Frequently Asked Questions

Before the programme     |     During the programme     |     After the programme

Before the programme

How do I apply for the programme?

To apply for the Online Capstone Programme you must complete the online application form. You’ll be asked your basic details, academic information such as your institution of study and GPA. The form cannot be saved and returned to at a later date so you will need to apply in one sitting. 

Once you have submitted your online application form, we’ll send you a Capstone Project form for you to complete and return online. You will also need to arrange for a transcript to be sent to us from your home institution. Please be aware that your application will only be processed during UK office hours, so don't worry if you don't receive confirmation of your submitted application immediately.

Your application is complete once you have submitted the online application and all other applicable supporting documentation has been received by us. We will aim to let you know the outcome of your application within 10 working days of receipt of your completed application.

There is no fee to apply for the programme.

I made a mistake on my application form, can I submit another one?

Please do not submit another application for the programme. Duplicate applications will be removed. If you realise after submitting that you have made a mistake or something needs updating, please email us at ocp@pem.cam.ac.uk.

Should I submit my application before or after you receive my supporting document(s)?

It's better if you submit your application first, so we can track which documents we receive after and we can email you when we've received each one. We would also recommend you submit first if possible so that we can pass your application to the Selection Committee as soon as we receive your supporting document(s), rather than waiting for you to submit your application. You will also need to submit your application to be sent a link to download the Capstone Project Form.

What supporting documents do you need?

You can find all the required documents on the How to Apply page of our website.

What are the English language requirements?

A high level of fluency in English is a prerequisite for the programme.

If you are not a native English speaker and are not studying at a university where the medium of instruction is English you should check our English Language Requirements to see what you will need to provide to show your fluency in English.

If you've studied and been assessed in English at university level as part of your degree, excluding in English Language classes, you will not need to provide any further qualifications but you will have to supply a comprehensive course syllabus.

Similarly, if you have completed an academic course abroad with English as the language of instruction you will need to provide evidence of this.

Evidence of a high level of fluency in English, for example a scanned copy of the English language qualification or a comprehensive course syllabus, should be sent to ocp@pem.cam.ac.uk.

Can I still apply if my university does not use the GPA grading system?

Yes, you are still welcome to apply if your university does not use the GPA grading system.

If my application is successful, when will I receive an offer?

If your application to the programme is successful, you will receive an offer letter via e-mail within 10 working days of receipt of your complete application. The email will contain further information about the programme together with instructions on how to pay to secure your place.

How do I secure my place on the programme?

Once you have received an offer, you can secure your place on the programme by paying the programme fee. Instructions on how to make the payment will be included in your offer email. The payment must be received within two weeks of having received an offer. Your offer will expire after the two weeks. 

If you believe you will be unable to accept the offer within this timeframe, please email ocp@pem.cam.ac.uk as soon as possible.

What do I do if I require special arrangements or additional support?

If you require special arrangements or additional support, please email ocp@pem.cam.ac.uk to discuss this with us.

When will I start the programme?

The programme start date is flexible, based on your and your supervisor's availability. You will need to give us an estimated date for your availability on the application form. The earliest the programme can start is usually at least two weeks after you have paid your programme fee. We will work with you and your supervisor to confirm a start date that works for everyone. The programme will consist of eight supervisions over eight weeks, plus two weeks for you to write your project report.

When will I be introduced to my supervisor?

We will start introducing programme participants to supervisors over email a few days before the start of the programme.

Do I need to do any work to prepare for the start of the programme?

Your supervisor will engage with you over email to learn more about you, your background knowledge and to discuss the focus of your research project. They will confirm if there is any reading or preparatory work you need to undertake before the programme.

Please discuss with your supervisor whether this is feasible for you to undertake or otherwise. You shouldn’t expect a meeting or any further communication with your supervisor other than that described above before the start date of the programme.

During the programme

How is the programme structured?

You will receive 8 x 1-hour sessions individually with your supervisor who will guide your Capstone Project, challenge you academically and support your work.

How many hours a week should I spend working on my Capstone Project?

The focus of a Cambridge education is on depth of knowledge, cultivating critical thinking and independent study, not on contact hours. For each week, you should expect to spend between 8 - 15 hours studying, researching and preparing for supervisions and your final submission.

When will my supervisions take place?

Once you have been introduced to your supervisor over email, please arrange the timing of your supervision sessions with them, paying particular attention to both your timezones.

How do I address my supervisor in an email or in conversation on Zoom?

It is highly recommended that you start the exchange with the title and surname of your supervisor. For example, ‘Dr Smith’. Supervisors will guide you on whether they prefer their first names instead from that point on.

What support will I receive on the programme?

All participants on the programme will be supported by a Director of Studies (DoS). A DoS is a key component of the Cambridge-experience, providing students with a close and supportive academic relationship throughout their course. They will support you and monitor your academic progress through communications with you and your supervisor.

You will be introduced to your DoS shortly before the start of the programme. They’re available over email or you can book a time to meet with them on Zoom. They’ll also get in touch with you throughout the programme to check everything is running smoothly.

What if I miss a supervision?

This is a situation best avoided! Your supervisions are the only time you have with your supervisor on the programme. Please inform your supervisor well in advance if you are unable to attend the pre-arranged supervision – this is not only polite but is expected to occur only in extenuating circumstances. Supervisors are not obliged to reschedule supervisions missed at the last minute and without as much advance notice as possible.

Can I record my supervisions?

Recording supervisions is not allowed on the programme. There are strategies you can use to capture the discussion: take notes of the details discussed during the supervision, recap the main points, actions and next steps to the supervisor towards the end of the supervision. Please do get in touch with us if however there are extenuating circumstances or disabilities that you would like us to consider so that we can make appropriate adjustments for you on the programme.

After the programme

Can I get credit for my Capstone Project?

This depends on your home institution. Please contact your study abroad office for guidance. The Assessment and Credit page may also be of use.

What will I receive to show that I have taken part in this programme?

You will receive your transcript via email after the end of the programme. In addition to your grade, your transcript will contain information about the programme that may be of use to you when arranging credit transfer with your institution. We will also email you a copy of a Project Feedback Form that has been completed by your supervisor.