Admission requirements: MPhil in African Studies

MPhil in African Studies Overview

We welcome applications from highly qualified UK and international students. We particularly encourage applications from students who live in African countries or who completed their undergraduate education at African universities.

To be considered for admission, you must meet our academic, English language, and financial requirements.

1. Academic Requirements

Minimum Degree Standard

You should hold a bachelor’s degree with high academic standing.

  • UK Applicants: A minimum of a 2:1 (Upper Second-Class) honours degree.
  • International Applicants: An equivalent qualification from a recognized international university. You can check the specific entry requirements for your country on the Postgraduate Admissions International Qualifications page.

Academic Standing

We look for candidates who have the potential to progress to doctoral (PhD) research. As a general guide, you should have achieved degree results that place you in the top 25% (the highest quarter) of your graduating class.

How We Evaluate Your Application

The Centre of African Studies does not use rigid or automated rules to judge applicants. Instead, our admissions committee reviews every application individually. We consider:

  • Your academic achievements and grades
  • Any relevant professional work experience
  • Your academic references
  • Your writing sample
  • Your research proposal

The Importance of the Research Proposal

Your research proposal is a critical part of your application. It helps us understand if you are prepared for the intensive academic demands of this course. It also allows us to determine if your proposed topic matches the research expertise of our current faculty members, so we can pair you with the right academic supervisor.

2. English Language Requirement

The University of Cambridge requires all students to demonstrate a very high level of proficiency in English before starting their studies.

If English is not your first language, or if you have not previously completed a full degree at a university where English is the language of instruction, you must provide evidence of an approved English language test.

We require the following minimum scores:

  • IELTS Academic: An overall score of 7.5, with a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
  • TOEFL iBT: An overall score of 110, with a minimum of 25 in each individual element.

You can check whether you need to submit a language test by using the Postgraduate Admissions Language Requirement website.

3. Financial Requirements

If you are offered a place on the course, you must prove that you have the funds available to cover all your costs before your admission can be finalized. These costs include:

  1. University Composition Fee: The tuition fee for the course.
  2. College Fee: The fee for membership in one of the Cambridge colleges.
  3. Living Costs (Maintenance): The money required to cover your accommodation, food, and personal expenses while studying in Cambridge.

Once an official offer of admission is made, you will be required to complete a Financial Undertaking Form to confirm you can meet these expenses. Detailed information on current fees and funding options can be found on our Course Fees and Funding Opportunities page.