The MPhil programme is administered by two MPhil Managers, who meet all new MPhil students as a group in early October and then see each of the students individually to discuss their proposed essay and dissertation topics. The Managers are responsible for finding appropriate supervisors for each of these topics. The supervisors are then responsible for helping the student do the research and writing needed for the essays and the dissertation. Students will see each of their supervisors frequently; one of the Managers sees each student at regular intervals during the year to discuss progress and offer help and advice.

Supervisions are designed to provide students with the opportunity to set their own agendas for their studies. The supervisor's job is to support the student's research, not to grade their work – supervisors are formally excluded from the examination process.

Feedback

Students receive formative feedback from supervisors and independent reports from two assessors on their essays and dissertation.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

MPhil students submit a dissertation of up to 12,000 words at the end of the third term (Easter). Examiners may request an oral examination, but this is not normally required.

Students are permitted to write their dissertation in the same general area as one of their essays. In such cases, the dissertation and essay have to address different questions, and the dissertation must give evidence of a substantial new research effort.

Essays

Students are also assessed by two essays (up to 5,000 words and 8,000 words, respectively). The two essays should be in different subject areas, on topics approved by the Degree Committee.