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For any prospective academic or professional with a passion for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Cambridge's FAMES offers an unparalleled opportunity. With esteemed scholars and experts at the helm, the MPhil programme at FAMES provides a comprehensive foundation for further study. The Advanced Study programme's curriculum fosters a unique camaraderie within the MPhil cohort. Engaging with fellow students—specializing in areas ranging from classical to modern history, linguistics, and anthropology—offers an enriching experience, fostering both holistic academic exchange and lifelong friendships.
Syed Mohammad Haider (March 28, 2025)
What I found most rewarding, however, were the supervisions. The opportunity to engage directly with a scholar in your field of interest is where one truly flourishes. My supervisions with Professor Andrew Marsham prepared me to engage in high-level research and allowed for critical engagement that complemented traditional classroom experiences. What I found most surprising was the exceptional level of support I received. For students from non-Oxbridge backgrounds—and, in my case, as an international student—the transition can initially feel daunting. However, I cannot overstate the support provided by the Faculty throughout my time at Cambridge. From academic guidance to personal well-being, I felt consistently supported by both my supervisor and the Faculty as a whole, and I cannot recommend the programme enough.
Completing my MPhil in Classical Islamic History & Culture at FAMES was a wonderful experience! From the beginning, I was supported by some of the best scholars in my field who allowed me to guide my research project while always being there to support and provide essential advice. The MPhil training module gave a thorough and broad overview of foundational methods and developments in the field. The subject courses were small and interactive. And overall, FAMES facilitated a generous community of scholarship and friendship among students and faculty that made the programme not only excellent in education, but also a joyful and supportive place to be in.
Iman Masmoudi (April 20, 2021)
My MPhil experience at FAMES was really enriching, personally and academically. The faculty is engaging and academically vibrant. My lectures were delivered by researchers whose work I would often footnote in my undergraduate essays. The first few months of my MPhil I spent reading papers that would give me a holistic view of the Islamic world. I then embarked on my MPhil thesis and received constant support from my supervisor who guided me through all the challenges of the project. Completing the MPhil was a critical precursor to embarking on my PhD. It gave me the necessary tools to be an efficient and productive researcher and enough space and support to grow personally.
Aliya Abdukadir Ali (April 13, 2021)