MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies

Teaching

Assessed coursework will consist of the core course (Introduction to Modern South Asia), taken by all students, and one option selected by each student from the range offered as part of the MPhil. The core course will centre around 16 two-hour, twice-weekly classes in the Michaelmas Term, at which participation is mandatory. Eight two-hour weekly option course classes will be held throughout the Lent term. In addition, the language element of the course will run throughout the year with weekly classes in either Hindi or Urdu. There will also be a strong element of research training to include preparing for fieldwork, interviewing techniques and the use of archival material. Students will be expected to attend the Centre's weekly seminar programme held on Wednesdays during term.


One to one supervision	On average students will receive approximately 6 one-hour supervisions during the course of the academic year. The 扒哥吃瓜 publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.
Seminars & classes	16 two-hour twice-weekly sessions in the Michaelmas term (core course). Eight two-hour sessions in Lent term (option course). Weekly CSAS South Asian Seminar and other optional weekly seminars throughout the University. Two two-hour weekly language classes throughout the year.
Lectures	No lectures, but the Centre's annual Kingsley Martin and South Asian Public Affairs Lectures and other lectures held throughout the year may be of interest.
Practicals	Language teaching, both spoken and written, throughout the year usually in either Urdu or Hindi (subject to change due to resource availability) at levels to suit students' abilities. Practical skills training is incorporated in the core course.
Small group teaching	The option course sessions are generally made up of groups of between two and 15 students. Weekly two-hour classes during Lent term.
Literature Reviews	At the end of the Michaelmas term, students will be required to produce a 2,000-word review of a book of their choosing within the remit of the course.
Posters and Presentations	Dissertation presentation sessions at the end of the Michaelmas term give students the opportunity to present their dissertation plans and gain feedback from the course convenors and fellow students.
Taught/Research Balance	Equal Taught/Research

Feedback

The ‘practice’ essay is single marked. Students receive the mark and feedback by the end of the Michaelmas Term.

Core and option essays, the book review and dissertation are double marked and an average mark produced. Students receive both mark sheets containing feedback.

Students meet regularly with their supervisors, the course convenor and others teaching on the course who are happy to provide comments on students' progress.

It is usual to hold two sessions in the late Michaelmas term or early Lent term to provide the chance for students to present their planned dissertation research to the rest of the group and receive their feedback.

During the first week of the Michaelmas term, students are invited to elect two student representatives who are invited to attend the termly Graduate Education Committee meeting to raise concerns and ask questions.

Supervisors write termly online graduate supervision reports, which are available to students.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

Between 15,000 and 20,000 words in length. A viva voce or oral examination would only be required for certain candidates who received a failing mark (or a confirmed marginal fail) or in other special circumstances (eg suspected plagiarism).

Essays

A compulsory 'practice' essay, 1,500-2,000 words, submitted in Michaelmas Term. This essay does not count towards the final mark.
Book review: 2,000 words
Core course essay: 3,000 words
Option course essay: 5,000 words

Written examination

Three-hour written language examination in either Hindi or Urdu.

Practical assessment

One-hour language oral examination in either Hindi or Urdu.

扒哥吃瓜