MPhil/PhD Application Procedures
Qualifications for entry
Most direct entrants to the MRes or MPhil already have a first degree or an MA in Social Anthropology. If you don't have this, you should normally do an MA, or you may be able to take a qualifying year conversion course. There is little difference between the taught Masters and the qualifying year, except that the qualifying year is not a qualification in itself and involves no dissertation. If you achieve the required standard, you can apply to register for the MRes or MPhil/PhD.
How to choose between MRes and MPhil/PhD?
Normally research students register for the MRes in order to complete the requisite training for carrying out a doctoral research project. You then transfer to MPhil status after completing your MRes dissertation in September (or in your second year if you are part-time).
However, if you already have a substantial background, it is possible to register directly for the full-time MPhil, provided the Department and your future supervisor(s) agree. MPhil-registered students do exactly the same research training as MRes students, but they present a student dissertation in May, in order to fast-track to fieldwork or other forms of data-collection.
Whether you start registered as MRes or MPhil, upgrading to PhD status takes place at a later date.
Completing your application form
How detailed a research proposal are we looking for on the application form?
Obviously what you put on the form and exactly what you end up researching may be rather different, but in order to judge whether or not to offer you a place, the Department needs to know whether you have the broad outlines of a viable project.
This means:
- a project that is both worthwhile and interesting, but not over-ambitious
- a project that can realistically be achieved within the confines of PhD on a full-time (4 years typically) or part-time (6 years maximum) basis
- we need to be sure that you have thought about it carefully and are fully committed to the research
- we need to be sure that you understand what is involved in doing a PhD
- your research proposal should give us enough information to be able to interview you (if you are in the UK) or reach a decision as to whether to admit you if you are not based in the UK.
Normally we would expect a proposal of several pages (say 2-5) which should include reference to any relevant bibliography you are conversant with, and indicate what your research project is, why you are interested in it, and how it might contribute to knowledge or current debate.
What happens after I submit my application?
Once the College receives your application form, it is forwarded to the Postgraduate Convenor, who normally sets up a formal interview with two other members of staff with relevant expertise. You may wish to contact the convenor as well.
At the interview you will be asked about your academic background and to elaborate on your plans for research, and you can also ask questions. If the Department recommends that the College offer you a place, you then register in September at the beginning of the next academic year.
Who will be my supervisor?
The Department allocates you one or two supervisor(s) with whom you will work closely during your research. He or she is somebody who shares area or theoretical interests related to your research topic. Additionally you will have an Advisory Committee.