Student testimonials

Thinking about studying Social Anthropology at Cambridge? 

Read recent student testimonials from graduates of the MPhil in Social Anthropology, the MPhil in Social Anthropological Research and the PhD to learn about the academic experience, supervisions and course structure, research opportunities, and student life. 

These first-hand accounts offer valuable insights into life as a Social Anthropology student at Cambridge. 

MPhil in Social Anthropology

Leo Baek – 2025-26 cohort: 

“Being a part of the MPhil in Social Anthropology has been a wonderful experience. I came to this MPhil course from an Archaeology and Art History background. Although these subjects are tangentially related to Social Anthropology, I felt some trepidation about learning an entirely new course. Thankfully, the teaching department is incredibly receptive to all sorts of questions and concerns. They aren’t so much looking for you to be ‘correct’ but aiming to encourage your curiosity. Reading the material and engaging in seminar discussion led to illuminating moments where I realised I had gained enough understanding to find disagreement with established takes.

A large part of my appreciation for the course comes from its unique ability to build rapport between course mates. The cohort is small, but tightknit; you will see them regularly in lectures, seminars, and essay supervisions. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and offers unique perspectives on the content found throughout the course. The material is usually challenging, especially since course participants are not expected to have a background in Social Anthropology. Learning in conjunction with your cohort and course faculty makes it digestible, fun, and eventually, even familiar.

Overall, the MPhil in Social Anthropology has introduced me to several methodologies and theories that I plan to apply towards museum-related research. I’ve learned that Social Anthropology is extremely versatile, much like the Department here at Cambridge, and I wholeheartedly recommend the course to any prospective students.”

Aparna Rajeev – 2025-26 cohort: 

“Coming to this course without any prior background in Social Anthropology, I was initially unsure what to expect. However, it would be an understatement to say that the MPhil in Social Anthropology course emerged as one of the most enriching academic experiences I have ever had.

The course was thoughtfully structured in a way that made the discipline both accessible and engaging. The holistic nature of the course was reflected in how the different course elements of reading, writing, lectures, seminars, and supervisions were seamlessly integrated into one another, which made learning social anthropology a grounded, sustained, and transformative experience. I also found the balance between lectures and seminars worked particularly well. While the lectures provided a strong theoretical and conceptual foundation, the seminars proved pivotal in creating an intellectually stimulating learning environment where ideas were explored in depth.

The supervisions, both individual and group, were equally valuable. In fact, writing supervision essays on key anthropological topics and questions has not only allowed me to encounter a wide range of ethnographies and perspectives, but has also enabled me to gradually find my own anthropological voice. Over time, through this process, I learned how to write with greater depth, nuance, care, and attentiveness to the ethnographic material.

What made the MPhil journey even more special was my cohort. We were a small group of individuals, all new to social anthropology and hailing from different parts of the world and academic backgrounds. It was this diversity that made discussions and learning experiences vibrant, thoughtful, and generative. I firmly believe that in many ways the MPhil in Social Anthropology course truly reflects what social anthropology as a discipline is: transformative, generative, and incredibly rewarding!”

MPhil in Social Anthropological Research

Tarina Franklin – 2023 cohort (review written in 2025): 

“After initially being adamant on continuing directly from my undergraduate studies to a PhD, the MPhil in Social Anthropological Research proved essential for strengthening my theoretical knowledge of the discipline and accruing more much-needed fieldwork experience.

The combination of a dissertation and two shorter essays enabled me to test out and articulate new ideas without needing to commit to one overarching topic or research question. This structure also promotes productive supervision discussions and ongoing feedback.

Transferring to the PhD in Social Anthropology requires a high standard of submitted written work that must be prepared and polished throughout the academic year. However, starting early, and ideally going into the MPhil with a body of completed background reading to draw from, will result in a year without last-minute cramming that delivers you to your doctoral studies as a far more confident researcher.

Postgraduate studies in Anthropology at Cambridge also open a number of doors for connecting with academics both within and beyond the University and do not require letting go of hobbies or a social life.”            

Samantha Hartley – 2023 cohort (review written in 2025): 

“The MPhil in Social Anthropological Research was a demanding, intellectually rigorous course and an excellent opportunity to understand how Cambridge worked before continuing onto the PhD. The MPhil exposed me to debates at the forefront of the discipline, such as the anthropology of infrastructure; of violence; of history; and memory.

Collaborating, debating and discussing ideas with my course mates was a highlight of the MPhil. There was also space to explore and deepen my understanding of specialised interest areas which I then developed into a successful PhD proposal. The core seminars included sessions on presenting research, corporate ethnography, conservation and the not-for-profit industry, which were particularly insightful for future career plans after my PhD.”

PhD in Social Anthropology

Sally Montgomery – 2021 cohort: 

"The Cambridge Department of Social Anthropology has been a wonderful place to complete my PhD. I joined in 2020, studying the Masters of Research in Social Anthropology and continued on in the PhD programme.

Throughout my MRes and PhD studies, I found the Department to be an inspiring, supportive, and friendly environment where I received wonderful intellectual and practical guidance from members of staff and students alike.

Working independently, but always with the support of my kind and generous supervisor, made the PhD a rewarding and enjoyable process. My supervisor was incredibly engaged with my work, kept me on track to submit on time, and provided invaluable feedback throughout the PhD. Other staff members of the Department were also always willing to meet and were generous in their engagement with my work.

The Department hosts regular events, seminars, and workshops where you have the chance to expand your thinking, engage with world-class scholars and develop new skills. The Department has a strong culture of lively participation, and there are many opportunities to contribute to the Department through reading groups, outreach programmes and the anthropology student society CUSAS.

Outside the Department of Social Anthropology, being at Cambridge offers the chance to be involved in so many other interesting networks of research available through other departments, CRASSH and the colleges. The camaraderie of my cohort was the highlight of my time as a PhD student. The Department encourages PhD cohorts to come together through seminars in both the pre-field year and the main writing-up seminar upon return from fieldwork. These programmes build community, opportunities to engage with each other’s work, and help create routine.

I thoroughly enjoyed completing my PhD in Social Anthropology at Cambridge and highly recommend the Department as a place to study."

Sally Raudon – 2018 cohort (review written in 2025): 

"I was a mature student coming from Aotearoa New Zealand intent on pursuing a career in anthropology. I chose to apply to Cambridge because I figured that I were to embark on a PhD – leaving a career – I should do so in an ambitious and intellectually challenging department where I’d receive a rigorous education that would test me and prepare me as well as possible. The application was ultimately simple, and the scholarship process was folded into it. It takes a little time for the three-legged stool of university-college-funding to come together, but when it does, the bureaucratic machine works really well. 

My cohort conducted our fieldwork and writing up during Covid-19. We share an unusually strong bond, because few of us could complete the research projects exactly as we had planned. I’ll always be grateful for the practical and moral support offered by the department, and my college, through this period of rolling disasters. 

I received all the training you’d expect from an advanced research degree, and more: planning and conducting research, writing for publication, preparing grant proposals, teaching in small groups (supervisions) and leading seminars, and all the critical thinking, communication, and other transferable skills you’d imagine. My teachers were all anthropologists at the top of their game.The department’s benefits go beyond itself and its range of seminars. The lively intellectual community includes emeritus and affiliated anthropologists, who are rich sources of wisdom and guidance. 

The Haddon Library, devoted to anthropology and archaeology, is staffed by indefatigable librarians who love nothing better than a quest to find an obscure reference. Across the road is the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and research and expertise flow freely between the MAA and the department. We also have close relationships and exchange with colleagues in sister disciplines: History of Philosophy and Science, Sociology, Divinity, Politics, Scott Polar Research Institute, the Medical School—to name a few I’ve dealt with—as well as the jewel in the crown that is the Centre for Research in Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, which fosters interdisciplinary exchange beyond Cambridge.

Doing a PhD in social anthropology at Cambridge has helped me develop the fullest version of my intellect. I’m just beginning. I still find anthropology the queen of disciplines–every part of social life is up for investigation."