Have you got a question? We’ve got answers.
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we get about the MRes programme.
Overview FAQs
Due to the large number of applications we receive, it is not possible for staff to arrange meetings with individual candidates. There are, however, opportunities to talk to members of the admissions team during open days. The team will also be able to answer any queries you have via the online query form.
The University of Cambridge Postgraduate Open Day is usually in November. Visit the Postgraduate Admissions Events page for more details.
Still got questions?
Curriculum FAQs
The MRes in Management Studies is a full-time, 9-month masters programme.
The programme starts at the beginning of October. Some offer-holders may be required to attend the preparatory Maths & Statistics module from the beginning of September.
As the MRes is a full-time programme the University does not permit you to undertake any employment whilst studying for the degree.
Visit the Cambridge Students website to find out more.
We do not offer the option of distance learning. All students are expected to reside in Cambridge while undertaking University of Cambridge full-time degree programmes.
Still got questions?
Applying FAQs
Applications for 2026 entry will open in September 2025. You are required to apply via the Applicant Portal. Guidance is available from the Postgraduate Admissions website.
Applications for entry in 2025 have now closed. Admissions for 2026 will open in September 2025.
The MRes programme is intended for students with a prior masters degree relevant to their intended PhD specialisation who can demonstrate they have the calibre and training to undertake a research-focused degree. If you do not meet the academic requirements for the MRes you should apply to one of our research MPhil programmes.
All applicants should apply to the MRes or a research MPhil in the first instance. If your application is considered so exceptional that direct entry to the PhD is possible, then your application will be transferred to a PhD application online.
Normally an offer of admission to the MRes will be conditional upon you achieving a particular grade in your current masters degree or providing independent evidence that you were in the top 5% of your year.
The MRes in Management Studies is a full-time programme and requires the completion of any current training or education programme, or release from your current institution for the duration of your study.
While checking the entry requirements please note that for any of the MPhil/MRes programmes at Cambridge Judge Business School we only accept and require 2 academic references.
View our entry requirements for the MRes in Management Studies.
No, not on its own. Applicants with an MBA, Master of Finance or other professional practice masters are required to have a further masters degree with a research component.
Please look carefully at the University’s information on equivalence of undergraduate degrees. Type in the name of your country and view what is the equivalent of a First for that country. If you are still uncertain, please use our online enquiry form.
Work experience is not a requirement, although work experience relevant to your research interests is highly appreciated. We normally expect no more than 5 years of work experience.
Before applying, you may wish to look at our faculty research webpages to determine whether your research interests align with those of the School. Faculty who supervise PhDs are listed on the PhD pathway webpages. There is no need to contact members of our faculty before you apply. Your application will be reviewed to determine which Cambridge Judge faculty are the best fit. You will then be put in contact with faculty member(s) to discuss the development of your research proposal.
There is no need to nominate a supervisor on the application form.
No, a GRE/GMAT score is not required, and it will not add any weight to your application.
Yes; after applying, if you are shortlisted, you will be asked to write and submit a research proposal of up to 2,000 words. This must be emailed to the MRes Admissions Secretary by 4 January 2024.
There is no application charge.
Please do not send any applications materials to the Business School. Applications should be sent to the central University via their online system.
You can expect to hear within 2 or 3 weeks of applying whether you have been shortlisted for interview. After the interviews we expect to accept or decline applicants at the start of February.
We conduct video interviews with shortlisted applicants before a final decision is taken.
When completing your application form we strongly recommend that you specify 2 Colleges by whom you would like to be considered for membership if you are offered a place on the MRes in Management Studies programme. Visit the Postgraduate Admissions website for advice on choosing a college.
If you leave this section of the form blank or the Colleges you choose are not be able to offer you admission, your application will be automatically circulated to other Colleges. Postgraduate Admissions will ensure that you receive an offer of a place from a College once you have a conditional offer to study the MRes in Management Studies. Visit the Postgraduate Admissions website for more details of the process.
Fluency in English is a prerequisite for our programmes. Depending on your nationality and your most recent country of study, you may be required to take a language proficiency test to show you have the necessary command of the language to get the most out of the programme. You do not need to take the test before you apply but, if you are made an offer and have not already met our English language requirements, one of the conditions of admission will be that you pass a test at the correct level. If you have already taken a test in the past, you must have achieved the minimum requirements no more than 2 years before the start of your programme. Visit the Postgraduate Admissions’ International Student webpages for more details.
Applicants who nearly miss the language requirement are not normally referred to the Language Centre. To fulfil the language conditions applicants must take again an approved English test.
Please consult the Postgraduate Admissions’ Immigration webpage for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements. The following websites provide information on whether you will require a visa to study in the UK. These sites include information on how to obtain a visa, and the paperwork you are required to submit. Also included is the location of your nearest British Embassy or Consulate:
- UK Visas & Immigration is the website of the Home Office department that administers visas
- UKCISA is a website for overseas students who wish to study in the UK
Students who do not hold a UK or Irish passport will need immigration permission in order to come to the UK and study at Cambridge. Please visit the International Student Office website for further information.
Fees and funding FAQs
Please visit the Postgraduate Admissions’ Finance webpages to learn more about our programme fees.
Note that all MRes/PhD places are fully funded (fees and maintenance) through university scholarships, ESRC studentships, and Cambridge Judge Business School studentships and bursaries. In order to be considered for admission to the programme, applicants must apply to all relevant funding sources listed on the application form.
There are several scholarships available to MRes in Management Studies, ranging from University of Cambridge and College scholarships to external research funding. All PhD and MRes students receive full funding covering fees and maintenance for the MRes year and the duration of the PhD.
Visit our MRes Funding webpage to find out more.