The MPhil in Archaeological Research aims to give students an excellent grounding in higher level research, which provides an ideal platform for doctoral studies. It achieves these aims by training students in a particular specialisation through independent, supervised research. By the end of the course, students will have carried out a substantial research project at a professional level within archaeology. This research project should show command of a broad knowledge base and offer original results or insights in a specialised field. The MPhil in Archaeological Research gives students training in a range of general, transferable skills, such as writing, presentation, research skills, and formulating and analysing arguments. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to exercise these skills in any professional-level work which requires them.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will have gained advanced research skills, including the ability to design and execute an independent research project, critically evaluate sources and data, and construct coherent, evidence-based arguments. They will have gained proficiency in relevant analytical, quantitative, or digital methods, as appropriate to their chosen area of study. The programme also fosters high-level writing skills, the ability to express and present scholarly ideas and reasoning, and to be able to defend the ideas and reasoning in a range of contexts and to a range of audiences. Graduates will be equipped to engage with professional archaeological practice, academic research, or policy-related work with intellectual rigour and ethical awareness. These all comprise the essential foundations for starting and completing a PhD.
Continuing
Students taking the MPhil in Archaeological Research who wish to continue to the PhD in Archaeology are required to achieve a mark of at least 68 overall and no less than 68 in their dissertation. They must obtain the support of an appropriate supervisor before making an application. In some circumstances, additional academic conditions may be set to ensure appropriate skills are in place before admittance to the PhD programme.
Open Days
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Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars
Practical, step-by-step information about preparing a strong application for postgraduate study. Find out more on the Discover Cambridge webpage.
Virtual Postgraduate Open Days
The November Open Days focus on subject and course information. Webinar recordings are available until May.
Events for international students
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