Teaching
Students study three taught modules and write a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words. A core taught module provides a full overview of the wider field of Middle Eastern Studies and on-going training and support in preparation for the dissertation. Two option paper modules provide specialist training in specific aspects of the subject.
Students are also encouraged to engage in various training courses and reading groups in the department of Middle Eastern Studies, as well as the department’s fortnightly research seminars, and the many other research events taking place across the wider university.
| One to one supervision |
Depending on the nature of your project, and in full consultation with your supervisor, you can expect to receive a minimum of four hours supervision for your dissertation. The purpose of these supervisions is to assist with your research, arguments and structure, not to provide copy editing or proofreading. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
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| Seminars & classes |
While each section differs in the total number of hours directly taught, all subjects offer a minimum of 48 class hours of instruction across the year. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Equal Taught/Research
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Feedback
Students on the Hebrew and Pre-Modern History and Culture pathway receive feedback routinely throughout the year from their supervisors. Supervisors also produce feedback via termly online supervision reports. Summative feedback on coursework essays or examinations is provided after the June Degree Committee meeting and on the dissertation after the final Degree Committee meeting of the year.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
MPhil students submit a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.
The examiners have the option to conduct an oral examination with the candidate.
Essays
In addition to the dissertation, students also submit three coursework assignments, each of 5,000 words, as part of their degree.
Each of these assignments relates to one of the three taught papers studied by the student and is approved by the Degree Committee.
The assignments are usually essays, but in some cases comprise several shorter assignments, where the total word count of those shorter assignments is 5,000 words.
Written examination
In some MPhil pathways, with the approval of the Degree Committee, a student may offer an invigilated examination paper or papers in place of the equivalent number of coursework assignments.