Applications to the PhD in Astronomy for 2025 entry are no longer being accepted. The applicant portal reopens in September for entry in October 2026.
Course Overview
Duration and Format
The Institute offers the opportunity to study for the PhD degree, for which the normal duration of study is three and a half years. The format is almost exclusively research based, although students attend a number of short courses during their first year focusing on research-related skills. The typical PhD intake each year is between 10 and 13 students.
Research Projects and Research Activities
PhD projects may be exclusively theoretical or observational but many combine aspects of both and the majority involve sophisticated data-analysis techniques.
It is normal for students to attend several relevant conferences/workshops during their period of study. Most students working on observational research projects will undertake observing trips (depending on the requirements of their project) to telescopes overseas.
Funding and Studentships
Full funding for *Home and some Republic of Ireland and Overseas-fee students is via the award of one of our Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Doctoral Training Partnership or Centre for Doctoral training studentships. All eligible students, including those with Home- and Overseas-fee status, will be considered automatically for an STFC studentship.
A number of Overseas-fee PhD students are admitted each year, with scholarships from other sources, including the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Trust and the Gates Cambridge. A few secure funding from organisations in their own country.
You may also be interested in postgraduate research opportunities in Cavendish Astrophysics and the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. A separate University application is necessary for each department where you wish to be considered for a PhD place.
*For clarification, 'Home-fee' status typically applies to UK nationals and certain residents, while 'Overseas-fee' applies to international students. Please refer to this page for more information: Funding for PhD Students | Institute of Astronomy
Academic Requirements
The University's minimum academic requirement for admission as a Ph.D. student is the equivalent of a good UK 2.1 four-year undergraduate honours degree (five-year from Scottish universities). If you are studying for a degree overseas and are unsure of its UK equivalent, please contact admissions@ast.cam.ac.uk for advice.
For more detailed information please see our Academic Requirements page.