Learn alongside multiple disciplines

Applying for the Master’s or Postgraduate Certificate

The selection process will adjudicate candidates against the criteria below. Whilst academic performance is one of the criteria that we will review in order to identify the strongest candidates, we will also consider other indicators of ability.

Applications are considered as they are received (rolling admissions). We typically receive a large volume of applications towards the closing date, hence applying as early as possible can increase the likelihood of receiving an early indication of the likely/final outcome. This can be especially helpful for applicants requiring time to obtain organisational approval, funding or visas to study, or make other travel or personal arrangements. 

All applicants should expect to receive an update on the progress of their application within 6 weeks. The initial update for early applicants will usually indicate one of the following: 
1) offer of a place recommended;
2) rejection; or 
3) held for consideration with all the applications after the closing date. 
 
We aim to make firm decisions (1-2) as early as possible via a rigorous selection process in relation to our admissions criteria. If the decision is to hold the application (3), then the applicant should expect to hear back on the final outcome within 6 weeks of the closing date.
 

Master’s or Postgraduate Certificate?

Professionals choose further education for a variety of reasons. CISL offers both a Postgraduate Certificate and Master’s to accommodate the needs of different types of students.  Students on the Postgraduate Certificate:
•    wish to enhance their knowledge without committing to a full 2-year programme; 
•    want to benefit from lifelong learning but may not want to write a dissertation;
•    want to pursue higher education in smaller pieces (students who complete the Postgraduate Certificate can apply to continue on to the Master’s);
•    may be ‘non-traditional’ students who do not meet the criteria for admissions to the Master’s in full;
•    and, reflect on their personal leadership skills.

Students on the Master’s:
•    are committed to pursuing a 2-year course of study and completing a research dissertation;
•    may be seeking the qualification to provide recognised credentials for career advancement; 
•    want to fully experience the entirety of the CISL learning programme;
•    and, develop their personal leadership skills and sphere of influence as agents for change.
 

Requirements of applicants for both programmes

Besides enthusiasm and commitment, applicants must have:

• At least a 2.i honours bachelor’s degree (or successful completion of a Master’s degree) from a UK University, or an equivalent standard from a recognised overseas institution.*
• A minimum of three years' work experience after graduation in the built environment.
• Good ability in written and spoken English language (see further details below) 
• Endorsement from your employer or, if independent, a demonstrated understanding of the time commitment needed to undertake part-time study at this level.
• Access to appropriate computer technology and internet software.
• The ability to pay the course fees or to identify a sponsoring institution.

*If you have not previously studied in the UK, it is important to check your relevant country guidelines to ensure the qualifications you hold are considered suitable preparation for entry to your chosen course. Please refer to the University of Cambridge Graduate Admissions website where you can look at country specific guidelines. 

Masters applicants should visit this guide for details of the supporting documents required with their application. Please use this research proposal template as part of this documentation.

Non-standard applicants

Exceptional candidates who do not meet the above standard academic requirements may be considered, based on the ability to demonstrate suitability for postgraduate study through professional and other attainments.
If you think you are a non-standard applicant (i.e. you have alternative experience and qualifications), please contact us attaching a copy of your curriculum vitae, and we will give you an initial indication of whether you are likely to be considered favourably.

Eligibility

Please contact the Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment (IDBE) team for advice if you are uncertain about your eligibility or would otherwise like to discuss the application process and criteria.

 Language requirement

The University of Cambridge requires all master’s applicants to demonstrate competence in the English language at a very high level before they begin their proposed course of study. Adherence to this requirement is strict. You can get an indication of whether you will be required to sit a language test here. 

Master’s applicants for whom English is not their first language must meet the University’s English language requirement, currently;

• IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.5 (a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component)
• TOEFL Internet: Overall score of 110 (a minimum of 25 in each individual component)
• C1 (CAE): Grade A and B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185) plus a Language Centre assessment
• C2 (CPE): Grade A, B, or C (overall score of 200 with no element lower than 185)

    It is not necessary to have met the Language requirement at the point of application, but please make arrangements to sit a test as soon as possible if this is applicable to you.

Scholarship and bursaries for the IDBE Master’s
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We strive to enable qualified applicants to study on the Master’s programme and encourage all applicants with financial need to consider applying for a bursary. Bursary applications are normally restricted to individuals who are:

• affiliated with a non-governmental organisation, SME or the public sector; or
• self-funding; or
• unable to attend the course without financial assistance.

Typically, bursaries range from 10 to 30 per cent of the combined graduate fee.

Find out more about the IDBE Scholarship and bursaries
 

Visa requirements

Students from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland will require a visitor visa to attend the residential workshops during the course. Further details can be found on the University of Cambridge International Students website. 

Terms and conditions