MRes in Social Anthropology
This ESRC-recognised course provides intensive research training in social anthropology, social science research methods more generally, and the opportunity to complete a research thesis under academic guidance. You will be best suited to the MRes in Social Anthropology if you already hold an undergraduate degree or Masters in Social Anthropology. You can then use this year to work out plans for doctoral research. The MRes can also serve as a free-standing project if you wish to pursue advanced study and to acquire additional research skills without proceeding to the PhD programme.
It is a one-year period of rigorous training in research issues and methods that leads to the preparation of a research proposal and a 15,000 word dissertation. The taught part of the programme is the same as the 9-month pre-fieldwork part of the PhD, so you will take the same courses in ethnographic methods and social theory, and have the same close interaction with your supervisor. In addition you will be trained in quantitative social science methods. Apart from the additional training in quantitative social science methods, the main difference between the two routes to a PhD lies in how they are assessed. See here for further details on assessment and training.
Entry Requirements
You must have good English, and the normal academic requirement is (in the British system) a first-class honours degree in social anthropology or a high pass in a Masters degree in social anthropology, or (for overseas applicants) an equivalent academic qualification. A good upper second degree or equivalent might be acceptable in special circumstances. The key for this particular course is to have an academic background in social anthropology.
If you do not have these qualifications, you may apply first to enter our Master’s degree programme (MPhil in Social Anthropology).
If you are a UK or EU student, you should note that you must register in the first instance for this course and not the PhD in order to be eligible for an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) award. Further details are available on the ESRC website and from our Graduate Administrator, Rosie Bell (rab202 [at] cam.ac.uk).