The MPhil in Biological Anthropological Science is a special course offered to students who already have substantial knowledge in biological anthropology. Students will be trained in a particular specialisation through independent, supervised research. By the end of the course, students will have carried out a substantial research project. The main aims of this MPhil programme are:
to offer students with relevant knowledge and experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research under PhD-style supervision, and to prepare them for doctoral-level research.
to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.
to provide students with the experience of conducting original research and, if they wish, writing up their findings in a publishable format.
By the end of the course, students should demonstrate that they can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place their work in the wider perspective of the subject.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this MPhil, students should have a comprehensive understanding of a particular field of research in evolutionary anthropology and its theoretical premises, have acquired and developed appropriate research and analytical techniques, and have experienced the design, implementation and write-up of a substantial original research project. Depending on the project, students may also gain experience in preparing and submitting research articles to peer-reviewed journals.
By the end of the programme, students will have:
Gained a comprehensive understanding of techniques and methods of a research area of Biological Anthropology, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research.
Demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field.
Shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies.
Demonstrated self-direction and some originality in tackling and solving problems and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.
Conducted empirical analyses using up to date analytical techniques.
Continuing
Students taking the MPhil in Biological Anthropological Science who wish to continue to the PhD in Biological Anthropology are required to pass the MPhil degree (which is Pass/Fail only). They must obtain the support of an appropriate supervisor before making an application. In some circumstances, additional academic conditions may be set to ensure that appropriate skills are in place prior to admittance to the PhD programme.
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