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Postgraduate Study

This is a master's degree by research in which the sole requirement is a thesis. 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 is a year-long research programme (or 2 years if undertaken part-time) and is obtained on an approved subject within the field of Biological Anthropology. It includes an oral examination of the thesis and the general field of knowledge within which it falls. The thesis 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 the submission of the thesis in late July. The oral examination will take place at a later date to be determined by the examiners.

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 (which is Pass/Fail only). Before applying they must obtain support from a potential supervisor. This might not be the person who supervised 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 are in place prior to admission to the PhD programme.


Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

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Key Information


11 months full-time

2 years part-time

Master of Philosophy

Department of Archaeology

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2023

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
April 26, 2023
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2023

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 12, 2022

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2023, Lent 2024 and Easter 2024.


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