Teaching

All MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology take a Research Skills module and write a dissertation. Archaeological Science students are required to take two one-term core modules, on the principles and practice of Archaeological Science. They must also select two one-term modules on archaeological science specialisations, typically one in Michaelmas and one in Lent Term. In addition, students select either one two-term module or two one-term modules from those listed in the Department of Archaeology.

All MPhil students are required to submit a dissertation, the topic of which is agreed with a supervisor at the start of Lent Term, with data collection carried out during Lent and Easter Term, and write-up during the summer.

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	Meetings with module coordinators or their regular supervisor give students the opportunity to discuss general and specific issues in the conduct of the course. A supervisor, possibly, but not necessarily the same one, will also be appointed for the dissertation, to help with the choice of topic and monitor the progress of the student’s research for the dissertation throughout the year. These meetings provide the student with an opportunity to seek academic information and advice and they provide the forum to monitor the student's progress. Students can normally expect to have around 6-8 supervision meetings depending on the nature of their course and dissertation.
Seminars & classes	Seminars are designed to provide students with intensive critical engagement with staff across a wide range of specialisms relevant to the courses selected. They are interactive and students are expected to prepare in advance. Students may be required to give seminar-style presentations from time to time. Most modules include a number of seminars during Michaelmas and Lent terms. Students can expect around 4-6 hours per week of seminars in Michaelmas and Lent terms depending on their module choices.
Lectures	Lectures are designed to present and discuss the foundations and major academic themes covered in each module. Students can expect around 4-5 hours per week of lectures in Michaelmas and Lent terms depending on their module choices.
Practicals	Practical sessions are a required component of the MPhil in Archaeological Science. Laboratory activities provide practical demonstrations of some of the scientific principles and techniques introduced during lectures and seminars, as well as initial training in the techniques required for the dissertation research. Object-based sessions use artefacts or other materials as the focal point for discussion or practical training in concepts, theories and methods relevant to the teaching.
Posters and Presentations	All MPhil students are usually required to make a presentation to staff and peers as part of their Research Skills module. Some taught modules use student presentations within a class as a pedagogical tool.
Taught/Research Balance	Equal Taught/Research

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 15,000 words.

Essays

Assessment for the modules offered for the MPhil in Archaeological Science varies as appropriate to the aims of the modules, but can include assessed essays, laboratory reports, literature reviews and presentations.

Written examination

Students taking the MPhil in Archaeological Science may be required to take in-class tests for some modules.

Other

Attendance at the relevant Research Skills workshops is required of all MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology. Its mode of assessment will usually include a research proposal and 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.