Teaching
In Year 1, the course is structured around three in-person residential modules that you must attend in Cambridge.
In Year 2, the focus is on the dissertation.
A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) offers learning support to students while they are on the programme, including learning resources, to build a virtual community of practice. Students are expected to have sufficient IT skills to engage with the VLE and all assignments are uploaded to the VLE for assessment.
Teaching Methods
The learning outcomes of the programme are achieved through:
- Personal study of appropriate material guided by reading lists and other resources;
- Residential study blocks/modules including lectures, seminars, and classes at which students express their own ideas and present accounts of their work;
- Full and appropriate use of the Institute’s virtual learning environment (VLE);
- One-on-one supervision (usually five in total) with a designated expert supervisor to include detailed feedback on students’ work and progress.
| One to one supervision |
One-on-one dissertation supervision (usually five in total) with a designated expert supervisor to include detailed feedback on students’ work and progress. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes |
The course includes 60-70 hours of teaching in a mixture of formats including seminars, classes, lectures and small group teaching. |
| Lectures |
The course includes 60-70 hours of teaching in a mixture of formats including seminars, classes, lectures and small group teaching. |
| Practicals |
N/A |
| Small group teaching |
The course includes 60-70 hours of teaching in a mixture of formats including seminars, classes, lectures and small group teaching. |
| Journal clubs |
N/A |
| Literature Reviews |
N/A |
| Posters and Presentations |
N/A |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Equal Taught/Research
|
Feedback
There will be a variety of feedback methods, in line with pedagogical best practice, including written feedback from instructors on assessments, as well as opportunities for peer feedback.
Students are given formal feedback on summative assessments (those assessments which formally contribute to the final outcome of the MSt award) and informal feedback throughout the course, including during supervisions. Students will receive supervision on the dissertation from their supervisor, providing detailed feedback on sample drafts.
The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
A dissertation of between 12,000 and 15,000 words in length (including footnotes and in-text picture captions, but excluding appendices, bibliography and list of illustrations) on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.
At the discretion of the Examiners, the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.
Written examination
There are no written examinations.
Practical assessment
N/A
Other
Assessment of taught modules will be through a range of formats which may include coursework, written and oral examinations, posters, presentations and projects.