before making an application, you must satisfy yourself that advanced study in your chosen field can be supervised in the Department of Geography. Acceptance of any applicant will be dependent on specialist supervision being available. Please consult the Department of Geography's research webpages, to give you an idea of the types of research done by the department, and consult our online staff list to determine if there is someone in the department willing to supervise your topic. Physical Geography applicants can also apply with their own topic if they believe there is a supervisor available but there is also a list of advertised Physical Geography topics on the Department's website. If we cannot supervise your topic, we will decline your application regardless of its academic merit. Therefore, please do make sure there is someone able to supervise you before you apply. Identification of a potential supervisor, while an essential requirement, does not, however, imply any sort of guarantee of admission and the full admissions procedure must be followed in all cases. If your potential supervisor indicates their availability to supervise a topic similar to that you propose, you may e-mail the person with a research proposal. If contact details are not available, kindly e-mail the Departmental Graduate Office administrator with your research proposal and the name(s) of whom you are trying to contact. It is possible to apply without contacting a member of staff first, but your application MUST include an indication of whom you would like to supervise your thesis. Further information
Funding for postgraduate study in 2010-11
Notes on Application
A complete application for this course will depend on whether you are a continuing student or a new admission. Please see the relevant box below.

Continuing students must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references2000 words research proposal CV estimate of field/lab costs
You are a continuing student if you have previously been admitted to a graduate course by the Board of Graduate Studies (or by the Institute of Continuing Education, for an MSt degree), and became a matriculated student on that course.
How To Apply New applicants for admission must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references transcripts or degree certificates English Language Score Report (if English is not your first language) personal reference - ONLY if you wish to be considered for funding from the GATES CAMBRIDGE TRUST. (See Personal reference for the Gates Cambridge Trust for further information) 2000 words research proposal estimate of field/lab costs
How To Apply
Student Testimonials "I did my doctoral studies in the years 2005-2009. The Department has a well-deserved reputation for friendliness, and I was made to feel welcome from my first day here by graduates, academic and administrative staff. There is a fantastic range of research on offer in the Department and this provided a very stimulating intellectual environment. This was also reflected by the departmental seminar series, which regularly featured outstanding researchers. PhD students are also given numerous opportunities to present their work to the academic community and this is done in a friendly manner through seminars and progress reports.

My supervisor was very supportive throughout my doctoral research, providing guidance when necessary but also allowing me to be independent. This experience taught me to be a critical thinker, open to new ideas and ways of thinking. The Department offers a friendly atmosphere; social events such as the annual summer garden party and daily teatime give you an opportunity to interact with fellow graduates and staff.

Cambridge is a lovely small city with just about everything within an easy bike ride or walk. The architecture and scenery never fail to impress and are the perfect antidote to a busy day. With plenty of exhibitions, visiting speakers and of course, punting, there's always something to do and somewhere to go. I have never regretted my decision to come to Cambridge and if you decide to come you won't either."

Dr Karenjit Clare March 2010

PhD - Scott Polar Research Institute

Length of course: 3 years (full-time), 5 years (part-time), starting in October
Application deadline:
29 March
Academic requirement:
At least a 2.i honours degree from a UK university or equivalent. Applicants applying to continue from MPhil courses will need to achieve a mark of 70% (Good Pass) or more overall, with a mark of 70% (Good Pass) or more, in the dissertation element
English language requirement: See table of specific scores needed for this course
Course code: EASP22
Fee rate: Science or Arts (see below)

Research on aspects of polar studies, especially in glaciology, glacier-marine interactions, remote sensing of the polar regions and polar social science. Fieldwork in polar regions often forms a constituent part of research activities. Examples of recent PhD theses undertaken at the Institute are available on the Scott Polar Research Institute's website. Research in Geography embraces both natural sciences (physical geography) and the social sciences and humanities (human geography). Applicants will need to select PhD (probationary) in Polar Studies at Scott Polar Research Institute (code EASP22) when making their application. The department will then decide which category your application falls into. This will be either: EASP22 Geography (Natural Science) which carries the Science fee and requires an ATAS statement; EASP21 Geography (Social Science and Humanities) which carries the Arts fee and does not need an ATAS statement Further information
Graduate Degree Courses at the Institute
Fees and Costs Graduate Course Costs

Additional costs:
Any fieldwork expenses would have to be met by candidates. Notes on Application
A complete application for this course will depend on whether you are a continuing student or a new admission. Please see the relevant box below.

Continuing students must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references 2000 word research proposal estimate of field and lab costs
You are a continuing student if you have previously been admitted to a graduate course by the Board of Graduate Studies (or by the Institute of Continuing Education, for an MSt degree), and became a matriculated student on that course.
How To Apply New applicants for admission must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references transcripts or degree certificates English Language Score Report (if English is not your first language) 2000 word research proposal estimate of field and lab costs CV personal reference - ONLY if you wish to be considered for funding from the GATES CAMBRIDGE TRUST. (See Personal reference for the Gates Cambridge Trust for further information)
How To Apply

PhD in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies

Length of course:
3 years
Application deadline:
28 March
Academic requirement:
At least a 2.i honours degree from a UK university or equivalent
Applicants applying to continue from MPhil courses will need to achieve a mark of 70% or more overall and 70% in the dissertation element. Registration on to the MGS PhD programme would be subject to standard Departmental procedures (successful assessment of 1st year review)
English language requirement: See table of specific scores needed for this course
Course code: EAGG212
Fee rate: Arts

The PhD programme in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies (PhD-MGS) provides advanced training in the multi- and inter-disciplinary gender analysis of human society. The programme aims to introduce students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds to the traditions, methods and front-line research that shape gender analyses at an advanced level.

PhD candidates are expected to complete and submit their thesis within 3 years of admission to the University.

Those who have not read the MPhil in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies will follow a series of courses, seminars and lectures throughout the Michaelmas and Lent terms of their first year: Theory and Controversy (MGS 1) Research Methodologies (MGS 2) Multi-disciplinary Gender Research Seminar Multi-disciplinary Speaker Programme Students are introduced to a wide range of disciplinary methods and research topics and are encouraged to debate ideas and concepts. All elements of the PhD programme are obligatory. Programme Director - Dr Jude Browne
Deputy Programme Director - Dr Andrew Tucker Further information
MPhil in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies Fees and Costs Graduate Course Costs

Notes on Application
A complete application for this course will depend on whether you are a continuing student or a new admission. Please see the relevant box below.

Continuing students must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references statement (2,000 words) of the research proposal, including aims and methods sources and location of proposed research outline of relevant experience (including employment and non-academic experience) estimate of field costs and how they will be met
You are a continuing student if you have previously been admitted to a graduate course by the Board of Graduate Studies (or by the Institute of Continuing Education, for an MSt degree), and became a matriculated student on that course.
How To Apply New applicants for admission must provide: Application submitted online, with payment Supporting documents to be uploaded:
two academic references transcripts or degree certificates CV English Language Score Report (if English is not your first language) personal reference - ONLY if you wish to be considered for funding from the GATES CAMBRIDGE TRUST. (See Personal reference for the Gates Cambridge Trust for further information) statement (2,000 words) of the research proposal, including aims and methods sources and location of proposed research outline of relevant experience (including employment and non-academic experience) estimate of field costs and how they will be met
How To Apply