Overview

Key facts

The format of the Astronomy degree at University of Cambridge is almost entirely research-based, and while projects may be exclusively theoretical or observational, many combine aspects of both. Many projects incorporate aspects of Data Science, including machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Note: The university also offers a PhD programme in Astrophysics at the Cavendish Laboratory.

It is normal for students to attend several relevant international conferences during their PhD, often presenting their own research work. Some students working on observational research projects undertake observing trips(s) to major international observatories.

Programme Structure

Curriculum includes:

First-year PhD students are expected to attend an induction programme and a number of short courses covering research skills. A student journal club and presentation sessions operate weekly during the term. The total number of course and journal/presentation hours involved is approximately 40 in the first year of the PhD. For UKRI funded students there are some additional training requirements, which amount to approximately 20 hours.
Acquiring knowledge of research in a broad range of astrophysics is an integral part of the PhD. In addition to specific PhD-related talks and discussions, students are expected to attend two weekly seminars or colloquia during the term.
There are no formally assessed lecture courses.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 72 months
Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-08 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

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IELTS

7

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Astronomy & Space Sciences View 38 other PhDs in Astronomy & Space Sciences in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a Masters (Pass).
If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country.
The Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics and Chemistry normally requires applicants to have the equivalent of a UK master's (pass). This requirement is in addition to satisfying the University's minimum academic requirement. Applicants should obtain the equivalent of:
at least a II.i in a UK four-year 'integrated master's' (honours) degree, OR
at least a II.i in a UK three-year bachelor's (honours) degree plus a relevant one/two-year UK master's degree.

An application is only complete when:

you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
your referees have provided their references.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

42546 GBP / year

≈ 42546 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

11208 GBP / year

≈ 11208 GBP / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United Kingdom

846 - 1465 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Astronomy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Cambridge

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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