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Teaching
The course consists of lectures, seminars, methods training and a research dissertation. A 12,000-word dissertation requires students to identify, design and independently execute a small, empirically-grounded research study related to the course. Students will be supervised through the process from initial question identification through to the design and execution of research.
| One to one supervision | Students will have two hours of individual or small group supervisions during Michaelmas and Lent Terms and up to 4 hours of one-to-one supervision in Easter Term for their dissertation. |
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| Seminars & classes | In Michaelmas and Lent Term students will have between 6 and 8 hours of seminar classes per term, i.e., small group learning with a tutor present and encouraging peer-to-peer learning. |
| Lectures | Students will receive 4 hours of formal lectures per week during Michaelmas and Lent Term. The Anthropocene course explores the contested histories and politics of the Anthropocene concept, its contemporary manifestations in innovation, environmental practice, and creative representation, as well as its imaginative, ethical, and political significance.
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| Practicals | The Cambridge Research Methods (CaRM) offers a range of training for postgraduate students, in quantitative and qualitative methods, software packages, and elements of social science research. Courses or modules may consist of a mixture of online or in-person lectures, workshops, or labs/practicals, depending on the method being taught. Subject to the course/module selections, students can expect to have between approximately 5 and 15 hours of teaching in each of Michaelmas and Lent Terms. Prior to the beginning of a term, students will complete an online skills check to determine the Basic Statistics Stream modules best suited to their prior statistical knowledge. On arrival at Cambridge, students will agree upon the modules they intend to take during the academic year, in consultation with their MPhil Course Director or the Deputy Director. |
| Posters and Presentations | Students will participate in a dissertation forum in which they will present their dissertation ideas and receive feedback. |
| Taught/Research Balance | Equal Taught/Research |
Feedback
Students will receive written and oral feedback on a formative essay submitted during Michaelmas Term. They will receive written feedback on their assessed coursework and on their dissertation. Students will be required to submit a dissertation proposal to be discussed with their dissertation supervisor and deliver an oral presentation about their dissertation plans, and receive feedback on this. Students will also receive written termly progress reports.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
A 12,000-word dissertation. An oral examination of the dissertation will take place at the discretion of the examiners.
Essays
Two pieces of coursework of around 2,000 words each.
Practical assessment
Satisfactory completion of research methods courses.