Teaching

The MPhil provides training in archaeological research methods and associated transferable skills, and the opportunity to complete a research dissertation under academic guidance.

The MPhil in Archaeological Research consists of three components, structured around independent study:

• A research paper;
• A research skills module;
• The dissertation.

The MPhil in Archaeological Research is carried out through independent research conducted under the guidance of the supervisor. Students and the course coordinator agree on a supervisor and a topic, generally in advance of beginning the course. The supervisor is assigned based upon the student’s particular research interests and focus. Following the induction period, students meet regularly with their supervisors to report on their work, to discuss academic issues and research directions, and to resolve any problems arising in the research process. Students typically aim to identify a dissertation topic, research resources such as datasets, and theoretical directions during their first term of work (October – December), and to formulate a concrete and detailed research proposal during the second term (January – March). The dissertation itself is written during the third term (April-June) and the summer and handed in at the end of July. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding teaching and examination of MPhil degrees.

One to one supervision	Students can normally expect to have around eight meetings with their supervisor depending on the nature of their research and dissertation.
Seminars & classes	Attendance at seminars and classes is not a required component of the MPhil in Archaeological Research, with the exception of the research skills module. However, students are encouraged to attend classes relevant to their chosen research topic.
Lectures	Attendance at lectures is not a required component of the MPhil in Archaeological Research, with the exception of the research skills module. However, students are encouraged to attend lectures relevant to their chosen research topic.
Practicals	Practical sessions are not a required component of the MPhil in Archaeological Research. However, students are encouraged to attend practical sessions relevant to their chosen research topic.
Small group teaching	Most teaching is conducted on a one-on-one basis. Students are, however, encouraged to engage with the broader Postgraduate research community during the course of their studies.
Posters and Presentations	All MPhil students are usually required to make a presentation to staff and peers as part of the assessed component of their research skills training.

Feedback

Students can expect to receive termly online progress reports. Supervisors or module coordinators may provide additional written or oral feedback on assessed work.

Students are invited to group meetings throughout the year to discuss progress and concerns in order to address issues as and when they arise.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

The dissertation is an extended piece of independent, original research. Students work with their supervisor to formulate a dissertation project, carry out research and write it up. The maximum permitted length of the dissertation is 25,000 words.

Essays

An assessed research paper of up to 6,000 words is required and will be developed under guidance from the student’s supervisor. The research paper is an important milestone which helps students progress towards the dissertation

Other

Attendance at the relevant research skills training workshops is required of all MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology. Its mode of assessment may include a research proposal and/or an oral presentation (supported by visual aids) to teaching staff and peers.

The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, and on the other work submitted as part of the examination.