Have you got a question? We’ve got answers.
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we get about the Business Doctorate.
Overview FAQs
Yes, visits can be arranged and are in fact encouraged after your application has been received and if positively evaluated by the admissions committee.
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Curriculum FAQs
The Business Doctorate is a full-time, 4-year programme that requires you to be resident in Cambridge for at least 24 weeks in your first year, and for at least 4 weeks per year for the subsequent 3 years of the programme. Although you are not resident in Cambridge for the final 3 years, you are expected to be in regular contact with your supervisor and demonstrating appropriate progress. The workload of the programme is substantial and equivalent to that of a full-time PhD, which is 24 weeks per year at least.
The programme starts at the beginning of October.
The BusD programme is designed for part-time work, however it is not a part-time programme. Students may be flexible about how the programme is integrated into their existing work commitments. You will have to be in Cambridge during the 3 terms of the first year of the programme (24 weeks in total) and for at least 4 weeks every year in the subsequent 3 years. You should also be aware that the workload of the programme is equivalent to that of a full-time PhD, and so is substantial and demanding.
Candidates (on a student visa) must not undertake their work-based activity taking place in years 2, 3 and 4 within the UK, as this visa type does not permit candidates to engage in UK-based employment.
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Applying FAQs
Applications for October 2025 entry open in September 2024. You may apply as soon as the appropriate application forms are available on the Postgraduate Admissions website.
The closing date for applications is 27 March 2025.
There is no application charge.
No, a GRE/GMAT score is not a requirement, and it will not add any weight to your application.
Yes; visit our Apply to the Business Doctorate webpage for further details.
No, you do not require a supervisor during the submission of the application. In the case of being shortlisted, we will find a suitable supervisor to guide you on your research proposal for admission.
No. Applicants should make a formal application via the Applicant Portal available on the Postgraduate Admissions webpages.
Visit our Apply webpage for full details on how to apply.
The Admissions Committee consider applications on a rolling basis from September through to March. We aim to have all decisions by the end of April.
We conduct video interviews with shortlisted applicants before a final decision is taken. Interviews can also be held in person in some cases, but this is not required.
Fluency in English is a prerequisite for our programmes. If your first language is not English you should take a language proficiency test to show you have the necessary command of the language to get the most out of the programme. You do not need to take the test before you apply, but, if you are made an offer and have not already met our English language requirements, one of the conditions of admission will be that you pass a test at the correct level. You must have achieved the minimum requirements no more than 2 years before the start of your programme. Visit the Postgraduate Admissions’ International Student webpages for more details.
Applicants who nearly miss the language requirement are not referred to the Language Centre. Please note that we do not refer any applicant to the Language Centre under any circumstances. To fulfil the language conditions applicants must take again an approved English test.
Please consult the Postgraduate Admissions’ Immigration webpage for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements. The following websites provide information on whether you will require a visa to study in the UK. These sites include information on how to obtain a visa, and the paperwork you are required to submit. Also included is the location of your nearest British Embassy or Consulate:
- UK Visas & Immigration is the website of the Home Office department which administers visas.
- UKCISA is a website designed especially for overseas students who wish to study in the UK.
Students who do not hold a UK or Irish passport will need immigration permission in order to come to the UK and study at Cambridge. Please visit the International Students website for further information.
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Fees and funding FAQs
Fees for entry in 2025 are £80,000 for the first year. The fees for years 2, 3 and 4 are £50,000 per year. Learn more about fees and living expenses.
No, the same fees apply to Home and Overseas students. Visit the Postgraduate Admissions website for information about fee status.
This programme is not eligible for any University or research funding. There are no scholarships available for the BusD programme.