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Teaching
There is no formal teaching for the course as assessment is by research only. PhD students are, however, encouraged to attend any lectures, seminars or talks which may be relevant to their area of research.
| One to one supervision | The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. Students will discuss this with their supervisor at the beginning of their first year. Supervisions are arranged with supervisors as needed, at regular intervals, depending on the student's requirements and stage of progress, as well as any practical constraints such as staff or student fieldwork.
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| Seminars & classes | Seminars during term as well as research group meetings are a key part of the academic life of the Department. Students are strongly encouraged to attend the Biological Anthropology seminar series that takes place once a week during term, and any other seminars relevant to their study. |
| Lectures | None required but PhD students are free to attend any lectures in the Department. |
| Practicals | PhD students are encouraged to attend any practicals associated with courses that would enhance their methodological and technical skills. Students should approach the relevant course coordinator for permission, as these sessions may have restricted-size classes. |
| Small group teaching | Students may be expected to attend small-group discussion sessions and seminars organised by their research group, and to present updates and preliminary results of their work. |
| Journal clubs | Journal clubs are normally student-driven and organised around particular interest groups. Students are encouraged to organise them, and to invite other students and researchers to participate. |
Placements
Any placements would be determined on an individual basis.
Feedback
Students can expect to receive regular feedback on the progress of their thesis from their supervisors, in addition to reports outlining their progress on an online system. Supervisors differ in style and whether they comment on work in writing or orally at a meeting, but they will give feedback on drafts of chapters and/or articles, help with technical training and with the organisation of data collection, give advice on publication strategies, as well as on post-PhD career choices. The Department also holds regular informal sessions for PhD students to allow them to discuss progress and concerns with academic staff.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
A PhD thesis in Biological Anthropology is an extended piece of independent, original research, and must represent a significant contribution to knowledge. The thesis topic is normally proposed by the student and then decided between the student and the supervisor, who will advise on aspects of methodology and analysis, as well as with the written presentation. Students may choose between two alternative formats for their work:
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either in the form of a thesis of not more than 80,000 words, or
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in the form of a collection of at least three research articles, formatted as an integrated piece of research, with a table of contents, one or more chapters that outline the scope and provide an in-depth review of the subject of study, a concluding chapter discussing the findings and contribution to the field, and a consolidated bibliography. The articles may be in preparation, submitted for publication or already published, and the combined work should not exceed 80,000 words in length. More information on the inclusion of material published, in press or in preparation in a PhD thesis may be found in the Department’s PhD submission guidelines.
The assessment includes an oral examination (viva) on the thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls. 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. The thesis and examination form the sole assessment for the degree.
Other
PhD students at Cambridge are not initially registered as candidates to the PhD degree until they have completed a period of probation. Academic progress is monitored over the course of the first year of study as students develop their projects and test their methodology (or first two years for part-time students). A report is submitted at the end of the first year (or first two years for part-time students) and is assessed by internal review prior to registration. The objective here is formative, aiming to assure all concerned that the PhD project is on track and to put adjustments in place where necessary. It is not a formal assessment in the sense of forming an evaluated part of the student's academic record.