6–8 weeks
Research Foundations
For students beginning independent research: academic reading, source evaluation, research ethics and a focused mini-project.
Research programmes
A serious project, shaped around your interests.
From a first independent enquiry to an extended research paper, each programme combines a clear structure with individual academic matching.
Choose a pathway
Different starting points. One rigorous approach.
Programme length and scope are agreed after an initial review. All pathways are available online, enabling students to work with relevant researchers regardless of location.
10–12 weeks
Independent Research Programme
Develop an original question and substantial research paper or project through one-to-one guidance from a matched subject specialist.
16–24 weeks
Extended Research Programme
A deeper programme for ambitious projects, with additional literature review, methodology, analysis, revision and presentation support.
Bespoke
Open Topic Programme
Bring an emerging idea or interdisciplinary interest. We help test its feasibility, refine the question and identify suitable expertise.
Bespoke
Academic Portfolio Programme
Combine research with presentation, interview preparation, reflective writing and university application support.
By assessment
Publication Preparation
Strengthen an existing paper, identify appropriate outlets and prepare a responsible submission. Publication is never promised or guaranteed.
For Cambridge-based students
Meet online or in person at St John’s College.
Students based in Cambridge may choose to have supervision online or, subject to scheduling and the matched researcher’s availability, in person at St John’s College. The academic format and expectations remain the same in either setting.
22 subject areas
Expertise across the academic spectrum.
Our wider network includes hundreds of researchers and academics across 22 subject areas. The CambridgeKonnect team coordinates the programme; the person supervising a student’s research is selected separately for subject fit, experience and availability.
Architecture & designBiology & medicineBusiness & managementChemistryClassics & archaeologyComputer science & AIEconomicsEngineeringEnvironmental studiesForeign language educationHistoryInternational relationsLawLinguisticsLiterature & languagesMathematicsNeurosciencePhilosophyPhysics & astronomyPoliticsPsychologySociology
The research journey
01
Apply & discuss
Tell us about your interests, experience and objectives. A conversation helps us assess readiness and fit.
02
Define the direction
Clarify a field or initial topic, then establish an appropriate scope, format and timetable.
03
Researcher matching
We identify a suitable specialist from our network and confirm mutual fit and availability before work begins.
04
Question & proposal
Turn an interest into a focused research question, reading plan and workable method.
05
Research & create
Meet regularly, investigate independently and develop an argument, paper or subject-appropriate project.
06
Review & present
Revise in response to detailed feedback and communicate the completed work with confidence.
What students gain
Methods and confidence that last beyond one project.
Students practise critical reading, research design, source use, academic writing, analysis, discussion and revision. Every project is different, and outcomes such as admission, publication or a particular researcher match cannot be guaranteed.
Applications reviewed individually
Bring us the question you cannot stop thinking about.
We will help you decide what a credible next step looks like.
Discuss a programme ↗