MPhil in Biological Anthropological Science

This is a master's degree by research in which the sole requirement is a dissertation. It is suitable for those who have a strong background in this field,  possibly including research experience. It is expected that the topic of research will fall within one of the areas supported by the Department.

An MPhil in Biological Anthropological Science may be obtained after one year of research on an approved subject within the field of Biological Anthropology and includes an oral examination of the thesis and the general field of knowledge in which it falls. The dissertation topics are decided between the student and the supervisor, and assistance is provided on elements of methodology and analysis, as well as with the written presentation.

The thesis must satisfy the examiners that the candidate can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspective of the subject. This course begins in October, with submission of the thesis by the end of August.

Learning Outcomes

This course will prepare students for research at doctoral level and equip them to be future leaders in biological and evolutionary anthropology and allied fields around the world.

Continuing

MPhil students taking Biological Anthropological Science wishing to continue to the PhD in Biological Anthropology are required to pass the MPhil degree (the degee is Pass/Fail only). Before applying they must obtain support from a potential supervisor. This need not be the same person who supervises the MPhil thesis but students will need to let the potential PhD supervisor see substantive written work in addition to a draft thesis proposal at an early stage in the academic year.  In some circumstances additional academic conditions may be set to ensure that appropriate skills, such as language competence, are in place prior to admittance on the PhD programme.