skip to content

Postgraduate Study

This MPhi is a one-year research-only programme designed for highly motivated students who wish to pursue an extended research project on some aspect of South Asian Studies through sources in Sanskrit. The MPhil offers an in-depth introduction to South Asia's seminal textual sources, significant language skills to interpret and analyse such sources, an understanding of the relevant historiographical and theoretical issues, and methodology training.

Graduates will be able to work independently to design research projects and will have an in-depth knowledge of the Sanskrit primary sources and secondary literature in their chosen specialism in South Asian Studies.

They will be very well placed to study for a PhD and will also be able to use their skills and knowledge in other professions and activities where advanced research skills and independent critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills are needed.

The programme is appropriate for students who have already had some previous training in Sanskrit.

Learning Outcomes

The MPhil's research pathway develops its graduates' ability to develop a research project, research independently using Sanskrit sources and related secondary literature, and communicate those findings effectively.

Graduates also develop their ability to read, interpret, and translate primary sources in Sanskrit, acquire a good knowledge of current scholarship on premodern South Asian Studies, and acquire an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their thesis.


Continuing

Applicants for the PhD should submit a research proposal on an interesting and workable topic via the Applicant Portal and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project.

Admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each applicant on their own merits and in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations.


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 - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Apply Now

Key Information


12 months full-time

2 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Master of Philosophy

Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
May 16, 2025
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 16, 2024

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.


Similar Courses