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Teaching
Course Structure
The MPhil is a nine-month residential course that runs from October to June of any given academic year. Students are expected to submit coursework and a dissertation during the year as follows:
First (Michaelmas) Term: Core Course in Critical Theory
During the first term of study, students attend weekly lectures and mini-seminars designed to give them a broad insight into literary/cultural theory and methodology. At the end of this term, they submit one essay. The essay focuses on a specific theoretical framework or critical approach. Alternatively, those following the Medieval and Early Modern Pathway may submit a palaeography exercise as an assessment for this course.
The Medieval and Early Modern Pathway is aimed at students who wish to specialise in subjects linked to Medieval and/or Early Modern studies. The course offers tailored training to students working in this field, providing theoretical and practical tools to read, understand and work on pre-modern sources. The pathway is a flexible structure that can be adjusted to particular needs and interests, offering a wide range of approaches to a variety of texts and historical contexts. It is particularly suited to students wishing to pursue their postgraduate studies further and work on a PhD in Medieval and/or Early Modern studies.
Second (Lent) Term: Modules
Students can choose two modules from a range of module options. Some are shared with different MPhils (e.g., Film and Screen Studies) and other sections and faculties within the University, such as the Centre of Latin American Studies. The list of modules can change from year to year, depending on the availability of academic staff.
During Lent Term, students attend weekly group seminars led by the module convenor, lasting 1.5 to two hours per week per module. Two essays are submitted at the end of the Lent term.
Examples of modules that may be offered can be seen on the Faculty web pages.
Third (Easter) Term: Dissertation
During this term, students write a dissertation. The dissertation must represent a contribution to learning and be written in English. The arrangements for their preparation are similar to those for the essays. Titles are chosen by students in consultation with module convenors and/or prospective supervisors and then have to be approved by the Faculty Degree Committee.
Topics and precise dissertation titles must be submitted by a specific deadline in the Lent term. Up to this point, the course director is the titular supervisor of MPhil students, but once the dissertation topics are approved, a specialist supervisor is appointed for each student.
| One to one supervision | Approximately 7 hours per year (one hour per essay and 4 hours for the dissertation). The °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï publishes an annual which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes | Approximately 34 hours of seminars per year (16 hours for the core course mini-seminars and 18 hours for the Lent term seminars). |
| Lectures | 16 hours of lecture classes per year. |
| Taught/Research Balance | Equal Taught/Research |
Feedback
Feedback on the essays and dissertation is provided in the form of a written report on each exercise, together with the mark awarded.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Students will be asked to submit a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words. The examiners have the option to conduct an oral examination with the candidate.
Essays
Students will be asked to complete three 4,500-word essays: one is submitted at the end of the first (Michaelmas) term, and two are submitted at the end of the second (Lent) term.
For those taking the Early Modern and Medieval Pathway, the core course essay is substitutable with a palaeography exercise in the first (Michaelmas) term.
