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The MPhil course consists of core papers and a selection of optional papers so that study pathways suited to a range of different interests can be explored. Optional papers may change periodically to reflect current interests and concerns.
Some optional papers are full papers which span for two terms, and some are half papers which span one term only. Students take four full papers (or their equivalent in half papers) concurrently to fulfil the MPhil programme. At least two papers must be core papers.
A 12,000-word dissertation can be taken as a full optional paper, but this is not a mandatory requirement of the programme. It is advised to those interested in taking the dissertation option, that they prepare material and their research topic prior to commencing the course, due to the length of the course itself. Further details are available on the Centre website.
Students may also have the opportunity to replace their optional papers with approved papers borrowed from other departments. A list of borrowed papers may not be available prior to the start of Michaelmas Term, and we endeavour to communicate these with incoming students as soon as they are confirmed.
The teaching for all papers predominantly takes place over the first two terms in the academic year (Michaelmas and Lent terms) but may continue into the first four weeks of the third (Easter) term.
Students who choose to write a dissertation must complete and submit their dissertation along with the rest of their coursework, so being mindful of deadlines and incorporating a sensible working schedule is crucial.
Papers are examined by assessed essays written and submitted throughout the course of the year and/or by a formal written examination. At the discretion of the examiners, there may also be an oral examination.
Please note that we do not guarantee the below list as the final selection of the Core Papers offered. It is given as an example only.
Core papers
Paper 1: Development economics
Paper 2: Institutions and development
Paper 3: Sociology and politics of development
| One to one supervision | Students will be allocated an individual Academic Supervisor as soon as possible after they have made their initial examination choices at the end of the second week of the Michaelmas Term, and are encouraged to meet with them at least once a term to discuss general progress and flag any issues. There is no scheme of regular academic supervision; paper coordinators may, however, offer one-to-one or small-group supervisions at their discretion, and students are welcome to contact paper coordinators on an ad hoc basis to arrange appointments to discuss both the course material and their written work. Students are also encouraged to complete termly self-assessments to review their own progress and indicate any difficulties. 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 | There are small-group discussion classes for each core paper in Michaelmas and Lent Terms. The numbers of hours vary according to the paper. Some of the optional papers may also involve small-group discussion classes. Some optional papers may also have student-led seminars based on group presentations in the Lent term. There is also the Development Studies Seminar Series, where guest speakers give academic talks to members of the Centre. The attendance of MPhil students is mandatory to this series, as it supplements topics discussed throughout the programme. |
| Lectures | There are at least 16 hours of lectures per term per paper. |
Feedback
Students can expect to receive an online feedback report each term from their Academic Supervisor.
Subject to the agreement of the examiners, students will receive a provisional mark and written feedback for their assessed essays prior to the Final Examiners' Meeting at the end of the academic years. These marks cannot be taken as final until approved by Degree Committee, also held at the end of the academic year.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
One (full) optional paper may be replaced by a 12,000-word dissertation on a subject of the student's choice. As mentioned previously, we expect incoming students who wish to choose the dissertation option to have formulated a research topic, as well as an outline of the research material.
Incoming students who choose this option will also need to suggest a dissertation supervisor (different to your allocated Academic Supervisor) who complements your research topic. It is encouraged that applicants explore the Academic Staff page of the Development Studies website to establish those academics who may be a suitable fit. Dissertation supervisors may also be chosen from outside the Centre, as long as they are from a Department or Faculty within the School of Human Social and Political Sciences, but will ordinarily be an academic from within the Centre.
Please note that only successful applicants who have accepted a place on the course need consider whether they wish to write a dissertation as part of their studies, in the summer months leading up the course commencing. Applicants do not need to include dissertation supervisor information on their application form.
Research carried out for the purpose of the dissertation must have ethical approval by the Ethics Committee prior to the student commencing research, otherwise it cannot be used.
Incoming students are encouraged to read the guidance regarding the dissertation which can be found at the following link.
Essays
All papers will be assessed by either assessed essays or written examinations (or a combination of the two).
Written examination
Please see the section 'Essays' above.
Other
There may be an oral examination at the discretion of the examiners.