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Teaching
All MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology take a Research Skills module and write a research dissertation. Students taking the MPhil in Heritage Studies will be required to take two core modules in heritage. Students then take a further module or modules from any offered in the Department of Archaeology. All module choices must have the approval of the module's instructor and the MPhil in Archaeology coordinator.
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 | Supervisions with module coordinators or their regular supervisor give students the opportunity to discuss general and specific issues regarding the course. A supervisor, often 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 a forum to monitor the student's progress. Students can normally expect to have around up to 6 supervision meetings depending on the nature of their course and dissertation. For dissertation supervisions students are strongly encouraged to provide their supervisor with a writing piece which is part of their dissertation. |
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| Seminars & classes | Classes are designed to provide students with intensive engagement with academic staff across a wide range of specialisms relevant to the courses selected. Classes are interactive and preparation and participation is expected of all students. In all taught modules, students may be required to give seminar-style presentations from time to time. Most modules include a number of classes during Michaelmas and Lent terms. The amount of time dedicated to seminars and classes will vary depending on the student's module choices, but typically students can expect to have six hours per week. |
| Lectures | Lectures are designed to present and discuss the major academic disciplines covered in each module. Most modules are structured around interactive lecture-based teaching. The amount of time spent in lectures will vary depending on the student's module choices but typically amounts to around six hours per week. |
| Journal clubs | Students are encouraged to contribute to the Heritage Research Centre’s (CHRC) fortnightly Bulletin. |
| Posters and Presentations | All MPhil students are usually required to make a presentation to staff and peers as part of the assessed |
| 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
Students taking the MPhil in Heritage Studies are usually required to produce between three and five assessed essays depending on their chosen course of study and the modules they select.
Written examination
Students taking the MPhil in Heritage Studies may be required to take in-class tests for some modules.
Other
Attendance at the relevant Research Skills sessions is required of all MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology. Its mode of assessment may 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.