Primary tabs
Teaching
Students have to complete nine modules, covering research methodology (e.g. statistics, mathematical modelling, experimental research), foundation courses (e.g. microeconomics, game theory), and research seminars on subjects such as strategy, marketing, innovation, and operations and technology management.
Students may also apply to do a dissertation, in lieu of three modules, or a short individual research project, in lieu of one module.
| One to one supervision | Students taking the dissertation option will be allocated a supervisor towards the end of the Michaelmas Term. Students will engage with dissertation supervisors over the Lent and Easter Terms. Supervisors will provide general academic advice to students, and subject-specific advice relating to the dissertation. Students and supervisors normally meet about once a month to discuss progress, but meetings may be more or less frequent depending on the project’s progression. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes | Students will attend weekly classes (lectures and seminars) and will also participate in the research seminars of the subject group pertaining to their field of specialisation. Students are normally expected to do pre-reading in order to participate in classes and seminars, contribute to group work, and deliver individual or group presentations where required. |
| Lectures | Students will normally attend an average of ten hours of lectures per week, although this will vary depending on the choice of modules. |
Feedback
Every effort is made to provide students with provisional marks and feedback on their coursework performance. Marks will be given as a percentage.
The nature and extent of the feedback given will vary from lecturer to lecturer, but students may reasonably expect to receive some indication of the strengths and weaknesses of any work submitted. All marks and feedback provided during the year are informal and provisional. Final marks are only determined at the end of the degree by the Board of Examiners.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
If the dissertation option is chosen, a 12,000-word dissertation is required. If the individual research project is chosen, a 5,000-word assessment is required. In either option, an oral examination is not normally held, but may be given at the discretion of the examiners.
Essays
Assessment across the nine courses will be by written examination, project, or coursework, depending upon the nature of the particular course.
Written examination
Students may take certain Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Mathematics courses for credit, which are normally assessed by written examination.
Practical assessment
Presentation features as an assessment component in a number of CJBS modules offered on the MPhil in SMO.