Postgraduate study in the Department of Zoology

We have about 100 postgraduate students working on an MPhil or PhD in Zoology at any one time and they form a strong and lively community. 

We have academic staff that are world-class leaders in their fields and our students are encouraged to work on projects at the cutting edge of new research and policy initiatives.

There is a regular programme of talks, seminars and social events throughout the academic year as well as a myriad of opportunities across the university as a whole.

PhD in Zoology

Postgraduate applicants should contact a prospective supervisor to discuss potential projects before applying. The supervisor will support you with your application, including helping to formulate a research proposal. 

To read more about our current research and identify a potential supervisor, see our Research Overview.

We recommend having a look at our 2024-25 project opportunities. Applicants are also welcome to approach supervisors with their own ideas.

For full information about this course, including entry requirements and details of how to apply, please see the link below:

Course Information - PhD in Zoology

MPhil level study

MPhil in Biological Sciences (Zoology) by thesis

If you already have a specific topic in mind that aligns well with a specific research group within the Department of Zoology, contact the group leader by email to discuss MPhil research project opportunities. Prospective supervisors will support you with your application, including formulating a research proposal.

To read more about our current research and identify a potential supervisor, see our Research Overview.

To learn more about the projects on offer, have a look at some of our 2024-25 project opportunities.

For full information about this course, including entry requirements and details of how to apply, please see the link below:

Course Information - MPhil in Biological Science (Zoology) by thesis

MPhil in Biological Sciences by Advanced Study

If you are interested in a subject area but unsure about the specific research group or project, you may want to consider applying to this multi-pathway Master’s course:

Course Information – MPhil in Biological Sciences by Advanced Study

School of Biological Sciences Master's Bursary Award

Funding

The main Course Funding Deadline for applications is 4 January 2024.

Find out more about funding available, and how to apply, click here.

Find out more

• Please see the links on the left for funding information, application FAQs and to read and hear from our students about what it is really like to be a postgraduate student in the Department.
• The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.
• Learn more about Postgraduate Study at the University of Cambridge. 
• For more general information on what it’s like being a student here, have a look at the video below made by one of our current students.