MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY

Residence for the Degree of Master of Philosophy

Save as otherwise provided in the Statutes or Ordinances, no-one shall be admitted to the degree of Master of Philosophy having followed a full-time course of advanced study prescribed by Ordinance, unless he or she has kept three terms at least by residence.

Master of Philosophy

GENERAL REGULATION

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 651)

There shall be two forms of examination for the M.Phil. Degree: by advanced study; and by thesis.11

Master of Philosophy by Advanced Study

GENERAL REGULATIONS

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 651)

M.Phil. Degree routes.

1. Candidature for the degree of Master of Philosophy by advanced study shall be through one of the following routes:

Route A – one year of full-time study;

Route B – two years of full-time study, including a prescribed period of study (of not more than three terms) outside Cambridge; and

Route C – two years of part-time study.

Each subject of study, through whichever route, together with the syllabus for the course, the special regulations for the examination, and any subsequent amendments thereof, shall be approved by the General Board on the recommendation of the Faculty Board or other body concerned, after consultation with the appropriate Degree Committee.

Scheme of examination.

2. The scheme of examination for the M.Phil. Degree by advanced study, including provision for an oral examination, shall be as prescribed in the appropriate special regulations for the subject as appended to these regulations. Any such prescribed examination scheme may include any coursework, essay, written examination, or other exercise specified in the special regulations governing that examination. The examination shall be held before the end of the course, except as provided under Regulation 7, and at such time or times as may be determined by the Degree Committee concerned, subject in the case of written papers to the approval of the General Board.

Progress examination.

3. The Degree Committee concerned shall have power to require a candidate for the M.Phil. Degree by advanced study to complete a progress examination to the satisfaction of the Degree Committee in order to proceed to the examination. The form of the progress examination shall be subject to approval by the Board and may include any exercise and be held at such time or times as prescribed in the special regulations governing the subject as appended to these regulations, provided that the time or times of the progress examination may be amended by the Degree Committee in an individual case of intermission allowed under Regulation 8.

4. The Degree Committee shall issue to Examiners and Assessors appointed for the examination concerned details of the conventions and criteria to be applied in marking written papers and other work, including the dissertation and in determining the provisional pass-list. Such details and changes to them shall normally be issued not later than the end of the Full Michaelmas Term preceding the examination.

Form and conduct of examination.

5. For any examination or part of an examination no change in the form and conduct of the examination, by comparison with the form and conduct of that examination in the previous year, shall be made if it would affect the preparation of candidates, unless

either(a)the special regulations governing the examination have been amended
or(b)the Degree Committee have published, not later than the division of the term before the one in which the examination is due to take place, a Notice of the changes of form and conduct not governed by special regulation, that will be made.

6. For any examination or part of an examination held for the first time, the Degree Committee shall publish by the division of the term before the one in which the examination is due to take place, a Notice specifying in as much detail as possible the form and conduct of that examination or part of an examination. The term examination shall include any coursework, essay, or other exercise specified in the special regulations governing that examination.

7. No student shall be a candidate for the M.Phil. Degree by advanced study and for another University examination in the same term. No student shall be a candidate for the degree on more than one occasion.

Considerations for pursuing course.

8. A candidate for the M.Phil. Degree by advanced study shall be a registered Graduate Student who, subject to the provisions of Regulation 9, shall pursue in the University or similar institution approved by the Degree Committee concerned and by the Board of Graduate Studies, the specified course under the direction of a Supervisor, who may be the Course Director, appointed by the Degree Committee concerned, and shall comply with any special conditions that the Degree Committee or the Board may lay down in a particular case. The course under Route A shall extend over one academical year; candidates under this Route are required to reside in Cambridge for all three terms of the year, beginning from the date announced by the Degree Committee for the start of lectures, classes, or other formal instruction.1 The courses under Routes B and C shall extend over two academical years. Students under Route B shall spend a minimum of three terms in residence in Cambridge. Students under Route C are required to attend classes or other formal instruction during the six terms of the course, beginning from the date announced by the Degree Committee.

Dispensation.

9. The Board of Graduate Studies, after considering a recommendation by the Degree Committee concerned, may allow a candidate for the M.Phil. Degree by advanced study, on account of illness or other sufficient cause, to intermit her or his course of study. This period of intermission shall not count for any purpose of these regulations except as provided in Regulation 10 of the general regulations for admission as a Graduate Student.

Candidate's examination entry.

10. Details of each candidate’s examination entry and subsequent corrections thereof shall be submitted by the candidate to the Secretary of the Degree Committee concerned, and by the latter to the Secretary of the Board of Graduate Studies in accordance with the timetables set out in the Schedule appended to the regulations. The term examination shall include any coursework, essay, or other exercise specified in the special regulations governing that examination.

Submission of dissertation.

11. Each candidate who is required to submit to the Degree Committee a dissertation under the special regulations for the subject concerned shall submit the dissertation in accordance with detailed arrangements approved by the Board of Graduate Studies, so as to arrive by a date which shall be determined by the Degree Committee, and which shall, for Route A, be not later than the last day of August in the academical year of the course and, for Routes B and C, the last day of August in the second academical year of the course, provided that a candidate may be permitted to submit her or his dissertation at such later date as may be determined by the Degree Committee.

12. In submitting a dissertation a candidate shall state, generally in a preface and specifically in notes or in a bibliography, the sources from which information has been derived, the extent to which use has been made of the work of others, and the portions of the dissertation which are claimed as original. A dissertation shall not be accepted if it is substantially the same as one that the candidate has submitted, or is concurrently submitting, for any other degree, diploma, or similar qualification at any university or similar institution, but a dissertation which the candidate has submitted or is concurrently submitting for some other purpose may be accepted. In submitting a dissertation the candidate shall declare for what purpose, if any, other than for the M.Phil. Degree by advanced study, the whole or part of it has already been or is concurrently being submitted. The dissertation, apart from quotations, shall be written in English.

Supervisors' reports.

13. Every Supervisor shall send to the Secretary of the Board of Graduate Studies reports on the work of each candidate under his or her charge, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 8 of the general regulations for admission as a Graduate Student.

Examiners and Assessors.

14. The Degree Committee concerned shall nominate for appointment by the General Board such number of Examiners and Assessors as they shall deem sufficient to conduct the examination for the M.Phil. Degree by advanced study and to report on the performance of candidates to the Degree Committee. Appointment shall be in accordance with the general regulations for Examiners and Assessors. The Assessors shall undertake such duties as the Degree Committee may decide.

There shall be at least one External Examiner appointed for each examination and a Senior Examiner who shall be nominated for appointment not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term.

Where the scheme of examination includes a dissertation, each candidate’s dissertation shall be referred to two Assessors each of whom shall make an independent report thereon and conduct an oral examination where provided for in the special regulations for the examination and, if so specified, on the other parts of the examination. The Degree Committee in exceptional circumstances may permit the Assessors to conduct the oral examination by video-conference or other remote means. The Assessors participating in the oral examination shall sign a joint certificate of the result, including any marks assigned thereto, of that examination. If the Assessors do not agree in their recommendation, or if for any other reason the Degree Committee need a further opinion or opinions on the merit of the work submitted, the Degree Committee may nominate an additional Assessor for appointment by the General Board. Each additional Assessor so appointed shall make an independent report to the Degree Committee.

15. Every Examiner who has taken part in the examination shall be present, unless prevented by grave cause approved before the meeting by the Vice-Chancellor, at the final meeting of the Examiners at which the marks of candidates are approved and a provisional pass-list signed.

Approval for degree.

16. The Senior Examiner shall present the provisional pass-list to the Degree Committee at a meeting. The Degree Committee shall consider, for each candidate, whether his or her performance is of the requisite standard for the M.Phil. Degree by advanced study and whether they are of the opinion that the degree should be conferred. The Degree Committee shall communicate their resolution to the candidate and to the Secretary of the Board of Graduate Studies who shall publish a notice of the candidate’s approval for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy, specifying the subject of the examination and the route of candidature unless the candidate has requested the removal of her or his name from the published list in accordance with a procedure approved from time to time by the General Board.

Failure.

17. If the Degree Committee, after consideration of a candidate’s marks and the reports of the Examiners in the prescribed examination, are of the opinion that the candidate’s work is not of the requisite standard for the degree, the Degree Committee shall communicate their resolution to the candidate and to the Secretary of the Board of Graduate Studies. After such a resolution has been made the student concerned shall not be eligible to take the examination for the degree again.

Restriction.

18. A Graduate Student whose course of study for the M.Phil. Degree by advanced study has included any term needed for the B.A. Degree and who elects to proceed to the B.A. Degree shall not be entitled to proceed to the M.Phil. Degree.

SCHEDULE

In accordance with Regulation 10, details of each candidate's examinations entry shall be as set out in the following timetable:

Route A candidates
Entries to be submitted	Details of written papers etc.	Corrections	Title of dissertation etc.
By candidates to Secretaries of Degree Committees	By end of Full Michaelmas Term		By division of Lent Term
By Secretaries of Degree Committees to Board of Graduate Studies	By end of Michaelmas Term	By end of third week of Full Lent Term	By end of Lent Term
By Board of Graduate Studies to Registrary	By end of first week of Full Lent Term	By division of Lent Term

Lists of candidates for each examination shall be circulated by the Registrary to Colleges as follows:

List of entries:	By the end of the second week of Full Lent Term.
Final list of entries:	Not less than four weeks before the beginning of the examination concerned.

Route B candidates

Entries to be submitted	Details of written examinations	Corrections	Title of dissertation
By candidates to Secretaries of Degree Committees	By end of Full Michaelmas Term of the year in which the examination is to be held	By end of second week of Full Lent Term of the year in which the examination is to be held	By end of Full Michaelmas Term of the second year of study
By Secretaries of Degree Committees to Board of Graduate Studies	By end of Michaelmas Term of the year in which the examination is to be held	By end of third week of Full Lent Term of the year in which the examination is to be held	By end of Michaelmas Term of the second year of study
By Board of Graduate Studies to Registrary	By end of first week of Full Lent Term of the year in which the examination is to be held	By division of Lent Term of the year in which the examination is to be held

Lists of candidates for each examination shall be circulated by the Registrary to Colleges as follows:

List of entries:

Final list of entries:

By the end of the second week of Full Lent Term of the year in which the examination is to be held.

Not less than four weeks before the beginning of the written examination.

Route C candidates

Entries to be submitted	Details of written papers etc.	Corrections	Title of dissertation etc.
By candidates to Secretaries of Degree Committees	By end of Full Michaelmas Term in first year of study		By division of Easter Term of first year of study
By Secretaries of Degree Committees to Board of Graduate Studies	By end of Michaelmas Term in first year of study	By end of third week of Full Lent Term in first year of study	By end of Easter Term in first year of study
By Board of Graduate Studies to Registrary	By end of first week of Lent Term in first year of study	By division of Lent Term in first year of study

Lists of candidates for each examination shall be circulated by the Registrary to Colleges as follows:

List of entries:

Final list of entries:

By the end of the second week of Full Lent Term in the first year of study.

Not less than four weeks before the beginning of the examination concerned.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 818)

Advanced Chemical Engineering

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Advanced Chemical Engineering for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)at least ten modules selected from a list of mandatory and optional modules published by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Engineering not later than the end of the Easter Term of the academical year preceding that in which the examination is to be held, provided that the Degree Committee shall have power to give notice of additional optional modules not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term;
(b)a dissertation of not more than 10,000 words in length, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee.

2. In publishing the list of modules and additional modules the Degree Committee shall announce the form of examination for each module, which shall be either a written paper, or one or more essays or other exercises, or a combination of these, and shall specify the duration of any written paper and the limit to be placed on the length of any essay or other exercise. A candidate may not offer a module that he or she has taken in any other University examination.

3. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 1, and on the general field of knowledge within which such work falls.

Advanced Computer Science

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Advanced Computer Science for the degree of Master of Philosophy is as follows:

(a)at least five modules selected from a list published by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Computer Science and Technology;
(b)a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words in length, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee;
(c)coursework prescribed by the Degree Committee (which may include written work, group work, and class participation).

2. The list of modules shall be published by the Degree Committee not later than the end of the Easter Term of the academical year preceding that in which the examination is to be held, provided that the Degree Committee shall have power to give notice of additional optional modules not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term. In publishing the list of modules and additional modules, the Degree Committee shall announce the form of examination for each module, which shall be either a written paper, or coursework, or equivalent alternative exercises approved by the Degree Committee, or a combination of these. A candidate may not offer a module that he or she has taken in any other University examination.

African Studies

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in African Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)an essay, either thematic or bibliographical, of not more than 5,000 words, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Department of Politics and International Studies, which is related to the topic of the candidate’s dissertation to be submitted under (b) below;
(b)a dissertation of between 15,000 and 20,000 words including tables, footnotes, and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee;
(c)two essays, each of not more than 5,000 words and on a topic chosen from a list of topics prescribed or approved by the Degree Committee;
(d)a certificate of proficiency awarded by the University of Cambridge Language Centre in Swahili or another language that has been approved by the Degree Committee, or a certificate of attendance awarded by the University of Cambridge Language Centre for training in an African language that has been approved by the Degree Committee.

The Degree Committee shall give notice of the topics specified under (c) above not later than the division of Lent Term each year.

2. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, and on the other work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 1.

American History

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in American History for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not less than 15,000 words and not more than 20,000 words in length, including appendices, but excluding footnotes, tables, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of History;
(b)an essay of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words, chosen by the candidate from a prescribed list of essay questions, announced in the Faculty not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term and which falls within the field of study of the core course: Readings in American history and historiography;
(c)two essays of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words in length, which fall within the fields of study of the candidate’s chosen optional courses, the list of which shall be published by the Degree Committee not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term. Candidates shall choose essay questions from a prescribed list, announced in the Faculty not later than the start of the term in which the option shall be offered.

2. At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

3. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must satisfactorily complete the following, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)a dissertation proposal essay of not more than 2,000 words in length related to the field of study chosen by the candidate and approved by the Degree Committee under Regulation 1(a);
(b)a presentation on the subject of the candidate’s dissertation.

American Literature

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in American Literature for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)such bibliographical, textual, critical, or methodological exercises as the Degree Committee for the Faculty of English shall from time to time determine;
(b)two essays, each of not less than 4,000 and not more than 5,000 words in length, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee;
(c)a dissertation, of not less than 12,000 words and not more than 15,000 words in length (including footnotes and appendices, but excluding bibliography), on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

2. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls; such an oral examination may include questions relating to the other work submitted by the candidate under (a) and (b) above.

Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)such bibliographical, textual, or methodological exercises as the Degree Committee for the Faculty of English shall from time to time determine;
(b)two written exercises in scholarly skill on topics approved or prescribed by the Degree Committee;
(c)a dissertation, of not less than 10,000 words and not more than 15,000 words in length (including tables, footnotes, and appendices, but excluding bibliography), on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

2. The examination shall include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, and, at the discretion of the Examiners, on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 1(a) and (b) above; save that the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination.

Anthropocene Studies14

Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 559)

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Anthropocene Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

1. Each candidate shall offer:

(a)one essay, not exceeding 4,000 words, on a subject chosen by the candidate from a list of subjects announced by the Examiners;

(b)one written paper of two hours’ duration;

(c)a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Geography, and based on work carried out by the candidate in one or more institutions approved by the Degree Committee. A proportion of the marks for this element of the examination are by assessment of a dissertation proposal of not more than three pages in length and compulsory oral presentation of the candidate’s dissertation proposal.

2. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must satisfactorily attend and complete the following, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)the induction week;

(b)core modules run by the Social Sciences’ Research Methods Centre (SSRMC);

(c)the dissertation residential school.

3. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on any or all of the assessed components.

Applied Biological Anthropology

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Applied Biological Anthropology for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words in length, excluding tables, appendices, and references, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Departments of Archaeology, Social Anthropology, and Sociology;
(b)a quantitative exercise on statistical analysis and interpretation;
(c)two essays each of not more than 2,500 words in length excluding tables and references based upon material from the core courses;
(d)two written assignments as prescribed by the Degree Committee (which may take the form of an essay, article, or laboratory report).

2. At the discretion of the Examiners, the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation, the general field of knowledge within which it falls, and on the other work submitted as part of the examination.

Archaeological Research

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Archaeological Research for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 25,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Departments of Archaeology, Social Anthropology, and Sociology;
(b)the presentation of a seminar on the topic of the candidate’s dissertation research and a written report of the presentation;
(c)one essay or project of not more than 6,000 words in length, on a subject or subjects relating to archaeological research design chosen by the candidate in consultation with her or his supervisor.

Archaeological Science14

Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 801)

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Archaeological Science for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee;

(b)the presentation of a seminar on the topic of the candidate’s dissertation research and a written report of the presentation;

(c)from a list of mandatory and optional modules, a combination of one-term and two-term modules making up a total equivalent to six terms’ worth of modules (combinations might include six one-term modules; one two-term module and four one-term modules; two two-term modules and two one-term modules; or three two-term modules).

2. In publishing the lists of modules, the Degree Committee shall announce for each option which modules are mandatory, the optional modules available and their permissible combinations, and the form of examination for each module, which shall be either a written paper, or coursework, or a combination of these, and shall specify the duration of any written paper and the limit to be placed on the length of any essay or other exercise.

3. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, and on the other work submitted as part of the examination.

Archaeology

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 800)

1. The one-year course of study in Archaeology for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist, at the choice of the candidate, of one of the following options:

Option 1.	[Archaeological science]〈Archaeology〉16
Option 2.	Archaeology of the Americas
Option 3.	Egyptian archaeology
Option 4.	European prehistory
Option 5.	Medieval archaeology
Option 6.	Mesopotamian archaeology
Option 7.	Palaeolithic and Mesolithic archaeology
Option 8.	South Asian archaeology
Option 9.	African archaeology
[Option 10.	Archaeology]16

provided that the Degree Committee for the Departments of Archaeology, Social Anthropology, and Sociology shall have power to announce that a particular option is not available in any one year.

2. The scheme of examination for each option shall be as follows:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee;
(b)the presentation of a seminar on the topic of the candidate’s dissertation research and a written report of the presentation;
(c)from a list of mandatory and optional modules, a combination of one-term and two-term modules making up a total equivalent to six terms’ worth of modules (combinations might include 〈six one-term modules;〉16 one two-term module and four one-term modules; two two-term modules and two one-term modules; or three two-term modules).

3. In publishing the lists of modules, the Degree Committee shall announce for each option which modules are mandatory, the optional modules available and their permissible combinations, and the form of examination for each module, which shall be either a written paper, or coursework, or a combination of these, and shall specify the duration of any written paper and the limit to be placed on the length of any essay or other exercise.

4. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, and on the other work submitted as part of the examination

Architecture and Urban Design

1. Candidates for the two-year course of study in Architecture and Urban Design for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be required to undertake fieldwork of between six and nine months’ duration in their area of study approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Architecture and History of Art.

2. The scheme of examination shall consist of:

(a)a design dissertation, consisting of a written dissertation and a design project on a topic agreed by the Supervisor and approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Architecture and History of Art. The written dissertation shall be of not more than 15,000 words in length, including footnotes/endnotes but excluding bibliography, acknowledgements, table of contents, list of illustrations, and appendices;
(b)four essays or other exercises, each of between 3,000 and 5,000 words, on topics agreed by the Supervisor and approved by the Degree Committee;
(c)a logbook of a case study carried out during the placement.

3. The examination may, at the discretion of the Examiners, include an oral examination on the design dissertation or on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Architecture and Urban Studies

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Architecture and Urban Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation, of not more than 20,000 words in length, excluding appendices and bibliography, on a topic agreed by the Supervisor and approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Architecture and History of Art;
(b)three essays or other exercises, each of between 3,000 and 5,000 words, on topics agreed by the Supervisor and approved by the Degree Committee.

2. The examination may, at the discretion of the Examiners, include an oral examination on the dissertation or on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)three written papers on subjects approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, which shall fall within one of the pathways specified at the end of this regulation: provided that, with the approval of the Degree Committee, a candidate may offer, in place of one or more of those papers, the same number of essays, each of not more than 5,000 words, or equivalent alternative exercises approved by the Degree Committee. The papers to be set shall be specified by the Degree Committee not later than the end of the first quarter of the Michaelmas Term each year;
(b)a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words, including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee;
(c)an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, but at the Degree Committee’s discretion the requirement for an oral examination may be waived.

PATHWAYS

	Chinese Studies	Hebrew and Semitic Studies
	Classical Islamic History and Culture	Japanese Studies
	Hebrew and Pre-modern Jewish History and Culture	Modern Middle Eastern StudiesMuslim-Jewish Relations

Assyriology

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Assyriology for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of the following:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Departments of Archaeology, Social Anthropology, and Sociology;

(b)the presentation of a seminar on the topic of the candidate’s dissertation research and a written report of the presentation;

(c)from a list of mandatory and optional modules, either

(i)three modules selected from a list of modules in Assyriology; or

(ii)two modules selected from a list of modules in Assyriology and either one two-term module or two one-term modules from a list of optional modules in the Department of Archaeology.9

2. In publishing the lists of modules, the Degree Committee shall announce which modules are mandatory, the optional modules available and their permissible combinations, and the form of examination for each module, which shall be either a written paper, or coursework, or a combination of these, and shall specify the duration of any written paper and the limit to be placed on the length of any essay or other exercise.

Basic and Translational Neuroscience

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Basic and Translational Neuroscience for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)one essay, not exceeding 5,000 words in length, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee of the Faculty of Biology. With the permission of the Degree Committee, the essay may be by a research proposal for a prospective Ph.D. project;
and
(b)an MCQ paper on Research methods and statistics critical appraisal;

and

(c)a report on the research project, approved or prescribed by the Degree Committee, not exceeding 10,000 words in length, including tables, figure legends, and appendices, but excluding bibliography.

2. The examination shall include an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under
(a)–(c) above and on the general field of knowledge within which such work falls.

Bioscience Enterprise

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Bioscience Enterprise for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

1. The Degree Committee for the Faculty of Engineering shall publish, not later than the end of the Easter Term each year, a list of not more than twenty mandatory modules in Bioscience Enterprise for the examination to be held in the following academical year. In publishing the list of modules the Degree Committee shall announce the form of examination for each module, which shall be either an essay or coursework, or a combination of these.

2. The examination shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 10,000 words in length, on a topic at the interface of bioscience and business enterprise approved by the Degree Committee, and based on work carried out by the candidate in a relevant commercial environment at one or more institutions approved by the Degree Committee. With the permission of the Examiners the internship may occasionally be replaced by a business-focused research project conducted within the University;
(b)no more than ten essays, each of not more than 4,000 words in length, covering the fields of science, ethics, law, and policy, and the interface of bioscience and business as specified by the Degree Committee, provided that, in place of one of these essays a candidate may submit a critical appraisal;
(c)coursework prescribed by the Degree Committee (which may include written work, group work, and class participation). All Bioscience Enterprise modules, components, and lectures are mandatory.

3. At the discretion of the Examiners, the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation or other work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 2 and on the general field of knowledge within which they fall.

Biotechnology

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 560)

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Biotechnology for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

(a)two compulsory elements, ‘Principles of Biotechnology’ and a practical component. Both of these elements will be assessed by coursework;

(b)six optional modules selected from a list published by the end of the Easter Term preceding the course. A candidate may not offer a module that he or she has taken in any other University examination. In publishing the list of modules the Degree Committee shall announce the form of examination for each module, which shall be by written paper or by one or more pieces of coursework or other exercises, or by a combination of these. The Degree Committee shall have the power to give Notice of additional optional modules not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term of the academical year of the examination;

(c)two research projects, each assessed by a report of no more than 7,000 words and a presentation.

2. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 1 and on the general field of knowledge within which such work falls.

Classics

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Classics for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not less than 8,000 words and not more than 12,000 words in length, including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Classics;
and
(b)two pieces of submitted work, each of which may be, subject to the approval of the Degree Committee, either an essay of about 4,000 words or an exercise of comparable substance, each on a topic approved by the Degree Committee and falling within the same general area as the candidate's dissertation or otherwise suitably related to it. The Degree Committee may require a candidate to offer instead of one of the essays a language examination consisting of an exercise in alternative Greek or Latin translation in one of the following written papers taken from Part Ia of the Classical Tripos:

	Paper 2.	Alternative Greek language and texts
	Paper 4.	Alternative Latin language and texts;

and

(c)one further essay of circa 4,000 words on a topic approved by the Degree Committee. The marks for this essay shall be taken into consideration only if it has been judged to be at least of High Pass level and the candidate’s other marks are borderline.

2. The examination shall include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls and, at the discretion of the Examiners, on the essays or other exercises submitted by the candidate; save that the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination.

3. Attendance at, and participation in, relevant seminars is required.

Computational Biology

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Computational Biology for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

1. The Degree Committee for the Faculty of Mathematics shall publish, not later than the end of the Easter Term each year, a list of mandatory and optional modules for the examination to be held in the academical year next following, provided that the Degree Committee shall have power to give notice of additional optional modules not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term preceding the examination. In publishing the list the Degree Committee shall announce the method of examination of each module, which may include a written examination, a long essay, shorter essays, project work, or a combination of these; they shall specify the limits to be placed on the length of any essays and project work.

2. Each candidate shall offer:

(a)the written examinations or other assessment specified for a total of eight modules, inclusive of half modules, chosen from the list published under Regulation 1;
(b)a written examination of two hours’ duration addressing the material taught under Regulation 1;
(c)a report of not more than 15,000 words in length and an oral presentation based on a laboratory project carried out by the candidate in one or more institutions approved by the Degree Committee.

3. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 2, and on the general field of knowledge within which such work falls.

Conservation Leadership

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 62)

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Conservation Leadership for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)two essays, each not exceeding 4,000 words, on subjects chosen by the candidate from a list of subjects approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Geography, which shall be concerned with topics in conservation leadership;
(b)three written exercises, approved by the Degree Committee;
(c)a placement report of not more than 10,000 words in length, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee, and based on work carried out by the candidate in one or more institutions approved by the Degree Committee. A proportion of the marks for this element of the assessment are by compulsory oral examination;
(d)coursework prescribed by the Degree Committee (which may include written work, group work and class participation).

The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on any or all of the assessed components.

Conservation of Natural Science Materials2

Criminological Research

1. Subject to the provisions of Regulation 2 below, the scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Criminological Research for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)three essays, each of not more than 3,000 words, including notes and appendices, on topics chosen by the candidate from lists of topics announced by the Examiners, provided that one such essay shall be on a topic chosen by the candidate from among the topics announced by the Examiners as relating to the core course in Criminology;
and
(b)one essay in criminological methods of not more than 3,000 words, including notes and appendices, chosen by the candidate from a list announced by the Examiners relating to the course on Criminological Research Methods;

and

(c)one methodological essay of not more than 4,000 words and one work-book of assessment of materials on research methods on topics announced by the Examiners relating to the course on Research Methods;

and

(d)a presentation on the topic of the candidate’s dissertation to be presented in the Lent Term preceding submission of the dissertation;

and

(e)a dissertation of not more than 18,000 words, including footnotes or endnotes, but excluding appendices and bibliographical references, on a criminological topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Law.

At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls; such an oral examination may include questions relating to one or more of the other pieces of work submitted by the candidate under (a), (b), and (c) above.

2. In place of the scheme of examination prescribed in Regulation 1 above, a candidate may, by special permission of the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Law, granted after considering the candidate's experience and special qualifications and the proposed topic of his or her dissertation, offer the following scheme of examination:

(a)one essay in criminological methods of not more than 3,000 words, including notes and appendices, chosen by the candidate from a list announced by the Examiners relating to the course on Criminological Research Methods;
and
(b)one methodological essay of not more than 4,000 words and one work-book of assessment of materials on research methods on topics announced by the Examiners relating to the course on Research Methods;

and

(c)a presentation on the topic of the candidate’s dissertation to be presented in the Lent Term preceding submission of the dissertation;

and

(d)a dissertation of not more than 35,000 words, including footnotes or endnotes, but excluding appendices and bibliographical references, on a criminological topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Law.

The examination shall include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls; such an oral examination may include questions relating to one or more of the other pieces of work submitted by the candidate under (a) and (b) above.

Criminology

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Criminology for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)four essays, each of not more than 3,000 words, including notes and appendices, on topics chosen by the candidate from lists of topics announced by the Examiners, provided that one such essay shall be on a topic chosen by the candidate from among the topics announced by the Examiners as relating to the core course in Criminology;
and
(b)a methodological essay of not more than 3,000 words, including notes and appendices, chosen by the candidate from a list announced by the Examiners relating to the course on Criminological Research Methods;

and

(c)a presentation on the topic of the candidate’s dissertation to be presented in the Lent Term preceding submission of the dissertation;

and

(d)a dissertation of 15,000 to 18,000 words, including footnotes or endnotes, but excluding appendices and bibliographical references, on a criminological topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Law.

Development Studies

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 388)

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Development Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

1. For the purpose of the general regulations for the degree, the Degree Committee concerned with this examination shall be the Degree Committee for the Department of Politics and International Studies.

2. The Development Studies Committee shall publish, not later than the end of the Easter Term each year, a list of subjects for the examination to be held in the academical year next following. The list shall be divided into two groups, Groups 1 and 2. Group 1 shall comprise the following subjects:

1.Development economics.
2.Institutions and development.
3.Sociology and politics of development.
4.Globalization and development.

Group 2 shall contain not more than a total of fifteen other subjects made up of either full or half-subjects which, with the approval of the Degree Committee responsible for the other examination concerned, may include subjects taken from any of the examinations for the degree specified in the Schedule to these regulations. The Development Studies Committee shall have power to give notice of additional subjects not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term, provided that the total number of subjects in Group 2 in any year shall not exceed fifteen full subjects. In publishing the list and any additions to it, the Committee shall announce whether a subject is a full or half-subject and the form of examination for that subject.

The Development Studies Committee shall have power to withdraw any subject of Group 2 upon notice given in the Reporter, not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term; the Secretary of the Committee shall notify candidates of the withdrawal of any subject for which they have entered.

3. The examination shall consist of:

(a)two subjects chosen by the candidate, with the approval of the Development Studies Committee, from Group 1;
and
(b)eitherone full subject or two half-subjects chosen by the candidate, with the approval of the Development Studies Committee, from Group 2,
ora dissertation of not more than 12,000 words, including footnotes and appendices, on a topic approved by the Development Studies Committee;

and

(c)one further full subject or two further half-subjects chosen by the candidate, with the approval of the Development Studies Committee, which may be taken either from Group 1 or from Group 2.

4. The examination shall include an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 3, and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls; save that the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination.

SCHEDULE

Subjects from the following examinations:
Economic and Social History	Latin-American Studies
Economics	Management
Environment, Society, and Development	Modern Society and Global Transformations
Environmental Policy	Planning, Growth, and Regeneration
Finance	Politics
Financial Research	Social Anthropology

Developmental Biology

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Developmental Biology for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)one essay, not exceeding 4,000 words in length, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Biology;
(b)a critical appraisal, not exceeding 8,000 words in length, including tables, figure legends, and appendices, but excluding bibliography, of a research project approved or prescribed by the Degree Committee;
(c)a report on each research placement, not exceeding 7,000 words in length, including figure legends, but excluding words in tables and bibliography.

2. The examination shall include an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 1 above and on the general field of knowledge within which such work falls.

Early Modern History

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Early Modern History for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not less than 15,000 words and not more than 20,000 words in length, including appendices, but excluding footnotes, tables, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of History;
(b)an essay of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words, chosen by the candidate from a prescribed list of essay questions, announced in the Faculty not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term and which falls within the field of study of the core course: Research challenge in early modern history;
(c)two essays of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words in length, which fall within the fields of study of the candidate’s chosen optional courses, the list of which shall be published by the Degree Committee not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term. Candidates shall choose essay questions from a prescribed list, announced in the Faculty not later than the start of the term in which the option shall be offered.

2. At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

3. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must satisfactorily complete the following, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)a dissertation proposal essay of not more than 2,000 words in length related to the field of study chosen by the candidate and approved by the Degree Committee under Regulation 1(a);
(b)a presentation on the subject of the candidate’s dissertation.

Economic and Social History

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Economic and Social History for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation, of not less than 15,000 and not more than 20,000 words in length, including appendices, but excluding footnotes, tables, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of History;
(b)a dissertation proposal essay of not more than 4,000 words in length related to the subject chosen by the candidate and approved by the Degree Committee under Regulation 1(a);
(c)an essay of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words, chosen by the candidate from a prescribed list of essay questions, announced in the Faculty not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term and which falls within the field of study of the core course: Central concepts and problems of economic and social history;
(d)two written exercises, to be taken under timed conditions, as specified by the Degree Committee and falling within the fields of study chosen by the candidate from a prescribed list of option courses, published by the Degree Committee not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term each year.

2. At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

3. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must satisfactorily complete the following, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)a presentation on the subject of the candidate’s dissertation;
(b)attendance at modules run by the Social Sciences Research Methodology Centre, as prescribed by the Degree Committee, on subjects falling within the fields of survey methods, statistical methods, and ethnographic methods for economic and social historians.

Economic Research

Amended by Notices (Reporter, 2018–19, pp. 89 and 620)

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Economic Research for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)six compulsory and one additional module, selected from a list of core and optional modules published by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Economics, which shall each be examined by a written paper of two hours’ duration;

and
(b)a dissertation of not more than 10,000 words in length, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

3. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral and/or written examination on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 1, and on the general field of knowledge within which such work falls.

Economics

Amended by Notices (Reporter, 2018–19, pp. 89 and 620)

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Economics for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)five compulsory and two additional modules, selected from a list of core and optional modules published by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Economics, which shall each be examined by a written paper of two hours’ duration;
and
(b)a dissertation of not more than 10,000 words in length, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

Education

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 673)

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Education for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of the following:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words in length, excluding footnotes, tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Education;
and
(b)two essays, each of at least 6,000 and not more than 6,500 words in length, on topics specified or approved by the Degree Committee.

The work completed under (a) and (b) shall fall within one of the pathways as specified at the end of this regulation.

The examination shall include an oral examination on the dissertation and the essays and on the general field of knowledge within which they fall; save that the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination.

PATHWAYS

Arts, creativity, and education

Child and adolescent psychotherapeutic

counselling

Critical approaches to children’s literature

Education, globalization, and international

development

Educational leadership and school

improvement

[Educational research]15

〈Knowledge, power and politics〉15

Mathematics education

Primary education

Psychology and education

Research in second language education

Egyptology

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Egyptology for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of the following:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Departments of Archaeology, Social Anthropology, and Sociology;

(b)the presentation of a seminar on the topic of the candidate’s dissertation research and a written report of the presentation;

(c)from a list of mandatory and optional modules, either

(i)three modules selected from a list of modules in Egyptology; or

(ii)two modules selected from a list of modules in Egyptology and either one two-term module or two one-term modules from a list of optional modules in the Department of Archaeology.10

Energy Technologies

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Energy Technologies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)ten modules from a set of mandatory and optional modules;

and

(b)a dissertation, of not more than 20,000 words in length, including footnotes, appendices, and bibliography, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Engineering.

2. The Degree Committee shall announce how modules will be examined not later than the division of Lent Term preceding the examination. Examination shall be by written paper, or one or more pieces of coursework or other exercises, or a combination of these. The Degree Committee shall specify the duration of any written paper and the limit to be placed on the length of any piece of coursework or other exercise.

3. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 1 above, and on the general field of knowledge within which such work falls.

Engineering for Sustainable Development

1. The scheme of examination for the course of study in Engineering for Sustainable Development for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)eight modules selected from a list of mandatory and optional modules published by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Engineering not later than the end of the Easter Term of the academical year preceding that in which the examination is to be held; the Degree Committee shall announce the form of assessment for these modules not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term of the academical year in which the examination takes place;
and
(b)additional exercises in the field of technology management and/or third-party engineering consultancy, of such nature and to be assessed in such manner as the Degree Committee shall determine; the Degree Committee shall announce the form of assessment not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term of the academical year in which the examination takes place;

and

(c)a dissertation, of not more than 15,000 words in length, including footnotes, appendices, and bibliography, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee. Its assessment shall include an oral presentation of the project work on which the dissertation is based.

2. The Degree Committee shall have the power to give Notice of additional optional modules not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term of the academical year of the examination.

English Studies

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in English Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)such bibliographical, textual, critical, or methodological exercises as the Degree Committee for the Faculty of English shall from time to time determine;
(b)two essays, each of not less than 4,000 and not more than 5,000 words in length, on topics approved by the Degree Committee;
(c)a dissertation, of not less than 12,000 words and not more than 15,000 words in length (including footnotes and appendices, but excluding bibliography), on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

Environment, Society, and Development3

Environmental Policy

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Environmental Policy for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

1. The Degree Committee for the Department of Land Economy shall publish, not later than the end of the Easter Term each year, a list of modules for the examination to be held in the academical year next following. The list shall include a research methods module, two pathway core modules, and no fewer than four optional modules (the Degree Committee may specify that a candidate shall offer one or more specific modules). In publishing the list the Degree Committee shall announce whether each module is to be examined by a written paper, by an essay or project, or by a combination of these; they shall specify the limits to be placed on the length of any essays or projects. The Degree Committee shall have power to withdraw any optional module by notice in the Reporter not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term; the Secretary of the Committee shall notify candidates of the withdrawal of any subject for which they have entered.

2. Each candidate shall offer:

(a)the research methods module;
(b)two pathway core modules;
(c)three optional modules;
(d)the research, design, and structure module, which shall include a dissertation of not more than 12,000 words in length, including diagrams, footnotes, tables, and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee.

3. At the discretion of the Examiners, the examination may include an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 2 and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Environmental Science3

Epidemiology

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Epidemiology for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation not exceeding 20,000 words in length, including footnotes, but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine;
(b)two written papers, each of which may cover all the areas of study prescribed in the syllabus;
(c)two essays, each not exceeding 3,000 words in length, on subjects approved by the Degree Committee.

2. The examination shall include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls and on the other work submitted by the candidate; save that the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination.

European, Latin American and Comparative Literatures and Cultures

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 441)

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in European, Latin American and Comparative Literatures and Cultures for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation, of not more than 15,000 words in length, including footnotes and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics;
and
(b)three essays, each of not more than 4,500 words, on topics falling within areas of study to be prescribed by the Degree Committee. The Degree Committee shall publish, not later than the end of the Easter Term each year, a list of areas of study for the examination to be held in the academical year next following.

2. The examination shall include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls; save that the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination.

Film and Screen Studies

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 441)

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Film and Screen Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation, of not more than 15,000 words in length, including footnotes and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics;
and
(b)three essays, each of not more than 4,500 words, on subjects either prescribed or approved by the Degree Committee.

Finance

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Finance for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of nine modules selected from a list of mandatory and optional modules published by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Business and Management not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term next preceding the examination.

2. In publishing the list of modules the Degree Committee shall announce the form of the examination for each module, which shall be either a written paper, or one or more essays or other exercises, or a combination of these, and shall specify the duration of any written paper and the limit to be placed on the length of any essay or other exercise.

3. In place of the examination prescribed for three of the modules specified in Regulation 1, the Degree Committee may permit a particular candidate to offer a dissertation of not more than 12,000 words in length, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee.

4. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the work specified in Regulations 1 and 3 and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Finance and Economics

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 90)

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Finance and Economics for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)six compulsory and two additional modules, selected from a list of core and optional modules published by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Economics, which shall be examined by written papers, projects, or classroom presentations;
and
(b)a dissertation of not more than 10,000 words in length, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

Financial Research

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Financial Research for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 12,000 words in length, including diagrams and footnotes, but excluding bibliography and appendices, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Business and Management;
and
(b)six modules selected from a list of mandatory and optional modules published by the Degree Committee not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term next preceding the examination.

3. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the work specified in Regulation 1 and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Fluid Flow in Industry and the Environment4

Genomic Medicine

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Genomic Medicine for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

either

(a)(i) eight modules chosen from a list of core and optional modules, to be announced by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine not later than the end of the Easter Term preceding the examination and stipulating which modules are core and which are optional; and

(ii) a research project of between 10,000 to 12,000 words, including footnotes but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine;

(b)(i) ten modules chosen from a list of core and optional modules, to be announced by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, not later than the end of the Easter Term preceding the examination and stipulating which modules are core and which are optional; and

(ii) a literature-based research project of between 5,000 to 6,000 words, including footnotes but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

2. Each module shall be examined by assignments of 2,500 to 3,500 words, or assignments deemed their equivalent by the Degree Committee, except where other methods of assessment are published in individual module descriptions.

Geographical Research

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Geographical Research for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)two essays, each of not more than 4,000 words in length, on subjects of Geographical Research chosen by the candidate and approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Geography;
(b)one essay of not more than 4,000 words and one workbook of assessment of materials on research methods on topics approved by the Degree Committee;
(c)a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words in length, including footnotes, but excluding tables, appendices and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

2. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Health, Medicine, and Society

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Health, Medicine, and Society for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)two essays, each of no more than 5,000 words, one on a topic chosen from among set topics from a core module, and the other either on a second topic chosen from among set topics from a core module or from an optional module; the list of modules shall be published by the Degree Committee for the Department of History and Philosophy of Science not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term in which the course shall commence;

and

(b)a dissertation of between 10,000 and 15,000 words including footnotes but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

2. At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Heritage Studies

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Heritage Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of the following:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Departments of Archaeology, Social Anthropology, and Sociology;

(b)the presentation of a seminar on the topic of the candidate’s dissertation research and a written report of the presentation;

(c)from a list of mandatory and optional modules, either

(i)three modules selected from a list of modules in Heritage Studies; or

(ii)two modules selected from a list of modules in Heritage Studies and either one two-term module or two one-term modules selected from a list of optional modules from another M.Phil. programme in the Department of Archaeology.

Historical Studies5

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Historical Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)an essay, either thematic or bibliographical, of not less than 2,000 words and not more than 5,000 words in length, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of History which is related to the subject of the candidate's dissertation to be submitted under (b) below;
and
(b)a dissertation, of not less than 20,000 words and not more than 30,000 words in length, excluding footnotes and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 27)

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation, of not more than 12,000 words in length, including footnotes but excluding appendices and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Department of History and Philosophy of Science;
and
(b)three essays, each of not more than 5,000 words, including footnotes but excluding bibliography, and, except as provided below, each on a subject approved by the Degree Committee which is related to one or more of the following areas:

	1.	Ancient, medieval, and early modern sciences
	2.	Ancient, medieval, and early modern medicine
	3.	Sciences in the age of empire, c. 1750–1900
	4.	Modern medicine and biomedical sciences
	5.	Modern sciences
	6.	Metaphysics, epistemology, and the sciences
	7.	Ethics and politics of medicine and the sciences
	8.	Philosophy of the physical sciences
	9.	Philosophy of biology and the life sciences
	10.	Philosophy of social and cognitive sciences

Not more than one essay shall be chosen from any one area, except with the permission of the Degree Committee, who may allow two essays to be offered in one area, or one of the three essays to be offered in an area which is not listed above but is related to History, Philosophy, Sociology of Science, Technology, and Medicine.

History of Art and Architecture

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in History of Art and Architecture for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(i)a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words in length, including footnotes, but excluding appendices and bibliography, on a subject agreed by the Supervisor and approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Architecture and History of Art;

and

(ii)two essays, each not exceeding 6,000 words in length, on topics agreed by the Supervisor and approved by the Degree Committee.

2. At the discretion of the Examiners, the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and the essays submitted by the candidate and on the general field of knowledge within which they fall.

Holocene Climates14

Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 560)

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Holocene Climates for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

1. Each candidate shall offer:

(a)one essay, not exceeding 4,000 words, on a subject chosen by the candidate from a list of subjects announced by the Examiners;

(b)one written paper of two hours’ duration;

(c)a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Geography, and based on work carried out by the candidate in one or more institutions approved by the Degree Committee. A proportion of the marks for this element of the examination are by assessment of a dissertation proposal of not more than three pages in length and compulsory oral presentation of the candidate’s dissertation proposal.

2. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must satisfactorily attend and complete the following, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)the induction week;

(b)courses in Natural Science Research Methods and Laboratory Groups (offered by the Department of Geography);

(c)the dissertation residential school.

3. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on any or all of the assessed components.

Human Evolutionary Studies

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Human Evolutionary Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(i)a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words in length, excluding tables, appendices, and references, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Departments of Archaeology, Social Anthropology, and Sociology;
(ii)a quantitative exercise on statistical analysis and interpretation;
(iii)two essays each of not more than 2,500 words in length excluding tables and references based upon material from the core courses;
(iv)two written assignments as prescribed by the Degree Committee (which may take the form of an essay, article, or laboratory report).

Industrial Systems, Manufacture, and Management

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Industrial Systems, Manufacture, and Management for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)eight modules given on a list of mandatory modules published by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Engineering not later than the end of the Easter Term of the academical year preceding that in which the examination is to be held; if a student has been examined on any of these modules as part of a previous degree, the Degree Committee shall substitute those modules with modules it deems to be equivalent, and shall give notice of this not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term of the academical year of the examination;

and

(b)five projects, assessed by coursework or oral presentation, or a combination of these;

and

(c)a dissertation, of not more than 15,000 words in length, including footnotes, appendices, and bibliography, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee.

2. The coursework shall include industrial investigations in one or more institutions approved by the Degree Committee, the nature and duration of the investigations being determined by the Degree Committee.

3. The Degree Committee shall announce how modules will be examined not later than the division of Lent Term preceding the examination. Examination shall be by written paper, or one or more pieces of coursework or other exercises, or a combination of these. The Degree Committee shall specify the duration of any written paper and the limit to be placed on the length of any piece of coursework or other exercise.

4. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 1 above, and on the general field of knowledge within which such work falls.

Innovation, Strategy, and Organization

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Innovation, Strategy, and Organization for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 12,000 words in length, including diagrams and footnotes, but excluding bibliography and appendices, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Business and Management;
and
(b)six modules selected from a list of mandatory and optional modules published by the Degree Committee not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term next preceding the examination.

3. In place of the examination prescribed for dissertation specified in Regulation 1(a), the Degree Committee may permit a particular candidate to take three prescribed modules from a list approved by the Degree Committee.

4. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on work submitted under Regulation 1 and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

International Relations and Politics12

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 621)

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study for the degree of Master of Philosophy in International Relations and Politics shall consist of:

(a)three examined courses from a list prescribed by the Degree Committee for the Department of Politics and International Studies;

(b)a dissertation of not less than 20,000 words and not more than 25,000 words in length, including tables, footnotes, and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee;
(c)the successful completion of a research methods and dissertation writing course.

2. In accordance with the general regulations for the degree of Master of Philosophy and at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination may be held in relation to any of the elements enumerated under Regulation 1 above.

3. A candidate who successfully passes at least two examined courses in a field of study that may be designated by the Degree Committee, and who successfully presents a dissertation deemed by the Degree Committee to fall within that designated field of study, may apply to have the designation of that field of study awarded for the degree of Master of Philosophy in International Relations and Politics.

Land Economy Research

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Land Economy Research for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

1. The Degree Committee for Land Economy shall publish, not later than the end of the Easter Term each year, a list of modules for the examination to be held in the academical year next following. In publishing the list the Degree Committee shall announce the method of examination of each module which may include a long essay, shorter essays, project work, or a combination of these; they shall specify the limits to be placed on the length of any essays and project work. The Degree Committee shall have power to withdraw any optional module by notice in the Reporter not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term; the Secretary of the Committee shall notify candidates of the withdrawal of any subject for which they have entered.

2. Each candidate shall offer:

(a)one research methods essay of not more than 4,000 words;
(b)one core or two optional modules chosen by the candidate with the approval of the Degree Committee from the list of modules published under Regulation 1;
(c)a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words6 in length, including diagrams, footnotes, and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee.

3. The examination shall include an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 2 and on the more general field of knowledge within which it falls; save that the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirements for an oral examination.

4. In order to proceed to the final examination, candidates must satisfactorily attend and complete the following, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)six modules run by the Social Sciences’ Research Methods Centre (SSRMC).

Latin-American Studies

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year full-time or two-year part-time course of study in Latin-American Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall, subject to the provisions of Regulation 2 below, consist of:

(a)a dissertation, not exceeding 15,000 words in length, including footnotes, tables, and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Department of Politics and International Studies;
and
(b)three essays, each not exceeding 5,000 words in length, including footnotes, but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on subjects chosen by the candidate, subject to the approval of the Degree Committee, from the following list of modules:

	1.	Core course: critical issues in Latin-American studies
	2.	Everyday life in Latin America: interdisciplinary perspectives
	3.	Latin-American literary culture
	4.	Power and protest: social movements and the state in Latin America
	5.	Race and indigeneity in Latin America
	6.	Latin-American film and visual arts
	7.	A subject or subjects in Latin-American studies specified from time to time by the Degree Committee

2. The examination shall include an oral examination on the dissertation submitted and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls; save that the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination. In the case of a candidate taking the examination under Regulation 1, such an oral examination may include questions relating to the essays offered by the candidate.

Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)at least eleven modules selected from a list of mandatory and optional modules published by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Engineering not later than the end of the Easter Term preceding the commencement of the course of study; if a candidate has been examined on any of the mandatory modules as part of a previous degree, the Degree Committee shall announce by notice, not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term of the academical year of the examination, additional modules it deems to be equivalent which may be taken by such a candidate;
and
(b)a dissertation, of not more than 15,000 words in length, including footnotes, appendices, and bibliography, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Engineering.

2. The Degree Committee shall announce how modules will be examined not later than the division of Lent Term preceding the examination. Examinations shall be through written papers, or one or more pieces of coursework or other exercises, or a combination of these. The Degree Committee shall specify the duration of any written paper and the limit to be placed on the length of any piece of coursework or other exercise.

3. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under (a) and (b) above and on the general field of knowledge within which such work falls.

Management

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Management for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of eleven modules selected from a list of mandatory and optional modules published by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Business and Management not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term next preceding the examination.

3. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the work specified under Regulation 1.

Medieval and Renaissance Literature

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Medieval and Renaissance Literature for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of between 12,000 and 15,000 words in length, including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography, or some equivalent submission, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of English, which shall fall within one of the following areas of study:

Medieval literature;

Renaissance literature;

Medieval and Renaissance literature;

and

(b)two essays, each of not more than 4,000 words, on topics approved by the Degree Committee;

and

(c)one or more written exercises, approved by the Degree Committee, in the field of textual and related studies in either the medieval period or the Renaissance or both.

The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the dissertation or the essays and on the general field of knowledge within which the work submitted falls; such an oral examination may include questions relating to the written papers and to the other exercises submitted by the candidate under (b) and (c) above.

Medieval History

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Medieval History for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not less than 15,000 words and not more than 20,000 words in length, including appendices, but excluding footnotes, tables, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of History;
(b)a written examination, falling within the fields covered by the core course: Latin and outline and practical palaeography;
(c)an essay of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words, chosen by the candidate from a prescribed list of essay questions, announced in the Faculty not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term and which falls within the field of study of the core course: Medieval history: concepts and methods;
(d)an essay of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words in length, which falls within the field of study of the candidate’s chosen optional course, the list of which shall be published by the Degree Committee not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term. Candidates shall choose an essay question from a prescribed list, announced in the Faculty not later than the start of the term in which the option shall be offered.

2. At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

3. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must satisfactorily complete the following, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)a dissertation proposal essay of not more than 2,000 words in length related to the field of study chosen by the candidate and approved by the Degree Committee under Regulation 1(a);
(b)a presentation on the subject of the candidate’s dissertation.

Micro- and Nanotechnology Enterprise

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Micro- and Nanotechnology Enterprise for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

1. The Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics and Chemistry shall publish, not later than the end of the Easter Term each year, a list of not more than fifteen mandatory and elective modules in Micro- and Nanotechnology Enterprise for the examination to be held in the following academical year. In publishing the list of modules the Degree Committee shall announce the form of examination for each module, which shall be an exam, an essay, coursework, or a combination of these.

2. The examination shall consist of:

(a)two unseen written examination papers, which may cover all topics prescribed in the syllabus;
(b)coursework prescribed by the Degree Committee (which may include written work, group work, and class participation);
(c)a literature survey report of not more than 5,000 words in length on a scientific topic, to be followed by either a major research project in the same field (see (d) below), or a business-, ethics-, law-, or policy-related case study, concerning the scientific topic (see (d) below);

(d)a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words in length (including tables, figure legends, and appendices, but excluding bibliography) on a major project, involving (i) in-depth scientific research (following a literature survey in the same scientific field submitted under (c) above), or (ii) an in-depth case study concerned with a topic in science, business, ethics, law, or policy (related to the topic covered during the literature survey submitted under (c) above), approved by the Degree Committee.

The work submitted under (c) and (d) shall be on a topic or project, respectively, approved by the Degree Committee.

3. The examination shall include an oral examination on the dissertation and, at the discretion of the examiners, on other work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 2(a)–(c) and the general field of knowledge within which they and the dissertation fall.

Modern British History

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Modern British History for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not less than 15,000 words and not more than 20,000 words in length, including appendices, but excluding footnotes, tables, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee of the Faculty of History;
(b)an essay of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words, chosen by the candidate from a prescribed list of essay questions, announced in the Faculty not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term and which falls within the field of study of the core course: Debates in modern British history;
(c)two essays of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words in length, on topics chosen by the candidate and approved by the Degree Committee, which fall within the fields of study of the candidate's chosen optional courses; the list of optional courses offered shall be published by the Degree Committee not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term.

2. At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

3. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must satisfactorily complete the following, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)coursework (which may include written work, group work, and class participation) falling within the fields of study covered by the core course: Research challenge in modern British history;
(b)a dissertation proposal essay of not more than 2,000 words in length related to the field of study chosen by the candidate and approved by the Degree Committee under Regulation 1(a);
(c)a presentation on the subject of the candidate’s dissertation.

Modern European History

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Modern European History for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not less than 15,000 words and not more than 20,000 words in length, including appendices, but excluding footnotes, tables, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of History;
(b)an essay of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words, chosen by the candidate from a prescribed list of essay questions, announced in the Faculty not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term and which fall within the field of study of the core course: Controversies in modern European history;
(c)two essays of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words in length, which fall within the fields of study of the candidate’s chosen optional courses, the list of which shall be published by the Degree Committee not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term. Candidates shall choose essay questions from a prescribed list, announced in the Faculty not later than the start of the term in which the option shall be offered.

2. At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

3. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must satisfactorily complete the following, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)a dissertation proposal essay of not more than 2,000 words in length related to the field of study chosen by the candidate and approved by the Degree Committee under Regulation 1(a);
(b)a presentation on the subject of the candidate’s dissertation.

Modern South Asian Studies

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 90)

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Modern South Asian Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not less than 15,000 words and not more than 20,000 words in length, including notes and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Department of Politics and International Studies;
(b)an essay of not more than 3,000 words on a topic chosen from a list of topics prescribed by the Degree Committee which are related to the core course; and a book review of not more than 2,000 words on a book chosen by the candidate within the remit of the core course;
(c)one further essay of not more than 5,000 words on a topic chosen by the candidate from a list of topics prescribed by the Degree Committee;
(d)a written examination of three hours’ duration on a South Asian language specified by the Degree Committee and an oral examination of one hour’s duration in that language.

The Degree Committee shall give notice of the topics specified under (b) and (c) above not later than the end of Full Michaelmas Term each year.

2. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, and on the essays submitted by the candidate.

3. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must submit a formative essay of 1,500–2,000 words on a topic agreed with the candidates’ supervisors.

Multi-Disciplinary Gender Studies

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Multi-Disciplinary Gender Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)two essays each of not more than 5,000 words in length, on a subject chosen by the candidate from a list of subjects announced by the Degree Committee for the Department of Politics and International Studies, which shall be concerned with research topics in gender studies;
(b)a dissertation, of not more than 20,000 words in length, excluding footnotes, tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

2. At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on any or all of the components of the examination specified in Regulation 1, and on the general field of knowledge within which they fall.

Music

1. The scheme of examination for the nine-month course of study in Music for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of either Option A or Option B. The Degree Committee for the Faculty of Music shall assign each candidate to a specified option.

2. Option A – Music Studies

(a)a portfolio of exercises in literature review totalling not more than 3,000 words and an essay of not more than 3,500 words7 on issues in musical studies;

and

(b)two essays, each of not more than 3,500 words,7 on subjects specified by the Degree Committee, provided that with the permission of the Degree Committee, a candidate may substitute comparable exercises for either one or both of these essays;

and

(c)either(i)a dissertation of between 12,500 and 15,000 words,7 on a subject approved by the Degree Committee;

or(ii)a recital taking between 50 and 60 minutes to perform together with an essay of not more than 7,500 words7 on a related topic approved by the Degree Committee.

3. Option B – Composition

(a)a portfolio of abstracts and an essay of not more than 3,500 words7 on issues in musical studies;

and

(b)four compositions in any idiom of the candidate’s choice; the compositions should require 30–45 minutes in total to perform. Scores and recordings should be included as appropriate to the nature of the music; the submission should also be accompanied by an explanatory essay of not more than 5,000 words7 on issues in composition as approved by the Degree Committee;

provided that with the permission of the Degree Committee a suitably qualified candidate may, in place of 3(a) and 3(b) above, submit

(c)four compositions in any idiom of the candidate’s choice; the compositions should require 45–60 minutes in total to perform. Scores and recordings should be included as appropriate to the nature of the music; the submission should also be accompanied by an explanatory essay of not more than 7,500 words7 on issues in composition as approved by the Degree Committee.

4. At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

5. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must satisfactorily complete the following, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)a proposal essay on the dissertation or recital/essay of not more than 1,500 words in length, together with annotated bibliography, related to the field of study chosen by the candidate and approved by the Degree Committee under Regulation 2(c);

and

(b)a presentation on the subject of the candidate’s dissertation.

Nuclear Energy

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Nuclear Energy for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)ten modules selected from a list of mandatory and optional modules published by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Engineering not later than the end of the Easter Term of the academical year preceding that in which the examination is to be held;

and

(b)an individual research project, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee, comprising
(i)a reading and planning stage, delivering a report of up to 4,000 words and an oral presentation,

and

(ii)a research and write-up stage, delivering a dissertation of up to 15,000 words and an oral presentation.

Word counts shall include figures, but not the title page, appendices, or bibliography.

2. In publishing the list of modules and additional modules, the Degree Committee shall announce the form of examination for each module, which shall be either a written paper, or one or more pieces of coursework or other exercises, or a combination of these, and shall specify the duration of any written paper and the limit to be placed on the length of any piece of coursework or other exercise. The Degree Committee may announce limitations on the combinations of optional modules allowed. The Degree Committee shall have the power to give notice of additional optional modules not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term of the academical year of the examination.

3. The assessment of the dissertation shall include an oral presentation of the project work on which the dissertation is based.

4. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Philosophy

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Philosophy for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 12,000 words in length, including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Philosophy;
and
(b)two essays, one of not more than 4,000 words in length, and one of not more than 8,000 words in length, including footnotes, and, except as provided below, each on a subject approved by the Degree Committee which is related to one or more of the following areas of Philosophy (including in each case the history of philosophy):

	Metaphysics and epistemology	Ethics and moral psychology
	Philosophy of mind	Aesthetics
	Logic and philosophy of language	Political and legal philosophy
	Philosophy of science

Not more than one essay shall be chosen from any one area. With the permission of the Degree Committee, one essay may be offered in an area which is not listed above but is related to Philosophy.

2. The examination shall include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, and, at the discretion of the Examiners, on the essays submitted by the candidate; save that the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination.

Planning, Growth, and Regeneration

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Planning, Growth, and Regeneration for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

2. Each candidate shall offer:

(a)the research methods module;
(b)two pathway core modules;
(c)three optional modules;
(d)the research, design, and structure module, which shall include a dissertation of not more than 12,000 words in length, including diagrams, footnotes, tables, and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee.

Polar Studies

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Polar Studies for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation, of not more than 20,000 words in length, excluding footnotes, tables, appendices, and list of references, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Geography, and to be submitted at a date to be determined by them;

and
(b)three essays, each of about 4,000 words in length, the first chosen from a list of topics, and the second and third on topics chosen by the candidate, with the approval of the Degree Committee.

The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the dissertation and the essays and on the general field of knowledge within which they fall.

Political Thought and Intellectual History

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Political Thought and Intellectual History for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of between 15,000 and 20,000 words in length, including appendices, but excluding footnotes, tables, and bibliography, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of History;
(b)two essays, each of not less than 5,000 and not more than 6,000 words, on topics chosen by the candidate and approved by the Degree Committee, which fall within the following fields:

1. History of political thought.

2. Political theory.

3. Intellectual history.

2. At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

3. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must satisfactorily complete the following, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)a dissertation proposal essay of not more than 2,000 words in length related to the field of study chosen by the candidate and approved by the Degree Committee under Regulation 1(a);
(b)a presentation on the subject of the candidate’s dissertation.

Politics and International Studies13

Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 621)

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Politics and International Studies shall consist of:

(a)the written examinations, or other modes of assessment, specified for each of the four modules selected from the list of modules published by the Degree Committee for the Department of Politics and International Studies;

(b)two essays, each of not more than 2,000 words in length, on methods; and

(c)a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words in length, including tables, footnotes, and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

2. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must:

(a)attend and participate in two further modules selected from the list published by the Degree Committee under Regulation 1(a); and

(b)attend and participate in the methodology modules prescribed by the Degree Committee.

3. The Degree Committee shall publish the list of modules available for study not later than the end of the Easter Term of the academical year preceding that in which the examination is to be held; and shall announce the modes of assessment for these modules not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term of the academical year in which the examination is to be held.

4. At the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination may be held in relation to any of the elements enumerated under Regulation 1 above.

Primary Care Research

1. The scheme of examination for the course of study in Primary Care Research for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation not exceeding 20,000 words in length, including footnotes, but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine;

(b)two written papers, each of which may cover all areas of study prescribed in the syllabus;
(c)two essays, each not exceeding 3,000 words in length, on subjects approved by the Degree Committee.

Public Health

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Public Health for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation, not exceeding 20,000 words in length, including footnotes, but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Joint Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine;
(b)two written papers of three hours in length which may cover all the areas of study prescribed in the syllabus;
(c)two essays, each not exceeding 3,000 words in length, on subjects approved by the Degree Committee.

Public Policy

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Public Policy for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)two case studies on topics announced by the Degree Committee for the Department of Politics and International Studies; one case study shall be examined in Michaelmas Term and a second in Lent Term, both by submission of a paper of no more than 3,000 words in length;
and
(b)five modules as prescribed by the Degree Committee, each of which shall be examined by an essay of no more than 3,000 words in length;

and

(c)one essay of no more than 5,000 words on an additional topic proposed by the candidate and agreed by the Degree Committee;

and

(d)a placement report of not more than 10,000 words related to the work placement of the individual candidate.

2. The examination shall include an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 1 above, save that the examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination.

3. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must satisfactorily meet the following requirements, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)attendance at Policy Analysis sessions and submission of two practice essays as part of the sessions;
(b)attendance at the case study sessions, two of which shall be assessed under Regulation 1(a) above.

Real Estate Finance

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Real Estate Finance for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

2. Each candidate shall offer:

(a)the research methods module;
(b)two pathway core modules;
(c)three optional modules;
(d)the research, design, and structure module, which shall include a dissertation of not more than 12,000 words in length, including diagrams, footnotes, tables, and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee.

Scientific Computing

The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Scientific Computing for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

1. The Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics and Chemistry shall publish, not later than the end of the Easter Term of the academical year preceding that in which the examination is to be held, a list of modules in ‘Scientific Computing’, provided that the Degree Committee shall have power to give notice of additional elective modules not later than the division of Michaelmas Term. The list will include core courses in scientific computing and may include elective courses from Master’s-level courses offered by the Departments of the Schools of the Physical Sciences, Technology, and Biological Sciences. In publishing the list of modules, the Degree Committee shall announce the form of examination for each module.

2. The examination shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words in length (including tables, figure legends, and appendices, but excluding bibliography) on a major project, involving in-depth original scientific research and a literature survey of the topic. The topic of the project shall be approved by the Degree Committee;
(b)two written assignments on two of the core-course options in scientific computing. The topic of the assignments shall be approved by the Degree Committee;
(c)written examination papers. The form of the examination of these papers shall be dictated by the regulations of the donor Department.

3. The examination shall include an oral examination of the dissertation or other work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 2(b), and on the general field of knowledge within which they fall.

Social Anthropology

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Social Anthropology for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation, of not more than 13,000 words in length, including footnotes, but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Departments of Archaeology, Social Anthropology, and Sociology, which shall not fall within the field of any paper or essay offered by the candidate;
(b)an essay, of not more than 6,000 words in length, on a topic chosen from a list of topics published by the Degree Committee by the division of Michaelmas Term, such topics corresponding to a list of optional papers published by the Degree Committee by the end of the preceding Easter Term;
(c)two written papers:

Paper 1. The scope of social anthropology I: production and reproduction.

Paper 2. The scope of social anthropology II: systems of power and knowledge.

2. In place of any one of the papers which a candidate would otherwise be required to offer under Regulation 2(c) a candidate may, by special permission of the Degree Committee granted after considering the candidate’s experience and special qualifications, offer an essay of not more than 6,000 words in length, exclusive of footnotes, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

3. The examination may, at the discretion of the Examiners, include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the essay or essays offered by the candidate, and on the general field of knowledge within which they fall.

Sociology

1. Each candidate shall, at the commencement of study, select one of the pathways specified at the end of these regulations.

2. The Degree Committee for the Departments of Archaeology, Social Anthropology, and Sociology shall have power to withdraw any of the pathways prescribed at the end of these regulations upon Notice given in the Reporter not later than the end of the Full Easter Term next but one preceding the examination in question.

3. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Sociology for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)one 5,000-word field review essay, on a topic chosen from among those approved by the Degree Committee for the pathway chosen in accordance with Regulation 1;

(b)a dissertation, of not less than 15,000 and not more than 20,000 words,8 on a topic chosen from among those approved by the Degree Committee for the pathway chosen in accordance with Regulation 1.

The topics approved under sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) by the Degree Committee (or by such other body to which the Degree Committee has delegated this task) shall be published not later than the Easter Term in the academical year preceding the examination.

4. The examination shall include an oral examination on the essays and the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which they fall; save that the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination.

5. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must submit and achieve a pass in two 3,000-word essays on research strategies, one submitted in the fifth week of Michaelmas Term and one submitted in the second week of Lent Term, on topics prescribed by the candidates’ supervisors.

PATHWAYS

	Political and economic sociology	The sociology of media and culture
	The sociology of marginality and exclusion	The sociology of reproduction

Strategy, Marketing, and Operations

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Strategy, Marketing, and Operations for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not more than 12,000 words in length, including diagrams and footnotes, but excluding bibliography and appendices, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Business and Management;
and
(b)six modules selected from a list of mandatory and optional modules published by the Degree Committee not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term next preceding the examination.

4. The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the work submitted under Regulations 1 and 3 and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Technology Policy

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Technology Policy for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)the completion of six core modules and six elective modules, a list of which shall be published by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Business and Management not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term preceding the examination;
(b)a final group project of not more than 12,000 words in length, including diagrams and footnotes, but excluding bibliography and appendices on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

3. At the discretion of the Examiners, the examination may include an oral examination on the work submitted by the candidate under Regulation 1 and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year full-time or two-year part-time course of study in Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a) a dissertation, of between 15,000 and 20,000 words in length, including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Divinity;

and

(b) two pieces of submitted work, each of which shall be an essay of not more than 5,000 words in length, or an equivalent exercise, at least one of which must fall within the same subject area as the candidate’s dissertation or otherwise suitably related to it;

and

(c)either(i)one paper of three hours’ duration on a language chosen from a list of languages published by the Degree Committee,
or(ii)one exercise on a subject chosen from a list of subjects for exercises approved by the Degree Committee,
or(iii)an alternative exercise within the candidate’s chosen subject area, if one has not already been taken under (b).

The mode of examination for (ii) and (iii) shall be approved by the Degree Committee.

2. A candidate’s choice of written work shall be made with the approval of the Degree Committee and in the light of the prerequisites for a dissertation in the primary area and of the coherence of the candidate’s programme, by the end of the Michaelmas Term for a candidate on the one-year full-time course, and by the end of the Michaelmas Term of the first year for a candidate on the two-year part-time course.

3. The subject areas available for examination and the dates for submission of the written work shall be announced by the Degree Committee no later than the end of the Easter Term preceding the academical year next following.

4. The examiners may at their discretion request an oral examination in any aspect of the work submitted by the candidate.

Theoretical and Applied Linguistics

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2018–19, p. 441)

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation not exceeding 20,000 words in length, including footnotes, but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics;

(b)four essays, of which three shall be no more than 2,000 words in length and one shall be no more than 4,000 words in length, each including footnotes, but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on subjects either approved or prescribed by the Degree Committee;
(c)an oral presentation on a topic falling in one of the areas of study prescribed by the Degree Committee not later than the end of the Full Michaelmas Term preceding the examination.

2. The examination shall include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, and, at the discretion of the Examiners, on the essays submitted by the candidate; save that the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination.

Therapeutic Sciences

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in Therapeutic Sciences for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall be as follows:

(a)two essays, not exceeding 5,000 words each in length, on a topic approved by the Degree Committee of the Faculty of Biology;

(b)a dissertation not exceeding 10,000 words in length, including footnotes but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Biology and based on work carried out by the candidate in a relevant commercial or academic environment at one or more institutions approved by the Degree Committee;

(c)a poster and oral presentation on the work carried out within (b) above.

2. The examination shall include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls and on the other work submitted by the candidate. The oral examination shall be compulsory for all candidates falling on the boundaries between grades. For all other students, the Examiners may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for an oral examination.

Translational Biomedical Research

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year full-time or two-year part-time course of study in Translational Biomedical Research for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation not exceeding 20,000 words in length, including footnotes but excluding tables, appendices, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine;
(b)an examination which may cover all core subjects prescribed in the syllabus, the form of which shall be announced no later than the end of the Easter Term preceding the examination, and shall be either one or more written papers, one or more essays or other exercises, or a combination of these. The announcement shall specify the duration of any written paper and the limit to be placed on the length of any essay or other exercises.

World History

1. The scheme of examination for the one-year course of study in World History for the degree of Master of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a)a dissertation of not less than 15,000 words and not more than 20,000 words in length, including appendices, but excluding footnotes, tables, and bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of History;
(b)an essay of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words, chosen by the candidate from a prescribed list of essay questions, announced in the Faculty not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term and which fall within the field of study of the core course: Debates in world history;
(c)two essays of not less than 3,000 and not more than 4,000 words in length, which fall within the fields of study of the candidate’s chosen optional courses, the list of which shall be published by the Degree Committee not later than the start of the Michaelmas Term. Candidates shall choose essay questions from a prescribed list, announced in the Faculty not later than the start of the term in which the option shall be offered.

2. At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

3. In order to proceed to the examination, candidates must satisfactorily complete the following, as prescribed by the Degree Committee:

(a)a dissertation proposal essay of not more than 2,000 words in length related to the field of study chosen by the candidate and approved by the Degree Committee under Regulation 1(a);
(b)a presentation on the subject of the candidate’s dissertation;
(c)language training in a language offered by the University Language Centre and relevant to the subject of research as agreed by the Director of the Master of Philosophy programme.

Footnotes

1. Exceptionally, and subject to the special permission of the Board of Graduate Studies, a candidate under Route A may be admitted from the beginning of either the Lent Term or the Easter Term if the Board are satisfied that the approved course of study for the subject concerned can be provided from that date.a
2. Rescinded with effect from 17 October 2018 (Notice, Reporter, 6522, 2018–19, p. 62).a
3. Rescinded with effect from 17 October 2018 (Notice, Reporter, 6522, 2018–19, p. 62).a b
4. Rescinded with effect from 17 October 2018 (Notice, Reporter, 6522, 2018–19, p. 62).a
5. This course is suspended until further notice (Notice, Reporter, 6427, 2015–16, p. 575).a
6. One A4 page consisting largely of statistics or symbols shall be regarded as the equivalent of 250 words.b
7. Including tables and footnotes but excluding appendices, bibliography, musical examples, and transcriptions.a b c d e f g
8. Including footnotes, tables, and appendices.a
9. Students taking the M.Phil. Degree in Assyriology must take a minimum of one language module from the list of modules in Assyriology published by the Degree Committee.a
10. Students taking the M.Phil. Degree in Egyptology must take a minimum of one Egyptian Archaeology module from the list of modules in Egyptology published by the Degree Committee.a
11. See also the regulations for the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Science, Master of Letters, and Master of Philosophy by thesis, p. 507, and the Special Regulations for the degree of Master of Philosophy by thesis, p. 513.a
12. This course will be replaced by the M.Phil. Degree in Politics and International Studies with effect from 1 October 2020.a
13. This course replaces the M.Phil. Degree in International Relations and Politics with effect from 1 October 2020.a
14. This course will be available with effect from 1 October 2020.c d e
15. The pathway in angular brackets will be added and the pathway in square brackets removed with effect from 1 October 2020.c d
16. The text in angular brackets will be inserted and the text in square brackets removed with effect from 1 October 2020.a b c

The provisions contained in this Chapter are Regulations of the General Board

In this section

MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY

Residence for the Degree of Master of Philosophy