How to apply: MPhil in African Studies
Welcome to the application guide for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in African Studies at the University of Cambridge.
Because places on this nine-month course are limited, we highly recommend submitting your application as early as possible. The course may close to new applicants before the final deadline if all places are filled. Please also pay close attention to funding and scholarship deadlines, which often fall earlier than the general application deadline.
The Application Process at a Glance
The timeline below outlines how your application moves through the Cambridge admissions process.
- Submit Online Application
- Complete your form and upload all five required supporting documents via the online Applicant Portal.
- Departmental Review
- The Centre of African Studies reviews your application. If successful, you receive a conditional offer.
- Meet Offer Conditions
- Upload your official documents to prove you meet your academic, financial, and language conditions.
- College Placement
- Once your application is approved by the central admissions office, it is sent to Cambridge colleges to secure your college membership.
- Final Confirmation
- When all conditions are met and a college place is secured, your official admission to the University of Cambridge is confirmed.
Key Course Details for Your Application Form
When filling out your online application in the Applicant Portal, use these exact details to ensure your form is routed correctly:
- Course Code: HUASM1
- Programme of Study / Research Area: MPhil in African Studies
- Department: Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS)
- Final Award: MPhil
- Duration: 9 months
Important Note: Please enter "MPhil in African Studies" as your programme of study even if you plan to continue on to a PhD after this course.
Course Summary Section
On the main form, you will be asked for a brief summary of your research interest. Please provide a short temporary title for your project and a brief summary (around 100 words) of your preferred topic.
Required Supporting Documents
You must upload the following five items to the Applicant Portal for your application to be considered complete.
1. Detailed Research Proposal (600–1,000 words)
The online application form has very limited space. Therefore, you must upload a separate, detailed statement outlining your intended dissertation project (between 2 to 5 pages long).
- What to include: Define the specific geographic area, key questions, and time period of your project. Ensure the scope is realistic for a short, nine-month master's course. Include a clear, short title.
- Choosing a supervisor: You may name a specific Cambridge faculty member you would like to work with, though we cannot guarantee they will be available.
- Advice: We strongly encourage you to discuss your proposal with university lecturers or advisers before submitting it.
2. Writing Sample (Maximum 4,000 words)
To demonstrate your academic writing abilities, submit one piece of analytical work written in English.
- What to submit: This can be an undergraduate essay, or a section of a previous thesis or dissertation.
- Alternative option: If you do not have a suitable piece of work from your university studies, you may write a new essay specially for this application (please clearly state on the document if you have done this).
- Note: You must declare that this sample is entirely your own work.
3. Degree Certificates and Academic Transcripts
Upload official copies of your university degree certificates and detailed transcripts showing all marks or grades received.
- Grading System Guide: You must include an official document from your university that explains their specific marking and grading scale.
- Advice: Request these documents from your previous university as early as possible, as they can take several weeks to process.
4. Evidence of Competence in English
If you are a non-UK national, you will likely need to upload official English language test results (such as IELTS or TOEFL) at the time of application. Please check the central Postgraduate Admissions rules for specific exemptions.
5. Two Academic References
You must provide contact details for two academic referees (usually university professors or lecturers) who can speak to your academic abilities. The system will contact them directly to request their letters.
More information can be found on the Gather your supporting documents page on the Postgraduate Admissions website.
Withdrawing or Reapplying
If you receive an offer but cannot accept it or fail to meet the conditions, please withdraw your application via the online portal and notify our office.
- No Deferrals: The Centre of African Studies does not allow applicants to defer their entry to the following academic year.
- Reapplying: If you wish to join the course in a future year, you must submit a completely new application with updated supporting documents. Receiving an offer one year does not guarantee you will receive an offer of admission in a subsequent year.