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Louie Bell (April 8, 2025)After two years working in industry, the MPhil in Polar studies allowed me to seamlessly re-acquaint myself with academic thought and practice within the diverse and richly supportive environment that is SPRI. Guided by leading academics, but also treated as firmly part of the research team, the MPhil in Polar studies provides a flexible and exciting opportunity to delve into new and exciting areas of polar research. It was this flexibility that acted as the foundation for beginning my PhD in Geography.
Coming from a background in Geography, the MPhil in Polar Studies offered me the opportunity to study polar topics in much greater detail than during my undergraduate degree. With the freedom to shape my own coursework, I explored a wide range of literature – from Antarctic krill to subglacial lakes! Working with leading glaciological experts on my dissertation equipped me with essential skills that have proven invaluable for my PhD in Polar Studies. I believe SPRI is a unique community within Cambridge, fostering not only cooperation amongst postgraduate students but also a supportive environment that extends to the academic and administrative staff of the institute.
Paula Suchantke (April 8, 2025)
The MPhil in Polar Studies has allowed me to explore in great depth the specific areas of polar science that interest me. This was not limited to glaciology in the Arctic and Antarctic, but also included the glaciology of the 'Third Pole’, in addition to the role of remote sensing in the discipline. The skills the course has allowed me to develop range from improving my technological GIS and remote sensing capabilities to learning how to most effectively frame, structure and contextualise an argument. The course’s structure allows great flexibility in determining your own direction within it by granting some freedom to choose your own essay questions and dissertation title, whilst still feeling thoroughly supported by your supervisor and the wider SPRI community.
Karla Boxall (April 15, 2020)