Teaching

All MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology take a Research Skills module and write a dissertation. Students take mandatory modules in their chosen specialisation and may also choose from a list of optional modules offered within 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	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 engagement with academic staff across a wide range of specialisms relevant to the modules selected. Seminars are interactive and preparation and participation in seminars are 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 seminars during Michaelmas and Lent terms. Students can expect around 2-4 hours per week of seminars in Michaelmas and Lent terms depending on their module choices.
Lectures	Lectures are designed to present and discuss the major academic disciplines covered in each module. Most modules are structured around lecture-based teaching. Students can expect around 4-8 hours per week of lectures in Michaelmas and Lent terms depending on their module choices.
Practicals	Some modules may have practical classes in museums or other locations. Where this is the case there may be one or two sessions in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms.
Posters and Presentations	All MPhil students are usually required to make a presentation to staff and peers as part of the assessed component 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

Students taking the MPhil in Archaeology are usually required to produce between three and six assessed essays depending on their chosen course of study and the modules they select.

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 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.