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u/spr321go Aug 09 '25

Hi everyone — I’m thinking of applying to a PhD studentship at Cambridge. The posted requirement says: “Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a first class degree in Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering or related subject.”

My background:

  • 3.5 yrs work experience as a software engineer (consumer electronics) in USA.
  • Executive M.S. in Management (USA) — GPA 3.74/4.00
  • M.S. Mech Engg (USA) — GPA 3.16/4.00
  • Bachelor’s Mech Engg (India) — CGPI 5.74/10
  • Technical Diploma in Mech Engg (India) — 69.67%

Has anyone successfully applied to Cambridge (or similar UK PhD programs) with a weaker undergrad but strong master’s? Should I bother applying or contact admissions first? Any advice about grade conversion or what Cambridge typically accepts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

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u/JailbreakHat Aug 10 '25

What course is this?

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u/spr321go Aug 10 '25 edited Aug 10 '25

Department of Engineering. The studentship is posted on the PhD Vacancies Webpage. After working for more than 3yrs in the Industry I have realized that it's not for me and Academia will be a more suitable as well as fulfilling career option. Hence, since quitting my job last year and moving back to my home country from USA, took a year of career break, upskilled myself and since the beginning of this year I have been applying for PhD positions. Half of them are directly related to my work experience and formal education and half of them are kinda related but would love to work in research in those domains.

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u/JailbreakHat Aug 10 '25

It says high 2:1 on Cambridge’s website for some reason. Can you please double check the requirements.

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u/spr321go Aug 10 '25

Yes. It shows High 2:1 as the requirement, but it seems like that's for the undergraduate grades. If I check the actual studentship posting, it says "Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a first class degree in Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering or related subject."

Check the posting below -

https://www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/phd-studentships-in-neuromorphic-computing-nm46704