Apply to the MPhil in SMO

Entry to the MPhil in Strategy, Marketing & Operations programme is very competitive, so we advise candidates to apply early. This is particularly important if you are planning to apply for scholarship funding.

Admissions requirements

Professional experience	Prior work experience is not required but relevant work experience is appreciated.
Undergraduate achievement	The minimum standard required is a First Class Honours or equivalent. This equates to a CGPA of 3.7/4.0. The MPhil in Strategy, Marketing and Operations prepares students without prior research experience for PhD-level research in the fields of strategic management, marketing, operations, or organisational behaviour. The programme provides advanced quantitative methodology training and assumes degree-level mathematics training in linear algebra, calculus and statistics, as provided by engineering, economics, statistics, operations research, computer science, physics or mathematics degrees. For those applying to do the Organisational Behaviour specialisation, a degree is psychology is also acceptable provided you did well in your undergraduate statistics courses. For those applying to do the Strategic Management specialisation, a degree in sociology, psychology, business, or management is also acceptable provided you did well in your undergraduate statistics courses.
Maths and stats proficiency	Degree-level mathematical training is expected.
English proficiency	English as your native language or IELTS minimum overall score of 7.5, with not less than 7.0 in each element or TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) minimum overall score of 110, with not less than 25 in each element

Professional experience

Prior work experience is not required but relevant work experience is appreciated.

Undergraduate achievement

An excellent degree equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree from a reputable university in a discipline with a strong quantitative orientation (e.g. industrial or general engineering, operations research, statistics, physics, mathematics, mathematical economics). In most countries the equivalent to a UK Bachelor is a first degree (Bachelor, Licentiate) but from some countries a master’s level degree may be required. The minimum standard required is a First Class Honours or equivalent from an overseas institution. Please refer to the Postgraduate Admissions website to find out the minimum requirement from graduates completing their studies in other countries. We take the standing and selectivity of the university into account, as well as your rank within your class.

Maths and stats proficiency

Your first degree must have contained solid degree-level mathematics training, with courses in differential calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics as a minimum requirement.

English proficiency

Applicants to the programme need to be fluent in English and we assess fluency in the following ways:

• if English is your native language.
• or you have an IELTS minimum overall score of 7.5, with not less than 7.0 in each element. The separate components must have been taken at the same time and in the past two years.
• or if you have a TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) minimum overall score of 110, with not less than 25 in each element.

Not yet taken a language test? Test result out-of-date or not up to the required standard? Don’t worry, you don’t have to include your English language test scores with your initial application documents; they can be forwarded on later in the process. If you are made an offer, one of the conditions of entry will be getting the required standard of language test score.

Funding deadlines

For those candidates who wish to be considered for Cambridge funding (from the Gates Cambridge Trust, Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and Cambridge Overseas Trust, and the Cambridge International Scholarship Scheme), deadlines can be found in the Funding Opportunities section of the University website. Note that an earlier deadline applies if you are a US citizen applying for Gates funding.

Research interests

When you fill out the application form, please state your preferred specialisation and research interests under research title and summary.

Required supporting documents

In addition to the standard University of Cambridge graduate application documents, we ask you to also send the following in support of your application:

• A separate letter in your application in which you explain the level of mathematics or statistics training you have received.

We assume that your referees will be able to comment on your quantitative abilities.

What happens next?

Learn what happens once you’ve submitted your application to the MPhil in Strategy, Marketing & Operations.

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