Cambridge English MPhil Queries

Hey, I'm most likely gonna apply for Cambridge's MPhil in English this coming academic year (so 2025 intake), I just wanted to create a page where people might be able to ask questions, and maybe those who have applied previously can help answer them? A few questions I have are:

1.) How do you find out whether Cambridge have the expertise/departments in your field? Or in other words, how do I find out whether they have the resources for my research proposal?

2.) For anyone who has applied previously, how strong were your undergrad marks?

3.) BIG question, answers to which will really guide my choice: has anyone had any experience with scholarships/funding? Can anyone advise me on how likely it is I will be offered a scholarship as I definitely won't be able to afford the MPhil at Cambridge if the government loan stays as it is and on the Study page for MPhil English I can't see an option to study part time, which would probably be my only other option.

Thanks for any help! Feel free to drop further questions if you're in the same position as me. Hopefully we'll get some answers!

Reply 1

AnaaaElec

Hi, I am not at all familiar with the English MPhil but am an incoming MPhil student in a different department this year. I hope some of my answers to your questions can point you in a generally good direction!

Email potential supervisors who align with your research interests, asking them about the availability of data pertaining to your proposal. Ask them if your research is something they'd be happy to supervise, as this can also give you a great head start on the application process with matching you to them before interview. https://www.english.cam.ac.uk/people/ is a good spot to filter this down it would seem.

Cambridge asks for a good 2:1 on English studies, which usually means that their applicants will mostly have a first in that subject area. Looking at LinkedIn profiles of English Studies students, they achieved a first (70-80%ish) at undergrad and are likely to have applied with that as a projected grade. Most people applying for postgraduate degrees at Cambridge tend to have at least a first to be competitive, although a 2:1 with strong research experience is likely to be helpful too.

Funding at Cambridge is significantly less likely for MPhil students than PhDs, unfortunately - look into the Cambridge Trust and try their funding search tool to find relevant opportunities, but don't hold your breath when it comes to finding something perfect. Funding at MPhil level is competitive and the number one reason people don't pursue their offers unfortunately ☹️ and if you're a home student, there are definitely fewer opportunities available than for international students. Nonetheless, check out external scholarships and see if there is anything you can find for graduates across the UK for example.

I hope this helps! Best of luck on applying :smile:

Reply 2

labradoodle101

Original post by Anonymous

Hey, I'm most likely gonna apply for Cambridge's MPhil in English this coming academic year (so 2025 intake), I just wanted to create a page where people might be able to ask questions, and maybe those who have applied previously can help answer them? A few questions I have are:
1.) How do you find out whether Cambridge have the expertise/departments in your field? Or in other words, how do I find out whether they have the resources for my research proposal?
2.) For anyone who has applied previously, how strong were your undergrad marks?
3.) BIG question, answers to which will really guide my choice: has anyone had any experience with scholarships/funding? Can anyone advise me on how likely it is I will be offered a scholarship as I definitely won't be able to afford the MPhil at Cambridge if the government loan stays as it is and on the Study page for MPhil English I can't see an option to study part time, which would probably be my only other option.
Thanks for any help! Feel free to drop further questions if you're in the same position as me. Hopefully we'll get some answers!

Faculty profiles and reaching out to them! And if needed, researching the manuscripts various libraries have.

A 2:1 in my less relevant undergrad, a first in my relevant undergrad, and the equivalent of a first in my relevant previous master's degree. Also, a bunch of research experience. However, I'm quite bad at applying for things so really needed to compensate, haha.

I got external funding, as I wasn't eligible/chosen for internal funding. Definitely look around and see if there's some things available to you!

Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions!

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