How to make your application to CISL's Postgraduate programmes

Students working together around a table

For all our programmes we recommend you prepare your application as early as possible. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and our programmes are competitive with limited places. Before submitting your application, please review the appropriate admission requirements webpages for your chosen course for details of the required qualifications, experience and specifications. Each of our programmes require supporting documents which you may wish to collate in advance of making your application.

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you may be required to take an English language test as part of the application process. It is not necessary to have met the Language requirement at the point of application, but some test centres have long waiting lists so we recommend early investigation into the options available, including waiting list times and preparation requirements. Further details can be found on the University of Cambridge English language requirements website.

Applicants who do not hold a UK or Irish passport will need immigration permission in order to travel to and study at Cambridge. Further details can be found on the University of Cambridge International Students website. This process can take time and we recommend reviewing your travel permission as soon as possible after applying to ensure you know the process and timeline to obtain a visa following an offer of a place from CISL.

The University of Cambridge has a number of restrictions of using AI tools when making your application, you can find out more on their Using AI in your application webpage.

Postgraduate Certificate

There is no fee to apply for our Postgraduate Certificate programmes, you will need to complete the application form in one sitting so please ensure you have the below ready to go when you apply.

Our Postgraduate Certificate programmes require you prepare and provide:

  • Your personal details
  • An up-to-date CV (in word or PDF format)
  • Academic transcripts of all the courses you have taken, result obtained and credit value (if applicable).
  • A letter of support from your employer, to show they understand the time commitment required for the programme, including residential sessions (where applicable) and that the organisation is a suitable focus for the assignments (Sustainable Business programmes only)
  • Evidence of English language proficiency

Once you have submitted your application you may then apply for funding support, you can find out more about available scholarships and bursaries on the individual course pages.

Helpful links:

Postgraduate Diploma

There is no fee to apply for our Postgraduate Diploma programme, you will need to complete the application form in one sitting so please ensure you have the below ready to go when you apply.

  • Your personal details
  • An up-to-date CV (in word or PDF format)
  • Academic transcripts of all the courses you have taken, result obtained and credit value since your CISL Postgraduate Certificate (if applicable)
  • A letter of support from your employer, to show they understand the time commitment for the programme, including attendance at the residential sessions
  • Evidence of English language proficiency

Once you have submitted your application you may then apply for funding support, you can find out more about available scholarships and bursaries on the individual course pages.

Helpful links:

Master’s programmes

Applications for our Master’s programmes are completed via the PACE (Professional and Continuing Education) applicant portal, there is a fee of £85* to submit your application, please note that scholarships and bursaries do not cover this cost.

Our Master’s programmes require you prepare and provide:

  • Your personal details
  • The details of two referees who can provide academic or professional references – we encourage you to discuss this with your referees in advance of applying so they are prepared for the team to reach out to them.
  • Academic transcripts of all the courses you have taken, result obtained and credit value (if applicable). Students who are currently studying a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma with CISL can provide their assessment grade and feedback documents via their VLE.
  • A Research proposal, submitted on the appropriate research template located on the Supporting Documents webpages – links to the page available below
  • An up-to-date CV
  • Any additional professional qualifications or memberships
  • A personal statement or demonstration of relevant professional experience, motivations and your ability to apply the learning in your workplace
  • A letter of support from your employer, to show they accept/ understand the time you may need to take away from work for the residential sessions etc.
  • Evidence of English language proficiency, if you have this already. Alternatively evidence can be provided later in the application process.

Once you have submitted your application you may then apply for funding support, you can find out more about available scholarships and bursaries on the individual course pages.

*There are a number of countries where nationals are eligible to waive this application fee, find out more here. 

Helpful links: