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Teaching
Students will spend most of their time on research for their thesis, but will also take two master's-level lecture courses (on which they will be examined either through written examinations or coursework), and participate in a seminar series which will equip them with vital research and communication skills. The marks for these modules do not form part of the formal assessment for the MPhil degree.
Like all Cambridge students, students will additionally be entitled to attend any non-restricted lecture courses in the University (but will not be able to take the corresponding assessments).
| One to one supervision | Students will be part of a research group, with which they will usually have daily contact. In addition, students will have at least eight one-on-one meetings with their principal supervisors. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
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| Seminars & classes | Eight hours per term. |
| Lectures | 32 hours per year. |
| Literature Reviews | The writing of a thesis normally involves undertaking a literature review in the relevant area. |
Placements
Students may, with the support of their supervisors, undertake research in an industrial setting in the city of Cambridge. Please note that the University has strict rules on undertaking paid employment while engaged in a full-time research degree.
Feedback
Students will have access to a University supervisor, who will be responsible for supervising their thesis, and from whom they can expect to receive reports termly via an online system. Students also have the opportunity to submit a self-evaluation report in the Michaelmas term, on which their principal supervisors may comment.
Additionally, students who take coursework-assessed modules will receive comments on their coursework submissions. Participation in a researcher development course will also allow students to get feedback on their research and presentation skills.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The outcome of the MPhil programme is determined through the submission and examination of a 15,000-word thesis. Examination will include an oral examination on the thesis and the general field of knowledge within which it falls.
Other
Although these examinations are not determinative of the final outcome of the programme, all students are normally required to take two master's-level papers (one of which may be substituted for a reading club) from a list of approximately 80 modules. Most of these modules are taken from the Department's Master of Engineering course. Many of these papers are examined either by coursework or by a combination of coursework and written examination.