In British universities the PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy) is traditionally awarded solely on the basis of a dissertation, a substantial piece of writing which reports original research into a closely defined area of enquiry. The completion of the PhD dissertation is generally expected to take three years, and most funding is based on this assumption. It's also possible to take a part-time route through research degrees, and the expected timeframe would be five years.

During your research, you will have the opportunity to work closely with a Supervisor who is a specialist in your research area.  In addition to your Supervisor, you will normally also be able to draw on the help and support of two other lecturers, who will form part of your supervisory team.  You might reasonably expect to see your Supervisor fortnightly or at least three times per term.

In addition to providing specialist supervision, the Faculty runs a programme of professional training for the benefit of all research students. The programme includes seminars and workshops on library resources, giving conference papers, publishing, applications and interviews, teaching skills, specialist linguistics training, and film-making. The School of Arts and Humanities runs a central programme covering a range of topics from PhD skills training, to language training and writing and editing skills. If you wish, you are likely to be given the opportunity of gaining experience in small group teaching from colleges. There may also be opportunities to gain some experience in language teaching and lecturing in the Faculty.

Feedback

Feedback on progress is provided through regular meetings with the Supervisor.  Termly supervision reports are written and are made available to the student online.  

Assessment

Thesis

There is a normal word limit for the thesis of 80,000 words (including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography). The thesis should represent a significant contribution to learning through the discovery of new knowledge or through the connection of previously unrelated facts, or the development of new theory, revision of older views or some combination of these. In writing the thesis you are expected to take account of previously published work on the subject and the thesis should be clearly and accurately written, paying due attention to English style and grammar. Candidates for the PhD in Cambridge are guided by a supervisor, though they will normally also discuss their work with a number of other experts in their field.

Following submission of the thesis, an oral (viva) examination is held.

Other

Annual progress interviews for all PhD students should normally take place between the start of the Easter term and the end of the academic year. The annual interviews constitute a system for the formal monitoring by the Degree Committee of the progress of all students working towards a PhD.

Graduate students are admitted in the first instance for a probationary period during which they are not registered as a candidate for the PhD degree. The first-year interview is the context in which registration as a candidate for the PhD is formally considered. Satisfactory progress is a condition for being registered as a doctoral student and for remaining on the register.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal. 500-1000 word research proposal written in English
• Sample of Work. A sample of recent research writing of approximately 5,000-10,000 words.  The sample can be either an essay produced during masters-level studies or a section of a dissertation, and must be a single-authored work.
• Personal Reference

The University of Cambridge offers a range of financing options to support students enrolled in their degree programs. Scholarships, bursaries, and grants are available for both domestic and international students, aimed at reducing the financial burden of studying at one of the world’s top universities. The University provides several scholarship schemes, including those based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as nationality, discipline, or background. For example, the Cambridge International Scholarships support outstanding international students. Additionally, College-specific bursaries and scholarships are also available, which vary depending on the College affiliation of the student.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities as well. The university’s dedicated funding office offers advice on scholarships from external organizations, government sponsorships, and private foundations. Many students secure funding through government-sponsored loans or stipends, especially those from the European Union or other countries with bilateral agreements. The University provides detailed guidance on application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines for all funding sources.

International students should consider additional costs such as visas, health insurance, travel, and accommodation, and accordingly plan their finances. Cambridge also offers work opportunities on and off-campus, allowing students to supplement their income during their studies. The university’s financial aid program ensures that no admitted student is prevented from studying due to financial hardship, with some need-based aid awarded based on a comprehensive assessment of personal circumstances.

In conclusion, financing a degree at the University of Cambridge involves a combination of scholarships, grants, external funding, and personal savings. Prospective students are highly advised to start their funding application process early and to explore all possible sources of financial assistance to make their academic ambitions attainable.

The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous program in German Studies that aims to develop students' proficiency in the German language while also providing a deep understanding of German culture, history, and literature. The program is designed to enhance linguistic skills through advanced language instruction, including speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension exercises, often integrated with cultural insights to promote a well-rounded perspective on German-speaking societies. Students engaged in this course have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics such as German linguistics, contemporary social issues, classical and modern literature, and historical developments within the German-speaking world. The curriculum often combines taught modules, seminars, and independent research projects, encouraging critical thinking and analytical skills. Additionally, the program may include opportunities for Erasmus exchanges or study abroad periods, where students can immerse themselves in German language environments and gain firsthand experience of cultural practices and societal norms. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in translation, international relations, academia, journalism, or business, benefiting from Cambridge's reputation for academic excellence and rigorous standards. The program emphasizes the development of intercultural competence, critical engagement with texts and contexts, and advanced language skills, preparing students for professional roles or further postgraduate study in areas related to German language and culture. The program's duration and specific modules may vary, but generally span over several years, culminating in an undergraduate or master's degree that is highly regarded in both academic and professional circles.