| Postgraduate Study

The Hebrew and Semitic Studies pathway is designed for highly motivated students who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of Hebrew and related Semitic languages, together with the research skills necessary to carry out independent research work to a high academic standard through engagement with primary sources in Hebrew or another relevant Middle Eastern language. Students will also have the opportunity to study comparative Semitic linguistics as part of the course. Graduates will be well placed to pursue further research in a PhD programme, to use their skills and knowledge in the heritage sector, in 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 Hebrew or other Middle Eastern languages;

· show a good understanding of more general scholarship on Semitic Linguistics and 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 Hebrew and Semitic Studies and produce a well-constructed argument to answer them;

· 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 Hebrew and Semitic 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.

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 Hebrew and Pre-Modern Jewish History and Culture pathway is designed for highly motivated students who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of the pre-modern Jewish history and culture of North Africa and the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Cairo Genizah manuscripts, together with the research skills necessary to carry out independent research work to a high academic standard through engagement with primary sources in Hebrew or another relevant pre-modern Middle Eastern language. Graduates will be well placed to pursue further research in a PhD programme, to use their skills and knowledge in the heritage sector, in 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 Hebrew or other Middle Eastern languages;

· 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 the history and literatures of the Jews of pre-modern North Africa and the Middle East;

· 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 Hebrew and Pre-Modern History and Culture.

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 primary aim of the programme is to develop a rigorous and innovative understanding of popular culture in East Asia from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to the present.

The Educational Aims of the course are:

To give students training in research skills and methodologies in the field of popular culture;
To develop students' expertise in relevant aspects of East Asian popular culture across Greater China, Korea and Japan;
To guide students in the critical investigation of a wealth of primary sources that are available in English translation;
To expose students to materials that have yet to be translated in English;
To give students the opportunity to carry out independent and original research under bespoke and close supervision.

Learning outcomes

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

acquired the ability to read and interpret primary sources in translation;
acquired a good knowledge of the general scholarship on East Asian Popular Culture;
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 Classical Islamic History and Culture pathway is designed for highly motivated students who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of the pre-modern Islamic world, together with the research skills necessary to carry out independent research work to a high academic standard through engagement with Arabic or Persian primary sources. Graduates will be well placed to pursue further research in a PhD programme, to use their skills and knowledge in the heritage sector, in 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 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 Classical Islamic History and Culture;

· produce a well-constructed argument, based on the use of primary and secondary sources and using the methods of the Humanities and Social Sciences;

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

· use independent archival and library- and internet-based research skills concomitant with successful completion of a Masters-level degree in Classical Islamic History and Culture.

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.

Our MPhil programme in Chinese Studies is offered as a one-year programme that aims to allow postgraduate students to develop their analytical, research, and writing skills in preparation for further academic research or entry into professions requiring such skills. It is designed for highly motivated future researchers with a substantial undergraduate background in Chinese Studies or related fields, but who need more exposure to topic-specific or discipline-based analytical frameworks and more intensive training in primary source language(s) and research skills. This MPhil is only suitable for those with demonstrable experience and ability in independent academic research.

This MPhil programme is taken by thesis only. This means that students work closely with one supervisor throughout the year on a thesis of no more than 25,000 words to be submitted in August.

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 Chinese
acquired a good knowledge of the general scholarship on modern and/or pre-modern Chinese 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 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 archival and library- and internet-based research skills concomitant with the successful completion of a Masters-level degree in Chinese Studies

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.

The MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies) is an intense one-year course primarily for students who intend to go on to do a PhD in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies) at the University of Cambridge or elsewhere. It is designed for highly motivated future researchers who have a substantial undergraduate background in Chinese Studies or related fields but need more exposure to topic-specific or discipline-based analytical frameworks and more intensive training in primary source language(s) and research skills.

Students admitted for the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies) will have the option to choose from one of the following streams:

(1) Modern and Contemporary Chinese Studies or (2) Pre-Modern Chinese Studies.

With the consent of their supervisor and relevant teachers, students may be permitted to combine papers from options (1) and (2).

Students taking the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies) choose three papers from either:

(1) Modern and Contemporary Chinese Studies:

REQUIRED: Asia in Theory - [Team taught; theoretical and methodological approaches]

Students then choose TWO optional papers from the following list:

Chinese Literature and Modernity - Topics in Modern Chinese History - The Anthropology of China - Chinese Linguistics - Advanced Readings in Chinese on a relevant subject [e.g., Qing and Republican historical documents, Modern literary texts, Chinese religions, etc] - Alternative Paper (to be arranged with specific instructors). [An "alternative paper" can be a paper taken from the pre-modern Chinese Studies stream or in another department or faculty (e.g., POLIS, History, Anthropology, Development Studies) in the student's area of research focus.]

or:

(2) Pre-Modern Chinese Studies:

For Pre-Modern Chinese Studies, students need to choose THREE of the following papers:

Classical and Literary Chinese Texts (received and excavated texts, manuscripts) - Early China, specified topic - Medieval China, specified topic - Asia in Theory [team-taught; theoretical and methodological approaches: with the supervisor's permission as the focus of this paper is on the modern period] - Imperial China [specified topic e.g. ritual and religion] - Alternative Paper (to be arranged with specific instructors). [An "alternative paper" can be a paper taken from the modern and contemporary Chinese Studies stream or in another department or faculty (e.g., History, Divinity, Anthropology, Development Studies, POLIS) in the student's area of research focus.]

Most papers are assessed by 5,000-word essays. Some advanced text papers are assessed through examination. Please note that not all papers will be available every year and are subject to modifications if necessary.

A 15,000-word dissertation will also be submitted, and an oral examination on it and the general field of knowledge within which it falls may be held.

Please note that papers are usually only offered if there are at least two takers. Modules offered vary according to the staff available each academic year and the interests of students. Additional papers may be introduced. Please consult your potential supervisor to discuss the options available.

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 Chinese;
acquired a good knowledge of the general scholarship on modern and/or pre-modern Chinese culture(s);
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 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
developed independent archival and library- and internet-based research skills concomitant with the successful completion of a Masters-level degree in Chinese 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.

Graduates of the MPhil by Research will be able to work independently to design research projects and will have an in-depth knowledge of the primary sources and secondary literature in their chosen specialism.

They will be very well placed to study for a PhD and will also be able to use their skills and knowledge in other professions and activities where advanced research skills and independent critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills are needed.

A good working knowledge of one or more Middle Eastern languages – usually Arabic, Hebrew, or Persian – is expected to be appropriate for the research work.

Learning outcomes

The MPhil's research pathway develops its students' ability to design a research project, do independent research using primary sources in a Middle Eastern language or languages and related secondary literature, and communicate their findings effectively.

Students also develop their ability to read, interpret and translate primary sources, acquire a good knowledge of current scholarship on modern and/or pre-modern Middle Eastern culture(s), and acquire an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their thesis.

Continuing

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.

This MPhil provides initial research training and aims to develop students' linguistic and methodological skills. It also provides a foundation for students wishing to continue their research at the doctoral level. 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, where appropriate, the ability to read, interpret and translate primary sources in Modern and/or classical Korean
acquired a good knowledge of the general scholarship on modern and/or classical Korean 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

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.

This PhD degree is offered at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies to students who wish to study Chinese Studies, East Asian Studies, Korean Studies, Japanese Studies, Hebrew Studies, and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (Arabic or Persian).

Our researchers are engaged in internationally recognised work in the history, literature, linguistics, social anthropology, sociology, politics, and contemporary culture of the Middle East, North Africa, China, Japan, and the two Koreas. In addition, the work of several staff members crosses traditional boundaries, both geographical and subject-based. Please see our Research pages for more information about the kind of research carried out by the Faculty.

Before you apply, it is essential that you contact your prospective Supervisor to discuss your proposed research.

The PhD in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is a three to four-year course consisting of individual supervision and guided research. Students are given guidance in areas specific to their subject and in advanced research methods. In the third term (Easter) of the first year, students submit a PhD progress examination, which usually consists of a critical essay and a general statement about progress to date and the likely course of their future research. At the end of the programme, students submit a PhD thesis, followed by a viva (oral examination).

Further information about the programme and the supervisors can be found on our Faculty's website.

Learning outcomes

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

acquired the ability to read, interpret, and translate primary sources fluently in their subject area
acquired an excellent knowledge of the general scholarship on their chosen research topic
acquired an in-depth and focused knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their thesis
developed the ability to formulate original research questions and 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 advanced, independent library- and internet-based research skills concomitant with successfully completing a higher research degree

Continuing

All applicants must have at least 67% in a relevant bachelor's degree from a UK university or its equivalent overseas. By the time they would begin the PhD they must hold a master's qualification relevant to the subject they intend to study, which should have been awarded a score of at least 67% from a UK university or its equivalent overseas. They also need to satisfy any pre-existing requirements set by the Degree Committee, i.e., English language requirement.

Applicants must have sufficient language skills to carry out their proposed research.

EU and International students can find information about their country's equivalent continuation mark from the Graduate Admissions International Qualifications page.

For applicants who are enrolled in an MPhil by Advanced Studies or an MPhil by Research at the University of Cambridge and wish to continue to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each applicant on their merits and in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations.

Applicants who are enrolled in an MPhil by Advanced Studies will also be required to obtain at least 67% overall in their MPhil by Advanced Studies degree and satisfy any pre-existing requirements also set by the Degree Committee.

Applicants enrolled in an MPhil by Research at the University of Cambridge will also be required to obtain at least a Pass.

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 degree by thesis introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:

to give students with relevant experience at a 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

The department welcomes applications from postgraduates to undertake research towards an MPhil in most areas, including Urban Studies, History and Theory of Architecture and Urbanism, Digital Media Design and Communication, Design, Technology, Planning and Environment. However, the department cannot accept candidates for whom no supervisor is available. Unless the candidate is part of a research group, the research is undertaken entirely by the candidate on their own, with regular supervision of progress with the supervisor. To be eligible for consideration, applicants will need an appropriate level of architectural expertise and a clear idea of the area in which the thesis will be written.

This MPhil is not a taught programme. Instead, it admits applicants who meet the academic admissions criteria and whose research interests match those of an available academic staff member willing to act as the student's supervisor. In addition to the research and skills training programme offered by the Department of Architecture, candidates have the opportunity to attend numerous training and personal development courses.

The department is one of the leading institutions in architectural research units in the UK, with over four decades of successful global research. Research typically crosses traditional research boundaries.

Candidates are asked to note that the MPhil in Architecture (by Thesis) does not offer a direct pathway to PhD study, and those interested in a future PhD may wish to consider the taught MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies. Students wishing to proceed to a PhD at Cambridge after completion are required to apply in the usual way and will be treated equally alongside all the other candidates, internally or externally.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have acquired the type of research training required to pursue a PhD, or if conceived as a standalone degree, it would have equipped the candidates with enough skills to specialise and enhance their professional prospects.

Continuing

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

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