Thinking about taking your education to the next level? The University of Cambridge offers a huge range of postgraduate qualifications, perfect for deepening your expertise, starting a research career, or boosting your professional skills.

It can be a little confusing trying to figure out which qualification is right for you. This guide breaks down the main types of degrees offered at Cambridge, what they involve, and the key steps you need to take to apply.

What Kind of Degree is Right for You?

Cambridge offers degrees that fall into two main categories: Research Degrees and Taught Degrees.

1. Research Degrees (The Path to Original Discovery)

These degrees are focused on carrying out a substantial piece of independent research, culminating in a thesis.

1. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Doctor of Science (ScD) / Doctor of Letters (LittD)
2. Goal: To produce a large, original body of research that makes a significant new contribution to your field.
3. Duration: Typically 3 to 4 years full-time.
4. Who is it for? Those committed to a career in academia, high-level research, or specialized industry roles. The PhD is the most common research degree.
5. Master of Letters (MLitt)
6. Goal: A shorter, less demanding research degree than the PhD, often used in the Arts and Humanities.
7. Duration: Typically 2 years full-time.
8. Master of Science (MSc) / Master of Letters (MLitt) (by Research)
9. Goal: A shorter research degree, allowing you to focus on a particular project and develop advanced research skills.

2. Taught and Advanced Study Degrees (Building Expertise)

These degrees involve structured teaching, lectures, examinations, and usually a shorter dissertation or project.

1. Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
2. Goal: The most common type of Masters degree at Cambridge. It combines taught elements with a substantial research project/dissertation. It often acts as excellent preparation for a PhD.
3. Duration: Typically 1 year full-time.
4. Master of Research (MRes)
5. Goal: Similar to an MPhil but often has a heavier focus on research training and methodology, particularly in scientific fields.
6. Duration: Typically 1 year full-time.
7. Master of Advanced Study (MASt)
8. Goal: A postgraduate qualification that replaced the older Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS). It is most often found in Mathematics and involves an intense period of taught study.
9. Duration: Typically 1 year full-time.
10. Master of Studies (MSt)
11. Goal: This degree is primarily used for part-time, usually professional, postgraduate courses.
12. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) and Diploma (PgDip) / Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS)
13. Goal: Shorter courses focused on professional development or advanced study in a specific area.

Key Steps to Applying to Cambridge

Applying to a world-class institution like Cambridge requires careful preparation, especially regarding your academic background and language skills.

1. Checking Your International Qualifications

If you studied outside the UK, Cambridge will check if your previous degree is equivalent to a UK Honours degree.

1. For Masters (MPhil, MRes, etc.): You generally need the equivalent of a First Class or high Second Class Honours degree.
2. For PhD: You typically need a strong Masters degree (like an MPhil) or equivalent, showing proven research ability.

Cambridge has specific grade expectations for almost every country, so always check the official guidance for your nation.

2. Meeting English Language Requirements

Since all courses are taught and assessed in English, you must prove your proficiency. You usually need to take an approved test unless you meet specific exemption criteria (for example, if you have studied a degree in an English-speaking country).

The most common tests accepted include:

1. IELTS Academic: Usually a minimum overall score of 7.5, with minimum scores of 7.0 in each element (listening, writing, reading, speaking).
2. TOEFL iBT: Usually a minimum overall score of 110, with specific minimums in each section.

3. Understanding the Visa Process (For International Students)

If you are offered a place, you will likely need a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4). The university's International Student Office will guide you through this, but remember key requirements include:

1. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number provided by Cambridge.
2. Proof that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living costs.
3. Meeting the English language requirements mentioned above.

This is just the starting point! While the process is rigorous, the rewards of studying at Cambridge are immense. Determine the qualification that matches your career goals, ensure your academic background is strong, and prepare your application carefully.

References

1. Postgraduate Qualifications at Cambridge
2. The PhD at Cambridge
3. The MPhil at Cambridge
4. The MRes at Cambridge
5. The MASt at Cambridge
6. The MLitt at Cambridge
7. The CPGS at Cambridge
8. The MSt at Cambridge
9. Checking International Qualifications
10. English Language Requirements
11. Visas and Immigration Information