Aparna Rajeev - 2025-2026 cohort, (Apr. 7, 2026)Coming to this course without any prior background in Social Anthropology, I was initially unsure what to expect. However, it would be an understatement to say that the MPhil in Social Anthropology course emerged as one of the most enriching academic experiences I have ever had. The course was thoughtfully structured in a way that made the discipline both accessible and engaging.
The holistic nature of the course was reflected in how the different course elements of reading, writing, lectures, seminars, and supervisions were seamlessly integrated into one another, which made learning social anthropology a grounded, sustained, and transformative experience. I also found that the balance between lectures and seminars worked particularly well. While the lectures provided a strong theoretical and conceptual foundation, the seminars proved pivotal in creating an intellectually stimulating learning environment where ideas were explored in depth.
The supervisions, both individual and group, were equally valuable. In fact, writing supervision essays on key anthropological topics and questions has not only allowed me to encounter a wide range of ethnographies and perspectives, but has also enabled me to gradually find my own anthropological voice. Over time, through this process, I learned how to write with greater depth, nuance, care, and attentiveness to the ethnographic material.
Indeed, what made the MPhil journey even more special was my cohort. We were a small group of individuals, all new to social anthropology and hailing from different parts of the world and academic backgrounds. It was this diversity that made discussions and learning experiences vibrant, thoughtful, and generative. I firmly believe that in many ways the MPhil in Social Anthropology course truly reflects what social anthropology as a discipline is: transformative, generative, and incredibly rewarding!
Leo Baek - 2025-2026 cohort, (Mar. 18, 2026)Being a part of the MPhil in Social Anthropology has been a wonderful experience. I came to this MPhil course from an Archaeology and Art History background. Although these subjects are tangentially related to Social Anthropology, I felt some trepidation about learning an entirely new course. Thankfully, the teaching department is incredibly receptive to all sorts of questions and concerns. They aren’t so much as looking for you to be ‘correct’ but aiming to encourage your curiosity. Reading the material and engaging in seminar discussion led to illuminating moments where I realized I had gained enough understanding to find disagreement with established takes.
A large part of my appreciation for the course comes from its unique ability to build rapport between coursemates. The cohort is small, but tightknit; you will see them regularly in lectures, seminars, and essay supervisions. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and offers unique perspectives on the content found throughout the course. The material is usually challenging, especially since course participants are not expected to have a background in Social Anthropology. Learning in conjunction with your cohort and course faculty makes it digestible, fun, and eventually, even familiar.
Overall, the MPhil in Social Anthropology has introduced me to several methodologies and theories that I plan to apply towards museum-related research. I’ve learned that Social Anthropology is extremely versatile, much like the department here at Cambridge, and I wholeheartedly recommend the course to any prospective students.
Edurne Sosa El Fakih - 2023-2024 cohort, (Apr. 14, 2025)My experience on the on the MPhil in Social Anthropology was really life changing. I feel incredibly lucky to not only have had the opportunity to do an MPhil in the Social Anthropology Department, but to have had the necessary guidance, help, and positive involvement within the department to continue onto the PhD. The Department is extremely attentive to all the details and questions students might have, especially for someone coming from abroad and unfamiliar with the school.
For me, what really made a difference were my supervisors and group supervisor. When having meetings with them, they really take their time to understand my thinking process and help me put my ideas into perspective, asking the right questions that push my thoughts and fuel my motivation for my own work. My supervisors are not only respected academics and researchers, but approachable individuals who are concerned with my research and personal growth, and I am eternally thankful for them.
Being an MPhil student in the Department was really satisfactory. I highly recommend this Department, not only for the extraordinary and respected research that brews here (which is what might have inspired any of us at the very beginning), but because the staff and environment really make it a possible and enjoyable experience.