About the courseThe two-year MPhil course offers coordinated training in both social and biological anthropological approaches to health and illness, with special emphasis on methods. It provides the necessary basis for future anthropological research and an excellent cross-cultural grounding for those aiming to pursue a career in anthropology, global health or other health-related fields.The MPhil is similar in topical scope and breadth to the MSc, but it allows for a deeper engagement with ... READ MORE

About the course

The two-year MPhil course offers coordinated training in both social and biological anthropological approaches to health and illness, with special emphasis on methods. It provides the necessary basis for future anthropological research and an excellent cross-cultural grounding for those aiming to pursue a career in anthropology, global health or other health-related fields.

The MPhil is similar in topical scope and breadth to the MSc, but it allows for a deeper engagement with the theory and practice of anthropological research. It is intended both as a standalone degree and as a broader and deeper preparation for doctoral research than is possible with the MSc.

During the first year of the MPhil you would follow the same course of instruction as MSc students through to the June examinations.

The range of methods classes varies yearly and includes (but is not limited to).

• Ethnographic Fieldwork Methods
• Ethnographic Portraiture
• Statistical Fieldwork Methods for the Analysis of Quantitative Social Science Data
• Critical Methods of Numerical Analysis
• Language-Focused Methods
• Ethnobiology Fieldwork Methods

Assessment

During the first year, assessment will follow that of the MSc in Medical Anthropology, ending with the same examinations in June which serve as qualifying (rather than final) exams for MPhil students to progress to the second year.

Critical thinking classes in Michaelmas term are assessed by the writing of a research proposal and the two chosen methods courses in Michaelmas and/or Hilary term will be assessed by submitted coursework. Together, these three components comprise one examined paper, Methods of Fieldwork and Social Research, which is assessed by a dossier of written work completed over the course of the year rather than by a final written examination.

Finally, you will submit your 30,000 word dissertation in May of the second year.

Graduate destinations

Many graduates from the course enter teaching and research. There is also some recruitment by public bodies, larger private companies, development agencies, NGOs and other organisations.