Browse the below tabs to find the answers to common questions about matters such as application fees, admission interview, study visa, and student fees for overseas candidates.
What is a Master of Studies?
It is a part-time master’s degree, designed for individuals who are typically studying in addition to working full-time, allowing students to develop their professional and academic interests for career progression or diversification and personal development. You can find out more on the University’s website.
What is the duration of the programme?
The MSt in Social Innovation is a part-time programme delivered over two years.
When does the programme start?
The programme starts at the beginning of October every year.
Can I work while I am enrolled on the programme?
Yes, you can. Most of our students combine full-time employment (in the UK or overseas) with part-time study.
Can I progress onto PhD following the completion of a Master of Studies?
This will depend on the admissions requirements established by the university department where you wish to study at PhD level. We have had a number of students progressing on to doing a PhD at other departments of the University of Cambridge and at other universities. However, it is important to note that if you wish to study PhD at Cambridge Judge Business School, a Master of Studies is not a suitable route. The MSt in Social Innovation is not a research degree feeding the PhD programme at Cambridge Judge Business School. If you are interested in doing a PhD at Cambridge Judge Business School after completing a master’s degree, then please consider the specialist research masters degrees.
Do I need to relocate to Cambridge during the duration of the programme?
No, only the residential weeks are a compulsory element of the programme. You need to ensure you can be fully available to attend the residential phases. View our indicative timeline on our programme overview page.
When can I apply for the programme?
Applications for October entry open in September of the previous year. Entry to the MSt is competitive, so we advise candidates to apply at an early stage of the admissions cycle. Follow our guidance on how to apply.
What’s the deadline for applications?
We close for applications at the end of March. However, since applications are considered on a rolling basis, candidates are encouraged to send in their applications as soon as possible (well in advance of the application deadline). Please note that you may still be contacted for an interview towards the end of the recruitment cycle.
What are the requirements for entry into the programme?
View the minimum requirements for entry to the MSt in Social Innovation.
Is there an application fee?
There is an application charge of £75 per application (unless you are a national from a country eligible for fee waiver).
Do you require work experience?
Yes, a minimum of two years full-time or equivalent work experience. View the minimum requirements for entry to the MSt in Social Innovation.
Do you require a GRE/GMAT score as part of the application process?
A GRE/GMAT score is not a requirement unless an applicant does not hold (at least) a good 2:1 honours degree or an equivalent standard from an overseas institution. Such applicants will be required to take a GRE/GMAT (and rank above the 50th percentile in each of the elements of the test) in order to be considered for the programme.
Can I visit Cambridge Judge Business School and talk to faculty or someone from Admissions in person?
Unfortunately, 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 meet members of the admissions team during open days and online information sessions. The team is also able to answer any queries you have via the online query form.
Can I send my application materials directly to Cambridge Judge Business School?
No. Visit the applying webpage for full details on how to apply. Note that all applications are processed by the Institute of Continuing Education in the first instance.
Do I have to come to Cambridge for an interview?
No. Should you be shortlisted for the interview stage, this will be performed via video call.
Once I receive an offer to join the programme, can I defer my offer to the following academic year?
We do not operate a deferral system in this programme. If you are offered a place but decide not to take it up in the year applied, you will have to re-apply for the following year. Please note your place is not guaranteed when you reapply and entry criteria are likely to get stricter.
Do I have to take an English language proficiency test?
Fluency in English is a pre-requisite for our programmes. If your first language is not English you should take a language proficiency test to show you have the necessary command of the language to get the most out of the programme. You must have achieved the minimum language requirement no more than two years before the start of your 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. Find out more about our minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Do I need a visa to study at Cambridge?
Please consult the University’s Postgraduate Admissions’ Immigration webpage for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements.
The Programme Manager will inform admitted students of the exact visa requirements prior to each residential week in Cambridge and provide any necessary letters.
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 designed especially for overseas students who wish to study in the UK.
What is the cost of the MSt in Social Innovation programme?
Please visit the Fees & financing webpage for details of the fees for the current academic year.
Are the fees different for overseas students?
No, the University Combined Graduate Fee is the same for all MSt in Social Innovation students regardless of nationality.
What scholarships do you offer?
There are a range of scholarships available to our MSt students. Visit the “Fees & Financing” webpage for details on scholarships and studentships.