Apply for the MPhil in Technology Policy
Are you ready to join the diverse and talented people who, each year, prepare for a career in the governance of science and technology?
Applications now open
Applications for entry in October 2026 are now open, with a closing date of 26 February 2026.

Who are we looking for?
The MPhil in Technology Policy attracts bright and highly motivated individuals with a science, engineering or other quantitative background and a strong interest in technology policy.
This programme is right for you if:
- you have a UK First Class Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in science or engineering. Other disciplines are considered if you have a solid quantitative background
- you have good interpersonal, communication and team-working skills, in addition to numeracy, problem-solving and reasoning skills
- you have English language proficiency*, and maths and stats proficiency
*English proficiency: an IELTS minimum overall score of 7.5, with not less than 7.0 in each element or TOEFL minimum overall score of 110, with not less than 25 in each element – unless you are a national of a majority English-speaking country (UKVI definition) and/or were educated in such a country during your undergraduate studies.
Application process
Entry to the MPhil programme is very competitive, so we advise you to apply early. This is particularly important if you are planning to apply for scholarship funding.
This is our application process:
- Step 1: Application preparation
- Step 2: Application submission
- Step 3: Receipt of application
- Step 4: Application review and interview
- Step 5: Conditional Offer
- Step 6: Unconditional Offer
Application preparation
Prepare your application
Start your application process as early as you can. Contact your referees, gather all required documentation and research Colleges. Applying early is especially important if you intend to apply for scholarship funding.
Application submission
When you’re ready, submit your application online
Submit your application form and supporting documents via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal.
Receipt of application
Get receipt of your application
You will receive an email or letter of acknowledgement of receipt of your application and supporting documentation, and an ID number from the Postgraduate Admissions Office.
Application review and video interview
A review period where we consider applications
Our Admissions Committee, consisting of members of Cambridge Judge Business School faculty, meets to reviews all applications. Due to the high number of applicants, this process takes several weeks. Should your application be viewed positively, you will be invited for an online interview. You will be notified of the outcome via the University Applicant Portal.
Fraudulent applications
The University of Cambridge treats the possibility of admissions fraud seriously. The University will withdraw your application if any fake documents or false information have been submitted. This also applies if an agent has submitted fraudulent information in your name, even without your knowledge.
Successful candidates receive a Conditional Offer
If your application is successful, you will receive a formal offer letter via email and access to your Self-Service account.
Use the Self-Service account to find out everything you need to know about the progress of your application and to provide the required documents to meet your offer conditions. You can also print a summary certificate of offer from your Self-Service account.
Please note that conditions attached to your offer may include:
- financial (proving that you have the funds to support yourself while studying on the programme)
- language (proving that your English language skills meet the programme’s minimum requirements)
- academic (proving that you have a UK First Class Honours degree in science or engineering, or an international equivalent)
- or the provision of original documents
It is your responsibility to meet all requirements and to let the Postgraduate Admissions Office know when you have done so by providing the necessary documentary evidence.
Progress to Unconditional Offer
Prepare to attend your MPhil in Technology Policy programme.
The Postgraduate Admissions Office will confirm by email and the Self-Service account that you may begin your MPhil programme at the start of the academic year. Where appropriate you will also receive a Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS) certificate for visa application.
You can now begin arranging your accommodation in Cambridge and make visa applications where applicable. We also encourage you to reach out to the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) if you have a disability, or if you think you might have one. The ADRC team will be happy to offer advice, guidance and support before and during your studies.
The MPhil in Technology Policy 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.
Visit the Postgraduate Study webpages to find out more about the application process, from assessment to outcome.
Our minimum requirements
Ensure you have everything you need to submit your optimal application. Below is the list of requirements for applying to the MPhil in Technology Policy programme.
Visit the University of Cambridge’s Graduate Admissions website to apply online using the Applicant Portal. You will need to submit all required supporting documentation at the same time as the rest of your application.
You will see all the instructions on how to complete the application are clearly included during the online application process. Take your time and read the instructions carefully as mistakes can invalidate your application and delay the process.
Note that deadlines for application submission are 12:00am (midnight) UK time on the date stated. Plan to submit your application in advance so that if you experience any issues, we can assist you.
Have your CV (curriculum vitae, or résumé) ready to upload via the Applicant Portal, as this is a required part of your application for admission.
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 2 to 5 years. Many of our students will already have extensive employment experience in technology-based organisations in either the private or public sector.
Your statement needs to cover:
- why you have chosen to do the MPhil in Technology Policy
- what work experience and other relevant experience (especially leadership experience) you might have
- how you feel the MPhil in Technology Policy will help in your future
There is a character limit set up for this field by the University Applicant Portal.
You’ll need university transcripts and certificates for each degree you have studied for or are currently studying for.
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. The minimum standard required is a UK First Class Honours or international equivalent.
In most countries, this is a First Class Honours degree (Bachelor’s, Licentiate, Vordiplom), but a masters-level degree may be required from some countries. 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 with a background in a quantitative discipline, particularly engineers and scientists. Degree-level study of a quantitative discipline is expected.
To study the Cambridge MPhil in Technology Policy, you should be fluent in English. Your proficiency will be assessed as follows:
- 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 2 years.
- or you have a TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) minimum overall score of 110, with not less than 25 in each element. Your results must be from a test taken in the 2 years prior to starting the programme.
- or you are a national of a majority English-speaking country (UKVI definition) and/or were educated in such a country during your undergraduate studies
You’ll need to provide details of 2 academic referees when completing your application in the Applicant Portal. Your referees will then need to provide your reference via the referee portal. You’ll need to ensure these references are provided before any course or funding deadline for your application to be considered. You can track the submission of references via the applicant portal, and we advise you to remind your referees if your references are not submitted (or request a new referee). Before you submit your application make sure you have your referee’s consent to provide a reference for you.
Please note this programme allows you to use one professional referee, as well as one academic referee, only if you have been out of higher education for more than 3 years. If you have been out of higher education for more than 6 years, you may use 2 professional referees, in line with the University’s general rules.
There is an application charge of £85 per application (unless you are from a country which is eligible for fee waiver). You can make the payment by providing your card details to our secure server when you submit your online application.