Apply to the MPhil in Technology Policy

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

Our requirements

Professional experience	While not an absolute requirement, prior work experience will generally count in an applicant’s favour.
Undergraduate achievement	The minimum standard required is a First Class Honours or international equivalent. A degree in science or engineering will normally be expected but in the past graduates from other disciplines with a strong interest in technology policy and a solid quantitative background have joined the programme.
Maths and stats proficiency	Degree-level study of a quantitative discipline 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.
Skills and competencies	Ambition and a willingness to work hard, as there will be a lot to cover in the programme. Evidence of good interpersonal, communication and team-working skills, in addition to numeracy, problem-solving and reasoning skills.

Professional experience

While not an absolute requirement, prior work experience will generally count in an applicant’s favour. Given the highly competitive nature of our admissions process, we strongly encourage you to have at least one year’s work experience before applying, but we consider all applications submitted.

The typical length of work experience that students possess before starting the programme is two to five years. Many of our students will already have extensive employment experience in technology-based organisations in either the private or public sector.

Undergraduate achievement

A very high standard in a degree course of equivalent level to a UK Bachelor’s degree with honours. In most countries this is a First Class Honours degree (Bachelor’s, Licentiate, Vordiplom) but from some countries a masters-level degree may be required. The minimum standard required is a very good first degree, which translates in most countries into ‘A’ grades. Please refer to the Postgraduate Admissions website to find out the minimum requirement from graduates completing their studies in other countries.

We are looking for highly capable graduates in a quantitative discipline, particularly engineers and scientists.

Maths and stats proficiency

You must have a degree in a quantitative discipline.

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.

Skills and competencies

Ambition and a willingness to work hard as there will be a lot to cover in the course. Evidence of good interpersonal, communication and team-working skills, in addition to numeracy, problem-solving and reasoning skills.

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.

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 copy of your resumé/CV
• A supporting statement of max 800 words (a 5,000 character limit is set up for this field by the University) explaining:
  1. Why you have chosen to do the MPhil in Technology Policy
  2. What work experience and other relevant experience (especially leadership experience) you might have
  3. How you feel the MPhil in Technology Policy will help in your future

What happens next?

Learn what happens once you’ve submitted your application to the MPhil in Technology Policy.

The Programme Office will be in touch to communicate further particulars regarding the Orientation week etc. from July onwards and you will be also provided with a summer reading list.

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