skip to content

Postgraduate Study

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 preparation and experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under PhD-style supervision; and

to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

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.

Through this MPhil, students acquire a practical understanding of how research is used to create and interpret knowledge in their field, develop critical skills for the evaluation of current research, and learn to use cutting-edge research techniques and methodologies. Because of the research focus of this MPhil, students also develop strong self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.


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.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Apply Now

Key Information


11 months full-time

2 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Master of Philosophy

Department of Archaeology

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2026

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
April 29, 2026
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2026

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

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 2, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

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


Similar Courses