Biological Anthropological Science

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High II.i Honours Degree.

If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country.

Admission to the MPhil in Biological Anthropological Science is based on high achievement in a previous or current degree, typically first class, high II.i or equivalent. Students will normally hold an undergraduate degree in either Anthropology or Biological Anthropology.

Months of entry

October

Course content

The MPhil in Biological Anthropological Science is a special course offered to students who already have substantial knowledge in biological anthropology. The course is focused solely on research, offering training and supervision on research skills and specialist knowledge during the process of working on a substantial research project. Prospective applicants are encouraged to approach a potential research supervisor for informal discussions before finalising their applications. The main aims of this research-only MPhil programme are:

to offer students with relevant preparation and experience at first-degree level, e.g. in biological anthropology whether at Cambridge or elsewhere, the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under PhD-style supervision; and

to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

The thesis must satisfy the examiners that the student can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspective of the subject. This course begins in October, with the submission of the thesis in late July. The oral examination will take place at a later date to be determined by the examiners.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this MPhil, students should have a comprehensive understanding of a particular field of research in evolutionary anthropology and its theoretical premises, have acquired and developed appropriate research and analytical techniques, and have experienced the design, implementation and write-up of a substantial original research project.

Through this MPhil, students acquire a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field, develop critical skills for the evaluation of current research, and learn to use cutting-edge research techniques and methodologies. Because of the research focus of this MPhil, students also develop strong self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.

Information for international students

Language Requirement

IELTS (Academic)

Element Score

Listening 7.0

Writing 7.0

Reading 7.0

Speaking 7.0

Total 7.5

TOEFL Internet Score

Element Score

Listening 25

Writing 25

Reading 25

Speaking 25

Total 110

CAE

Score: Grade A & B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 plus a Language Centre assessment)

CPE

Score: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 with no element lower than 185).