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Polar Studies (Scott Polar Research Institute) is no longer accepting new applications.
Teaching
The teaching for the MPhil in Polar Studies consists of the following elements:
- Core course: taught in the first (Michaelmas) term;
- Skills and Research training: taught in the first (Michaelmas) and second (Lent) terms;
- Dissertation: supervised in all three (Michaelmas, Lent and Easter) terms.
The MPhil in Polar Studies consists of two strands (humanities and social sciences, and physical sciences), each composed of two modules. Lectures and seminar-based teaching takes place in the Michaelmas term. The remaining two terms are devoted to a research-led dissertation.
| One to one supervision | Each student is allocated a thesis supervisor before the course begins. Generally up to ten meetings of up to one hour of one-to-one supervision as well as briefer meetings when needed. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes | 16 hours in the first term. Students are expected to participate in internal and external research seminars, and a research forum. |
| Lectures | The skills and research training programme comprises eight one-hour lectures in the first term and optional lectures in the second term. |
| Literature_reviews | As part of the dissertation. |
| Posters | Dissertation presentation in the second term. |
Feedback
Written feedback is provided on each submitted essay and the dissertation. Online written progress reports are provided each term.
Assessment
Thesis
20,000 word dissertation which, at the discretion of the examiners, can include an oral examination on the thesis and the essays and on the general field of knowledge.
Essays
Three essays, each of about 4,000 words in length, the first chosen from a list of topics, and the second and third on topics chosen by the candidate, with the approval of the Degree Committee.