Master of Philosophy in Social Anthropology at University of Cambridge

Programme overview

This is a demanding course which enables students to reach a fairly high level of specialist knowledge in social anthropology within a relatively short time and, subject to performance in their exams and assessed work, equips them to undertake a research degree. Given that MPhil students are supervised on an individual basis in order to provide a programme of teaching tailored to individual needs, the assignment of supervisors is spread as evenly as possible among the staff attached to the Department. Principal fields of anthropological analysis are covered in two core seminar courses in 'The Scope of Social Anthropology'.

What you will study

Different optional papers are on offer each year. Examples of optional papers include : Ethnography; Gender, Kinship and Care; Engaged Anthropology. Thesis / Dissertation A dissertation of not more than 13,000 words on a subject approved by the Archaeology, Anthropology and Sociology Degree Committee, which must not overlap with the subject of any assessed essay offered by the candidate.

Career pathways

Students are also encouraged to use the range of training and developmental opportunities available across the University, including training on research methods through Cambridge Research Methods, careers advice through the Cambridge University Careers Service and language learning through the Language Centre, including Academic English.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a High II.i Honours Degree. Applicants wishing to follow the options in 'Medical Anthropology' or 'Social Anthropology and Museums' would benefit from previous experience in these areas. You are asked to indicate in your application if you are interested in following either of these options. This course requires candidates to have strong English language reading, writing and oral skills, and to achieve at the very minimum the IELTS / TOEFL minimum requirement scores listed below. English language: IELTS (Academic) 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each element.

Domestic applicants: GBP 27,768 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

International applicants: GBP 46,128 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 11 months full-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/aasampsap/apply

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