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Teaching
All MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology take a Research Skills module and write a dissertation (15,000 words maximum). Students also select a combination of one-term long modules and two-term long modules making up a total equivalent to three year-long modules appropriate to their chosen MPhil option in consultation with their supervisor and the MPhil coordinator. Average class hours are variable according to programme.
| One to one supervision | Supervisions with module coordinators or their regular supervisor give the student the opportunity to discuss general and specific issues in the conduct of the course. A supervisor, possibly but not necessarily the same one, will also be appointed for the dissertation, to help with the choice of topic and monitor the progress of the student’s research for the dissertation throughout the year. Supervisions provide the student with an opportunity to seek academic information and advice and they provide the forum to monitor the student's progress. Students can normally expect to have around eight supervision sessions per year depending on the nature of their course and dissertation. 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 | Seminars are designed to provide students with intensive engagement with academic staff across a wide range of specialisms relevant to the courses selected. Seminars are designed to be interactive and preparation and participation in seminars is expected of all students. In all taught modules, students may be required to give seminar-style presentations from time to time. Most modules include a number of seminars during Michaelmas and Lent terms. The amount of time dedicated to seminars and classes will vary depending on the student's module choices. |
| Lectures | Lectures are designed to present and discuss the major academic disciplines covered in each module. Most modules are structured around lecture-based teaching. The amount of time spent in lectures will vary depending on the student's module choices. |
| Practicals | Some modules may have practical elements. Where this is the case there may be one or two sessions in Michaelmas and Lent term. |
| Small group teaching | MPhil class sizes tend to be small for most modules and a significant portion of teaching is therefore delivered in small groups. |
| Journal clubs | Students are encouraged to involve themselves in the department's graduate-run journal, the 'Archaeological review from Cambridge'. |
| Posters | All MPhil students are usually required to make a presentation to staff and peers as part of the assessed component of their Research Skills module. Some taught modules use student presentations within class as a pedagogical tool. |
Feedback
Students receive written feedback on all assessed essays and reports from internal markers via the graduate administrator. Final coursework and exam marks are made available to students following the final examiners meeting in September.
Students are invited to group meetings throughout the year to discuss progress and concerns in order to address issues as and when they arise.
All students will undergo regular supervision sessions with their dissertation supervisor.
Assessment
Thesis
The dissertation is an extended piece of independent, original research. Students work with their supervisor to formulate a dissertation project, carry out research and write it up. The topic of the dissertation has to be approved by the Faculty Degree Committee. The dissertation is of maximum 15,000 words (exclusive of tables, figures, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices) and is due at the end of August; it counts for 50 per cent of the student’s final mark.
Essays
Students taking the MPhil in Archaeology are usually required to produce between three and six assessed essays depending on their chosen course of study and the modules they select. The essays are usually between 3000 and 4000 words in length.
Written examination
Students taking the MPhil in Archaeology are required to sit written examinations for some modules. Details will be given in the graduate handbook for the appropriate year.
Practical assessment
The MPhil in Archaeology does not include any practical assessment. Students may be assessed on written work produced as part of practical or laboratory sessions for some modules.
Other
Attendance at the relevant Research Skills workshops is required of all MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology. The Research Skills module is worth 5 per cent of the student's overall mark. Its mode of assessment may include a research proposal and an oral presentation (supported by visual aids) to teaching staff and peers.