PhD Student Testimonial

Ori Mautner (2016 cohort)

I was enormously fortunate to conduct my PhD research in the Cambridge Department of Social Anthropology. Along with being a department where cutting-edge anthropological research is carried out, this is a warm and friendly environment. The academic staff consistently offer constructive and generous feedback, and the students, while passionate and committed, are also overwhelmingly humble and considerate of each other. For me, the most important aspect of the programme was being able to receive regular written comments from my supervisor, and to have frequent discussions with him. He was extremely encouraging, attentive, and imaginative, and trained me in various aspects of becoming a more professional anthropologist and academic (writing, asking questions, giving feedback, holding meaningful conversations with people from diverse backgrounds). I also benefited greatly from listening to lectures by academic staff; having many informal discussions with them as well as with fellow PhD students; and the excellent work of the patient, supportive, and efficient administrative team. Being a PhD student in the Department was a highly significant experience for me, which I strongly recommend to anyone who is seriously interested in 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.