Postgraduate FAQs

Can I visit the College before applying?

We welcome individual visitors at any time of year. To arrange a visit, please contact our Admissions Office at admissions@lucy.cam.ac.uk.

You may also be interested in the University's Postgraduate Open Day, which takes place in the autumn for potential applicants and graduate offers-holders. 

Postgraduate open day information

What are the benefits of being a graduate student at Lucy?

• The College Library and its IT facilities are open twenty-four hours a day.
• Lucy Cavendish runs regular seminars showcasing the work of postgraduate students, together with an annual poster competition and Research Day.
• There is a programme of academic skills workshops designed specifically for postgraduates.
• Academic talks and subject dinners occur throughout the year, and Masters and PhD students are active in a range of College societies.
• There are many social events involving the whole College, allowing postgraduates to interact freely with professorial, research and teaching staff across a range of disciplines as well as external expert speakers.

What accommodation is available for postgraduate students?

Lucy Cavendish aims to house all postgraduate students who request accommodation, with priority given to incoming students.

Many students on nine-month Masters courses are accommodated within the College itself. The remainder of our postgraduate accommodation lies within easy walking or cycling distance of the main College campus, much of it at our new Mount Pleasant Halls and our Histon Road Centre. Some rooms are en-suite, some are in twin 'sets', sharing a bathroom and kitchenette, and some are clustered around more extensive shared facilities. We have a small number of one- and two-bedroom flats.

Accommodation information

What support does the College offer postgraduate students?

We offer a wide range of support to our postgraduates:

• An experienced team of personal tutors who can provide advice and support
• Postgraduates can apply for grants towards the cost of travel to conferences to present their work.
• We offer several studentships to incoming students, details of which are on the Postgraduate Studentships and Awards page
• The IT Office resolves computing issues and is happy to assist with general queries about the use of common software
• The College Library and its IT facilities are open 24 hours a day and the Library staff can help with bibliographical searches and locating course materials
• The Student Office supports postgraduates through the administrative processes associated with study at Cambridge, including matriculation and graduation. 

What about socialising?

There is no shortage of social events in Cambridge through which you can meet people, make friends, and form professional networks.

Graduates can participate in all of our College-based activities, societies and sports teams, as well as a variety of Student Union- and College-run events. 

Most graduate students socialise both within their Department, and within Lucy Cavendish, and there is a constant flow of visitors between Colleges.

Formal Halls are a particularly popular way to entertain friends from elsewhere in the University.  In addition, each term there is a special Graduate and Post-Doc Formal Hall which is very popular, and social events continue in the summer after the end of the Easter Term.

What if I have a disability?

We welcome applications from students with disabilities. Please contact us early in your preparation to discuss any support you may require. You may also wish to contact the Cambridge University Disability Resource Centre.

How are student parents supported?

A number of our students have children, and Lucy Cavendish has a designated Childcare Contact. To contact them please email pgtutorial@lucy.cam.ac.uk.

Prospective applicants may also wish to consult the University’s Guide for Student Parents. The website of the Childcare Office and the University’s guide for undergraduate parents both contain useful information.

How do I find out about the Graduate Course in Medicine, the Senior Status Law Degree and/or applications for affiliated entry?

Information about the Graduate Course in Medicine, the Senior Status Law Degree and graduate or affiliated entry to other undergraduate-level courses is included in the Undergraduate Admissions section of this website.

Can I be a Visiting Student on a postgraduate course?

Visiting Students who wish to follow postgraduate courses must apply through the Graduate Admissions Office, nominating Lucy Cavendish as their first preference College.

Do part-time students play a full role in college life?

Part-time students enjoy the same benefits of college membership as full-time students, including access to the gym, library and common room. You will be welcome at all Lucy Cavendish events, which include weekly talks, Sunday lunches and formal halls through to the annual Summer Garden Party. You may also host your own events in College.

Can part-time students 'live in' at college?

Most part-time students are non-residential, mainly by choice, although it is possible to live in college accommodation for the full academic year.  Alternatively, you can book single or twin guest rooms for short stays at any  point (subject to availability), and we have occasional out-of-term accommodation for those wishing to spend longer in Cambridge.

What are the fees for part-time study?

A table of postgraduate fees can be viewed here. A fees calculator for postgraduate courses is available on the Cambridge website here.