| Postgraduate Study

The MPhil in Basic and Translational Neuroscience is a stand-alone postgraduate course in neuroscience offering both taught and research components. This one-year neuroscience programme is aimed particularly at those who want to prepare for later studies at PhD level, clinicians and others who want graduate-level research training but for whom a full PhD might not be required or appropriate, and graduates who plan a career in translational neuroscience, including careers in the pharmaceutical industry.

This course offers both taught and research components including a project rotation, research training modules, lectures, seminars and workshops, and the opportunity to undertake a wide variety of generic skills training. Students may participate in a symposium where they will have the opportunity to present their research.

Students selected onto the course will follow the structured MPhil in Basic and Translational Neuroscience research training. The aims of this one-year, full-time research training course are as follows:

to give the student experience of research work;
to expose the student to a variety of laboratory environments and the balance of self-sufficiency and teamwork needed in a researcher;
to introduce the student to the basic skills of experimental design, project management, time management etc. needed in research;
to familiarise the student with the practicalities of laboratory research, imparting an understanding of the nature of bench research, of record keeping and data handling, and of good laboratory practice;
to introduce the student to basic analytical techniques needed to understand and contextualise their research;
to familiarise the student with basic scientific writing and presentation skills.

The additional objectives that are specific to this programme will be:

to attract students from a wide range of backgrounds into neuroscience by providing a taught module with a basic overview of neuroscience;
to provide students with thorough training in neuroscience methods, data analysis and statistics techniques;
to give students the necessary basic yet broad understanding of neuroscience to prepare them for future PhD studies; and
to provide students with adequate experience in neuroscience research to enable them to make an informed choice of PhD project if they so wish.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the master's course, students drawn from a diverse range of subject backgrounds are all expected to have:

developed a broad understanding of modern research techniques, and thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to research in topics related to neuroscience;
been exposed to a number of theoretical approaches to brain science and trained in critical thinking in the area;
acquired specific expertise in neuroscience research methods and statistics;
demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field;
acquired knowledge of a broad range of interdisciplinary research areas and supervisors to inform their choice of PhD projects if applicable; and
undertaken training in generic and transferable research skills including the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies.

Continuing

Students wishing to progress to the PhD after completing this MPhil course must apply via the University's online portal. They will be required to pass the MPhil degree at a sufficient level to satisfy the Postgraduate Education Committee of the Faculty or Department they are applying to in order to show that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The Institute of Astronomy offers an exciting opportunity for suitably qualified students who have completed a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in astronomy, physics or mathematics to study for a 9-month master's level qualification in astrophysics working alongside fourth-year (Part III) students taking the final year of the integrated master's undergraduate MSci Astrophysics Tripos.

The MASt in Astrophysics consists of a research project which accounts for a third of the total marks available for the course, and includes a written report (85%) and a formal oral presentation (15%) to the Part III/MASt Examiners and a choice of a range of high level specialist courses, most of which are examined in June.

The course aims to provide an intellectually stimulating environment in which students have the opportunity to develop their skills and enthusiasm to the best of their potential. Owing to the demanding level of the course and the competition for a limited number of places, applicants should have achieved (or expect to achieve) a very good performance in their undergraduate degree. Although some bursary funding may be available, applicants should expect to arrange their own funding.

Learning outcomes

Students completing the year should have:

had experience of a number of areas of astrophysics from a choice of options taken to an advanced level, at which current research can be appreciated in some depth;
carried out a substantial research project amounting to about one-third of the work in the course;
enhanced their communications skills;
become well prepared for a career in academic research or one where independent research skills are required.

Continuing

Students wishing to undertake a PhD in Astronomy must make an application for admission via the Applicant Portal in the normal way. To satisfy the academic requirement for admission to the PhD a student must pass the MASt.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The Institute of Astronomy offers the opportunity to study for the PhD degree, which is normally completed in three years. The format is almost entirely research-based, and while projects may be exclusively theoretical or observational, many combine aspects of both. Many projects incorporate aspects of Data Science, including machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Note: The university also offers a PhD programme in Astrophysics at the Cavendish Laboratory. For further information on this programme and details on how to apply please follow this link www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/pcphpdphy

It is normal for students to attend several relevant international conferences during their three years of study, often presenting their own research work. Some students working on observational research projects undertake observing trips (s) to major international observatories.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The MPhil is offered by the Institute of Astronomy as a full or part-time period of research and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. The Astronomy MPhil degree is exclusively by research with no taught elements. The aims of the programme are:

to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision.
to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

Opportunities to develop research and transferable skills also exist through attendance at training sessions organised at Department, School or University level as part of the wider postgraduate programme, and informally through mentoring by fellow students and members of staff.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

a comprehensive understanding of techniques and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their own research

demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field

shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies

demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research

Continuing

Students wishing to pursue a PhD in Astronomy must apply for admission to the PhD via the Applicant Portal in the normal way.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

This MPhil caters both for beginners in Akkadian and those with some previous knowledge of the language. A demanding course, this MPhil delivers competence in the language and specialist knowledge of Mesopotamian culture and social history over a relatively short time. It can be a final degree or serve as the basis for further research using cuneiform documents or material culture.

The aims of the course are to:

provide students with the opportunity to study, at an advanced level, substantive subjects and major debates in the field of ancient Mesopotamia, through lectures, seminars, and language classes; by the end of the course, students are expected to display competence in this field.

prepare students for research in the languages, history, culture and archaeology of Mesopotamia at doctoral level and beyond; by the end of the course, students are expected to be able to pursue independent research in this specialisation.

give students training in a range of general, transferable skills, such as writing, presentation, research design, data analysis, and formulating and analysing arguments. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to exercise these skills in independent research in historical, archaeological, literary, linguistic and cultural topics, and in any professional-level work which requires them.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this MPhil, students should have:

a good working knowledge of one or both of the principal languages of ancient Mesopotamia (Akkadian and Sumerian) and the cuneiform script, combined with a detailed study of aspects of the archaeology and culture of Mesopotamia, and (where appropriate) other regions.

Students also learn to participate in academic discussion at postgraduate level and to produce a substantial piece of independent written original research (the dissertation).

Continuing

Students taking the MPhil in Assyriology who wish to continue to the PhD in Archaeology are required to achieve a mark of at least 68 overall and no less than 68 in their dissertation. They must obtain the support of an appropriate supervisor before making an application. In some circumstances, additional academic conditions may be set to ensure that appropriate skills are in place prior to admittance on the PhD programme.

Students wishing to continue with language-based PhD topics must have achieved a mark of at least 68 in Akkadian and/or Sumerian as appropriate.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The Muslim-Jewish Relations pathway is designed for highly motivated students who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of Muslim-Jewish relations, together with the research skills necessary to carry out independent research work to a high academic standard through engagement with primary sources in one or more Middle Eastern languages. Graduates will be well placed to pursue further research in a PhD programme, and/or to work in NGOs, charities, government, education, or any other field where cultural understanding, linguistic skills and high-level critical thinking, analysis and communication skills are needed.

The Educational Aims of the course are:

To give students with a relevant undergraduate degree and sufficient subject-language ability training in research skills and methodologies in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies;
To develop students’ expertise in relevant aspects of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies;
To give students the opportunity to carry out focused research under close supervision.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MPhil course, students will be able to:

· read, interpret and translate primary sources relevant to their research interests in Arabic, Hebrew or Persian;

· show a good understanding of more general scholarship on Middle Eastern Studies;

· show an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subjects of their coursework and dissertation;

· formulate original research questions on aspects of Muslim-Jewish relations;

· communicate their research findings in the form of an independent piece of research based on the use of primary and secondary sources; and

· use independent archival and library- and internet-based research skills concomitant with successful completion of a Masters-level degree in Muslim-Jewish Relations.

Continuing

All applicants should submit, via the Applicant Portal, a workable and relevant research proposal and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project.

Those students who are enrolled in an MPhil by Advanced Studies at the University of Cambridge and wish to continue to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies will be required to obtain at least 67 per cent overall in their MPhil by Advanced Studies degree and satisfy any pre-existing requirements also set by the Degree Committee, i.e. English language requirement.

Admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each applicant on their own merits and in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The Modern Middle Eastern Studies pathway is designed for highly motivated students who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of the Modern Middle East, together with the research skills necessary to carry out independent research work in the Humanities or Social Sciences to a high academic standard. Graduates will be well placed to pursue further research in a PhD programme, to use their skills and knowledge in NGOs, charities, government, education, or in any other field where cultural understanding, linguistic skills and high-level critical thinking, analysis and communication skills are needed.

The Educational Aims of the course are:

To give students with a relevant undergraduate degree and sufficient subject-language ability training in research skills and methodologies in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies;
To develop students’ expertise in relevant aspects of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies;
To give students the opportunity to carry out focused research under close supervision.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MPhil course, students will be able to:

· read, interpret and translate primary sources relevant to their research interests in Arabic, Hebrew or Persian;

· show a good understanding of more general scholarship on Modern Middle Eastern Studies;

· show an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subjects of their coursework and dissertation;

· formulate original research questions on Modern Middle Eastern Studies and produce a well-constructed argument to answer them, based on the use of primary and secondary sources, using the methods of the Humanities and Social Sciences;

· communicate their research findings in the form of an independent piece of research; and

· use independent archival and library- and internet-based research skills concomitant with successful completion of a Masters-level degree in Modern Middle Eastern Studies.

Continuing

All applicants should submit, via the Applicant Portal, a workable and relevant research proposal and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project.

Admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each applicant on their own merits and in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The MPhil programme in Korean Studies is a specially designed one-year graduate seminar and research course with substantial taught elements for students who want to expand on their undergraduate education and/or prepare for a PhD in Korean Studies. It aims to support research into early modern and modern Korean history, intellectual history, history of knowledge, cultural history, South and North Korean politics, and international relations in East Asia. Candidates should have Korean language ability of at least level 3 TOPIK or equivalent.

All students in the year group attend one of two mandatory classes on theory: the Theories and Methodologies in the Japanese Studies Seminar (JM1); or the Asia in Theory seminar (EA1). In either class, they meet regularly with a variety of the Faculty's instructors and are introduced to various disciplinary approaches in Korean and East Asian studies. In addition, they are guided through the various steps of academic research, writing, presentation and career development. Students then take a core Korean Studies class. Finally, for their third paper, they are free to choose from a variety of options so that each student receives a tailor-made education. Approximately half of the time is allocated to individual research and the writing of a dissertation under the guidance of leading scholars.

The aim is to equip students to carry out independent academic work, including training in how to use Korean-language sources for research purposes, which lies at the heart of the programme. Our guiding principle is to ensure that each student receives the best possible education, providing a coherent course but with the flexibility to cater to individual needs.

The Educational Aims of the course are:

To give students with a relevant undergraduate degree and sufficient subject-language ability training in research skills and methodologies in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies;
To develop students’ expertise in relevant aspects of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies;
To give students the opportunity to carry out focused research under close supervision.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the MPhil programme, students will be expected to have:

acquired the ability to read, interpret and translate primary sources in modern Korean;
acquired a good knowledge of the general scholarship on modern Korean studies;
acquired an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their dissertation;
developed the ability to formulate original research questions and to produce a well-constructed argument to answer them, in the form of an independent piece of research based on the use of primary and secondary sources; and
acquired the skills to use library and internet resources independently.

Continuing

All applicants should submit, via the Applicant Portal, a workable and relevant research proposal and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project.

Admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each graduate applicant on his or her own merits and in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The Japanese Studies pathway is a specially designed one-year graduate seminar and research course with substantial taught elements for students who want to deepen their undergraduate education and/or prepare for a PhD in Japanese studies.

All students in the year group attend the Theories and Methodologies in Japanese Studies Seminar (Research Development Seminar), at which they are introduced to various disciplinary approaches in Japanese Studies. In addition, they are guided through the various steps of academic research, writing, presentation and career development. They are free to choose two additional courses from a variety of options so that each student receives a tailor-made education. Approximately half of the time is allocated to individual research and the writing of a dissertation under the guidance of leading scholars.

The aim is to equip students to carry out independent academic work, including training in how to use Japanese-language sources for research purposes, which lies at the heart of the programme. Our guiding principle is to ensure that each student receives the best possible education, providing a coherent course but with the flexibility to cater for individual needs.

The Educational Aims of the course are:

To give students with a relevant undergraduate degree and sufficient subject-language ability training in research skills and methodologies in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies;
To develop students’ expertise in relevant aspects of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies;
To give students the opportunity to carry out focused research under close supervision.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the MPhil programme, students will be expected to have:

acquired the ability to read, interpret and translate primary sources in modern and/or classical Japanese;
acquired a good knowledge of the general scholarship on modern and/or classical Japanese studies;
acquired an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their dissertation;
developed the ability to formulate original research questions and to produce a well-constructed argument to answer them, in the form of an independent piece of research based on the use of primary and secondary sources;
acquired the skills to use library and internet resources independently; and
developed a peer network and the ability to give constructive feedback.

Continuing

All applicants should submit, via the Applicant Portal, a workable and relevant research proposal and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project.

Admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each applicant on their own merits and in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The MPhil provides initial research training and aims to develop students' linguistic and methodological sophistication. Please note that the one-year MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research (Japanese Studies) is offered by thesis only and is not a taught course option. Please confirm with your prospective Supervisor that this option is the appropriate choice for you. This MPhil is only suitable for those with demonstrable experience and ability in independent academic research.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the MPhil programme, students will be expected to have:

acquired the ability to read, interpret and translate primary sources in Modern and/or classical Japanese
acquired a good knowledge of the general scholarship on modern and/or classical Japanese culture(s)
acquired an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their thesis
developed the ability to formulate original research questions and to produce a well-constructed argument to answer them in the form of an independent piece of research based on the use of primary and secondary sources
developed independent library- and internet-based research skills concomitant with the successful completion of a Masters-level degree

Continuing

Applicants for the PhD should submit a research proposal on an interesting and workable topic via the Applicant Portal and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project.

Admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each applicant on their own merits and in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations.

Applicants will also be required to obtain a Pass in the MPhil by Research.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Postgraduate Admissions Office

About this site

University Policy and Guidelines

Study at Cambridge

About the University

Research at Cambridge