This is a demanding course which enables students to reach a fairly high level of specialist knowledge in social anthropology within a relatively short time and, subject to performance in their exams and assessed work, equips them to undertake a research degree. Given that MPhil students are supervised on an individual basis in order to provide a programme of teaching tailored to individual needs, the assignment of supervisors is spread as evenly as possible among the staff attached to the Department.
Principal fields of anthropological analysis are covered in two core seminar courses in 'The Scope of Social Anthropology'. Attendance at these is compulsory for all students. These two courses cover, respectively, 'Production and Reproduction', which includes the fields of economic anthropology and kinship; and 'Systems of Power and Knowledge', which includes political anthropology and the anthropology of religion.
Students also take a non-assessed course in theory and methods and one course in a specialist option subject. Different optional papers are on offer each year. Examples of optional papers include : Ethnography; Gender, Kinship and Care; Engaged Anthropology. In addition, for those wishing to specialise in a particular professional field, the Department may also offer options in Social Anthropology and Museums and Medical Anthropology.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
The course addresses key problems in anthropological theory, interpretation, comparison and analysis in relation to particular ethnographies and substantive debates in anthropological literature. Through critical reflection on a range of anthropological theories, and through practice in the application of those theories to bodies of ethnographic material, students acquire a thorough and intensive grounding in a range of styles of social anthropological analysis.
Practical and transferable skills
The general course offers training in the following transferable skills:
ability to engage with and undertake critical analysis of complex issues;
ability to engage constructively in discussion in groups in which many different views are held, often passionately;
ability to present an argument in clear and convincing terms both orally and in writing; and
ability to design and undertake hands-on research. This includes training in:
archival review of literature;
ethnographic research methods;
analysis of results; and
skills in research proposal preparation and presentation.
Students are also encouraged to use the range of training and developmental opportunities available across the University, including training on research methods through Cambridge Research Methods, careers advice through the Cambridge University Careers Service and language learning through the Language Centre, including Academic English.
Museum Option students are expected to:
develop a comparative understanding of the history and contemporary roles of museums;
examine different ways that specific objects are produced, circulated, interpreted and displayed;
critically compare theoretical approaches to the study of material culture, art, materiality, and the relationship between persons and things;
develop skills in artefact-based analysis as a key component of anthropological research; and
obtain transferable museum skills through practical work experience.
Medical Anthropology Option students are expected to:
develop a critical comparative grasp of the cross-cultural variety of illness through a contextualisation of both diseases recognised by biomedicine and varieties of illness or suffering that may be understood and remedied on the basis of different assumptions;
develop an understanding of the biomedical diagnosis of diseases and why certain illnesses are contested;
reflect on some of the ethical issues surrounding biomedical research and practice;
improve communication skills that enable cross-disciplinary discussion.
Continuing
Continuation to the PhD is usually subject to the following:
- Acceptance of an application for continuation by the PhD Committee
- An overall mark of at least 73 in the MPhil is normally required for continuation to the PhD
Applicants intending to continue to the PhD programme should state so in their statement of purpose, as well as making a separate application to the PhD course within the application period; continuation is not automatic and those wishing to continue must make a full application. Acceptance for the MPhil does not guarantee that you will be accepted for continuation to the PhD course.
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
Practical, step-by-step information about preparing a strong application for postgraduate study. Find out more on the Discover Cambridge webpage.
Virtual Postgraduate Open Days
The November Open Days focus on subject and course information. Webinar recordings are available until May.
Events for international students
Join us for Q&A webinars, funding webinars or get in touch with our regional managers. Find out more about events for international students.
For more information about all upcoming events visit our events pages.