MPhil in Social Anthropological Research
The allure of magnetism: tourists at the Taj Mahal by Sarthak Malhotra
A research-intensive pathway in contemporary anthropology
The MPhil in Social Anthropological Research (MPhil SAR) by advanced study is an intensive 9-month postgraduate degree for students who already have a strong background in anthropology and want to deepen their engagement with contemporary debates, research methods and ethnographic inquiry.
Through research-led teaching, close supervision and independent dissertation work, students rapidly develop specialist knowledge within a focused and intellectually demanding environment.
Designed as advanced preparation for independent scholarship, this MPhil has a strong record of progression to PhD study, with many graduates applying for and continuing into doctoral research at Cambridge and other leading universities. Those intending to continue to a PhD will receive support in developing focused and feasible research proposals to assist their application.
Many others apply anthropological training to a wide range of sectors, including policy, development, journalism, cultural institutions, education and public service.
Students join a vibrant international research community within one of the world’s leading institutions for the study of anthropology. The Department has a longstanding record of teaching and research excellence and consistently ranks among the top anthropology departments globally. It has retained a top-three position over the past decade in the QS World University Rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds – the world’s most widely read league table.
| Study mode: | Taught |
|---|---|
| Length: | 9 months, full-time |
| Duration: | Early October – end June |
| Applications: | Open early September, close February |
| Funding deadline: | Early December (October for Gates Cambridge US round) |
| Requirements: | A high II.i honours degree or equivalent qualification |
| Requirements: | English language requirements apply |
Designed for students with a strong anthropological background
The course provides specialist social anthropological training through a dynamic combination of research-led teaching, independent study and professional development. It is particularly suited to:
- students who have already studied social anthropology, either as a single discipline or as part of a joint degree, and who wish to develop their knowledge to an advanced level;
- applicants wishing to develop an independent research project under expert supervision;
- those preparing for PhD study or research-focused careers within and beyond academia;
- intellectually ambitious and highly motivated applicants from around the world.
Applicants with little or no previous anthropological training should consider our taught MPhil in Social Anthropology by advanced study – an 11-month intensive conversion course that serves as a major entry point into anthropological training for students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
An intensive and research-focused programme
Over 9 months, students engage with contemporary anthropological theory, ethnographic practice and methodological debates while developing their own research interests. The intensive structure enables a high level of specialisation within a short period.
Students benefit from:
- regular individual supervision with an expert in their field of research;
- personalised oral and written feedback on assessed work;
- independent dissertation research, with opportunities for ethnographic fieldwork during a term break;
- core seminars on contemporary anthropological themes and concerns;
- specialist modules linked to staff research interests;
- advanced training in research design, methods and communication;
- opportunities to develop both academic and public-facing forms of writing;
- world-class libraries, museum collections, archives and specialist research resources;
- access to Cambridge’s wider intellectual communities of academics and postgraduate students;
- a wide range of funding, training and professional development opportunities.
What you will study
The course develops advanced understanding of anthropological theory, interpretation, comparison and analysis through close engagement with ethnographic research and contemporary scholarship.
Students critically evaluate competing theoretical approaches, explore current methodological debates and develop the skills required to undertake original anthropological research.
The programme is built around core seminars exploring current themes and concerns in social anthropology, alongside specialist modules that reflect the evolving research expertise of academic staff and emerging developments within the discipline.
Core areas of study:
- contemporary anthropological theory;
- ethnographic research methods and ethics;
- current debates in social anthropology;
- research design and proposal development;
- professional and transferable research skills.
Other areas:
- students study 6 specialist modules from a range offered each year.
- Topics vary according to staff research interests and may include methodological training, thematic areas of anthropological inquiry and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Students are examined on:
- two analytical essays;
- a practical writing exercise, such as a PhD research proposal, policy report, article or other public-facing output;
- a substantial dissertation based on an independently designed research project.
Application summary
Explore full course details, entry requirements, fees, funding, and application guidance through the University’s MPhil in Social Anthropological Research admissions page.
As part of the application process, applicants are asked to submit a statement of interest outlining relevant experience, possible dissertation topics and preliminary ideas about how they might be pursued, together with a sample of written work.
There is no requirement to contact a potential supervisor before applying. All students admitted to the programme are allocated a supervisor during induction once they arrive in Cambridge.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to research and apply to Colleges that suits their extra-curricular interests and pastoral needs.
Visit the University’s Postgraduate Study website for more general information on applying for postgraduate courses at Cambridge.