SOAS – University of London Academic Development ... · automatically after BA graduation. Therefore the majority of PG taught courses at these universities are labelled as MPhil

1

SOAS – University of London

Academic Development Directorate

Academic Teaching Development

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION (PG)

UK UNIVERSITIES DRAFT COMPARATIVE RESEARCH

This preliminary research document collates extracts from the websites of a number of UK universities; Cambridge, Oxford, UCL, and LSE. Various elements

of programme specification, where available, were collated under the headings as demonstrated in the tables below. It should be noted that the

information given on prospectus web pages is often overlapping between the categories, in particular in relation to the Learning Outcomes and Learning,

Teaching and Assessment categories.

The programmes chosen were as far as possible analogous with SOAS ones, although it should be noted that in some cases (e.g. Social Anthropology)

courses have been placed in a different faculty in these universities than the faculty in which they are placed in SOAS. A further point which should be

noted is that the Cambridge and Oxford postgraduate system is somewhat different from other UK graduate systems, in that an MA is awarded

automatically after BA graduation. Therefore the majority of PG taught courses at these universities are labelled as MPhil courses, some of which have

been identified and extracted below. These particular MPhil courses may act as standalone 1 year postgraduate degrees as well as the precursor to a

research degree, and therefore are analogous to MA / MSc courses in other UK universities.

2

ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSES

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT SUIT

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING,

LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

Cambridge

MPhil

African

Studies

Our aim is to offer students a

window into the cultural,

intellectual, and political

dynamism of African societies. At a

time when Africa is often

represented a place in need of

outsiders' benevolence and

direction, we hope to give

students the linguistic and

interpretive tools to study African

societies on their own terms. The

degree will provide an excellent

foundation for those who wish to

expand their knowledge of Africa,

and particularly for students

entering positions in the arts, the

media, NGOs, and other

professions.

The Centre has very strong links

with African universities, and each

year it hosts a group of five

Visiting Fellows from Africa, who

come to Cambridge for six months

of coordinated research. MPhil

students will have many

opportunities to interact with, and

learn from, the African Visiting

Fellows. The Centre's 35,000

volume library, newly housed in

the Mond Building, offers rich

resources; and MPhil students will

The MPhil in African Studies

is a new course, offered for

the first time in 2010-11. It

is designed both as a

freestanding qualification

for students who want to

enhance their

understanding of the social,

cultural, political and

economic history and

present condition of Africa,

and also as an excellent

introduction for those who

want to go on to further

primary research. It will

introduce students to the

latest research topics,

methods and debates in

African studies at an

advanced level and provide

intensive research and

language training for those

who wish to go on to

prepare a doctoral

dissertation.

http://www.admin.cam.ac.

uk/offices/gradstud/prospe

c/studying/qualifdir/course

s/hsas/

There are four elements comprising

the MPhil course in African Studies :

A core seminar; A discipline-specific

seminar in African History, Social

Anthropology, Geography, African

Politics or Commonwealth and

International Literature; Language

training in Swahili or, by

arrangement, in another African

language; and a dissertation of

15,000 words.

The course is organized in two parts.

In the first part of the course,

students will enrol in the weekly

core seminar, where they will be

guided through a body of literature

concerning Africa's history,

geography, politics and

anthropology. Students will, at the

same time, attend one of several

discipline-specific seminars, chosen

according to their particular interest.

In Lent term students will write two

5,000 word essays based on their

work in the core seminar and in the

discipline-specific seminar.

In the second part of the course

students will focus their attention on

a research project. They will develop

Coursework and

dissertation - See

p.23 of the

handbook

http://www.africa

n.cam.ac.uk/pdfs/

MPhil_handbook_

2010-11.pdf

?

?

3

in addition have access to the

University Library, which holds

more than eight million volumes.

MPhil students will make

particular use of the Library's

extensive archival holdings: the

Royal and Commonwealth

Society's papers and photographs;

the Churchill College archives; the

British and Foreign Bible Society's

papers; and other collections.

http://www.african.cam.ac.uk/mp

hil.html

a topic in conversation with a

supervisor, conduct research, and

write intensely during Lent and

Easter terms. Students will discuss

their work regularly with a

supervisor, and will present their

research results in the core seminar.

Throughout the year students will

attend biweekly classes in Swahili

language.

http://www.african.cam.ac.uk/mphil

.html

(See also course handbook for more

detailed programme / course outline

http://www.african.cam.ac.uk/pdfs/

MPhil_handbook_2010-11.pdf )

4

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS

SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT

SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING, ASSESSMENT

Oxford

MSc Social

Anthrolopogy

(Although here

based in LSS)

?

?

Core and option

courses:

PART ONE:

I. Fundamental

concepts in

Social and

Cultural

Anthropology;

II. The social and

moral order;

III. Perception

and experience;

IV. Option paper

(topic or region).

PART TWO:

Thesis (approx.

10,000 words).

http://www.ox.a

c.uk/admissions/

postgraduate_co

urses/course_gui

de/anthropology

.html

Part One – unseen

examinations; Part

Two – marked

dissertation

http://www.ox.ac.

uk/admissions/pos

tgraduate_courses

/course_guide/ant

hropology.html

Intellectual and

subject specific -

to provide a strong

background in

analytical and

methodological

issues in Social

Anthropology, and

practice in the

critical evaluation

of its sources, both

in the library and in

the context of

fieldwork;

http://www.ox.ac.

uk/admissions/pos

tgraduate_courses

/course_guide/ant

hropology.html

Subject specific - to prepare high-quality

students from the UK, EU and overseas

either for further research in the discipline

or for employment in fields where sensitivity

to cross-cultural variability is required; to

teach all aspects of the course by taking into

account the recent significant advances in

techniques, information and ideas at the

forefront of current research and to

integrate these within a general

anthropological perspective

Transferable - to provide a range of generic

research skills relevant not only to this

discipline, but to several neighbouring fields

where students might eventually be given

responsibility for research or the

administration or application of research.

http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgradu

ate_courses/course_guide/anthropology.ht

ml

5

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

UCL

MSc

Social

and

Cultural

Anthrop

ology

The UCL

Anthropology

Department was the

first in the UK to

integrate biological

and social

anthropology with

material culture into

a broad-based

conception of the

discipline. It is one of

the largest

anthropology

departments in the

UK in terms of both

staff and research

student numbers,

offering an

exceptional breadth

of expertise.

Our excellent results

in the 2001 and 2008

Research Assessment

Exercises show that

we are the top broad-

based anthropology

department in the

UK.

Students are

encouraged to take

full advantage of the

wider anthropological

community in London

and the department's

strong links with

European universities

The programme is

suitable for graduates

in anthropology and

other social sciences,

and suitably qualified

applicants from other

disciplines, who wish

to develop the ability

to analyse a broad

range of

contemporary issues

in order to pursue a

career in research,

teaching,

development, public

service, journalism

and many other

fields.

First destinations of

recent graduates

include:

UK Borders Agency:

Immigration Case

Officer; Euromonitor:

Analyst Researcher;

Home Office:

Research Officer;

Institute of Ismaili

Studies: Research

Intern; Legal Services

Commission: Policy

Officer; Association

of Commonwealth

Universities: Alumni

Development Officer;

St George's Hospital:

Students undertake

courses to the value

of 180 credits.

The programme

consists of two core

courses (45 credits),

three optional

courses (45 credits)

and a research

dissertation (90

credits).

The programme is

delivered through a

combination of

lectures, seminars,

small group

presentations and

discussion, tutorials,

laboratory and

practical work,

independent directed

reading, interactive

teamwork, and video,

film and web based

courses. It includes a

research seminar

series with invited

speakers.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk

/prospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/T

MSANTSSAC01

Assessment is

through unseen

examination, essays,

and the research

dissertation.


/prospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/T

MSANTSSAC01

The programme aims to

develop knowledge and

understanding of major

theoretical, ethnographic

and methodological debates

in Social Anthropology.

Students develop an

understanding of human

cultural worlds through in-

depth historical study, gain

knowledge of specific

societies and specialist

approaches, and enhance

their independent research

skills through practical

training in research

methods.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prosp

ective-students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/TMSANT

SSAC01

Intellectual - Particular

emphasis is put on the

Dissertation, which can be

library-based or based upon

a small piece of empirical

fieldwork carried out in the

UK or abroad in May/June.

Both types of dissertation

give students the

opportunity to carry out an

original piece of

independent research. It

will also be of interest to

those wishing to develop an

inter-disciplinary

understanding of a

particular topic by

combining an

anthropological approach

with understanding derived

from another discipline.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/anthr

opology/degree_programm

es/sa.htm

Subject-based - This MSc is

designed to provide a

thorough grounding in

anthropological theory and

analysis, an understanding

of ethnographic approaches

to the study of social

worlds, and a strong

foundation in research

practices.


6

and international

institutions. http://www.ucl.ac.uk

/prospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/T

MSANTSSAC01

Graduate Entry

Dietician; Capital

Studios: Technical

Assistant; University

of Amsterdam:

Heritage Studies;

Whitney Group:

Researcher;

Department for

International

Development:

Deputy Management

Group Officer


/prospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/T

MSANTSSAC01

(See also: more

detailed outline of

the ‘2-track’ system

on this course at


/anthropology/degre

e_programmes/sa.ht

m )


study/degrees/pgt/TMSANT

SSAC01

7

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

LSE

MSc Social

Anthropology

The very strong

tradition of fieldwork-

based research within

the Department

directly informs and

enhances teaching.

The MSc is an

excellent and

intensive introduction

to the discipline of

anthropology.

The programme is an

ideal preparation for

research work in

anthropology and

related fields, and

many graduates go

on to complete PhDs.

Previous graduates

have found

employment in

national and

international

organisations and

agencies, including

those concerned with

development.

http://www2.lse.ac.u

k/study/graduate/tau

ghtProgrammes2011/

MScSocialAnthropolo

gy.aspx

The programme is an

ideal preparation for

research work in

anthropology and

related fields, and

many graduates go

on to complete PhDs.

Previous graduates

have found

employment in

national and

international

organisations and

agencies, including

those concerned with

development.

This programme is

intended for

graduates with a

good first degree in

any discipline,

including those who

may have studied

anthropology within

the context of a more

general degree

http://www2.lse.ac.uk/

study/graduate/taught

Programmes2011/MSc

SocialAnthropology.asp

x

The twelve-month

programme consists

of one compulsory

course, optional

courses to the value

of two units, and an

essay (dissertation).


k/anthropology/degr

ee_programmes/msc

socanth.aspx

(See also more details

of courses / structure



Programmes2011/MSc


x )

After examinations

in June in the

courses above,

students write an

essay (dissertation)

of not more than

10,000 words on

an approved topic

of their own

choice, which is

submitted in mid-

September.

http://www2.lse.a

c.uk/anthropology/

degree_programm

es/mscsocanth.asp

x

The MSc in Social

Anthropology is

intended to give

students a

thorough

grounding in

anthropology,

both in terms of

its ethnographic

diversity and its

theoretical

development.

The programme

serves as a major

part of

preparation for

research work in

the discipline,

but is also

suitable as an

introduction to

the subject for

students who

intend to

proceed with

other careers.

Prior knowledge

of anthropology

is not essential.

http://www2.lse.

ac.uk/anthropolo

gy/degree_progr

ammes/mscsoca

nth.aspx

Intellectual - The

very strong tradition

of fieldwork-based

research within the

Department directly

informs and

enhances teaching.

Subject-based - The

MSc is an excellent

and intensive

introduction to the

discipline of

anthropology.

Transferable - It will

prepare you for

research work or

provide a

comprehensive

introduction to and

overview of the subject

if you plan a career

which may benefit

from an education in

social anthropology.



Programmes2011/MSc


x

8

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT SUIT

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

UCL

MA

Archaeology

The UCL Institute of

Archaeology is the

largest and most

diverse department

of archaeology in the

UK.

We are international

in outlook and

membership, with

students and staff

from over 40

countries, and

involvement in field

research projects

around the globe.

UCL is located in

central London,

within walking

distance to the

British Museum and

the British Library.

UCL's own museums

and collections form

a resource of

international

importance for

academic research.


/prospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/T

MAARLSING01

The Archaeology MA is an

intensive induction

programme to current

archaeological theory and

interpretive trends which

equips students to

undertake research in

their chosen field. The

flexible programme of

study serves as an

excellent expansion of

undergraduate studies or

as a self-designed

foundation for further

post-graduate and

professional work. The

programme is particularly

suitable for students with

a first degree in

archaeology,

anthropology, history or

classics. It will appeal to

those who wish to

develop the necessary

skills relevant for a

professional career in

archaeology, and for

those who want to

continue onto a research

degree in the field.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/pro

spective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/TMAA

RLSING011

The MA in Archaeology is a

demanding introduction to

current archaeological theory

and interpretive trends. The MA

is structured around the core

courses, a weekly seminar

discussing the historical

development and current issues

in archaeological theory.

Additionally, students chose

from a large set of graduate

course options covering all

world regions, time periods, and

specialised theoretical topics. A

15,000-word dissertation on a

subject of the student’s choice,

supervised by a member of

staff, is also required. Flexibility

is a strength of this MA; the

course serves as an excellent

expansion of undergraduate

studies or as a self-designed

foundation for further post-

graduate and professional work.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeolo

gy/studying/masters/degrees/m

a_archaeology

(See also

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeolo

gy/studying/masters/degrees/m

a_archaeology/structure for

more detailed description of

courses and structure)

Assessment is

through essays,

oral examination

and the

dissertation.

http://www.ucl.ac.

uk/prospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt

/TMAARLSING01

The programme

provides a wide-

ranging and

challenging

introduction to

theoretical issues

involved in modern

archaeology as a

comparative,

anthropologically-

informed, and

socially-situated

discipline. Students

develop critically

aware perspectives

on archaeological

practice and

research processes

and gain an in-

depth

understanding of

approaches to the

collection, analysis

and interpretation

of archaeological

data.

http://www.ucl.ac.

uk/prospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt

/TMAARLSING01

Intellectual and

subject-specific - Most

teaching is seminar

based, and the sessions

are interactive, with an

emphasis on student

participation and

critical discussion. The

rest of the programme

is delivered through a

combination of

lectures, practicals,

laboratory sessions,

tutorials and site and

museum visits.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/p

rospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/TM

AARLSING01

Transferable – See

separate table below

(P.22)

9

UNI

COURSE


WHO WOULD IT SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

UCL

MA Art

History

The History of Art

Department is top-rated for

research; and staff are

active researchers in a

range of specialist fields.

The department is located

in Bloomsbury, close to the

Warburg Institute and the

British Museum. The

National Gallery, Tate

Galleries and the Victoria

and Albert Museum are also

within easy reach. UCL's

own Art Collections, housed

on site in the Strang Print

Room, hold many rare and

important works.

Collaboration with Birkbeck

College, the Courtauld

Institute and staff from

national museums, enables

the UCL department to

offer access to a range of

expertise in virtually any

aspect of the subject.



study/degrees/pgt/TMAHA

RSING01

UCL's History of Art graduates

have a record of success in

careers in museums and

galleries, the art trade, the

heritage industry, art

publishing, art conservation

and teaching. The unique

combination of visual

sensitivity and intellectual

rigour has also proved

valuable in journalism,

publishing and advertising.

The programme is designed

for those with a first degree in

the History of Art, or with

some experience of the

subject, who have a high level

of commitment and an

aptitude for academic work.

Students work in smaller

groups and have close contact

with specialists in the field.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospec

tive-students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/TMAHARSI

NG01

(See detailed

description of

courses and structure

at


/art-

history/prospective_

students/masters_st

udents )

Assessment is by

two essays for

each of the taught

courses (six essays

in all), the

dissertation and a

viva.

http://www.ucl.ac.

uk/prospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt

/TMAHARSING01

Students develop

skills for dealing

with visual

materials as

evidence and gain

historical

knowledge,

enabling them to

interpret visual

artefacts and

documents in

relation to their

historical, social

and cultural

contexts.

http://www.ucl.ac.

uk/prospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt

/TMAHARSING01

The History of Art MA

at UCL draws on the

research and teaching

expertise within the

department, and is

designed to enable

students to acquire

specialised knowledge

pertaining to the field

of art history and

develop independent

research skills.

They are introduced to

current debates and

encouraged to define

their own position

through reasoned

historical and cultural

arguments.

The programme is

delivered through a

combination of

lectures, seminars,

tutorials, and gallery

and museum visits.


rospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/TM

AHARSING01

10

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT

IT

WHO WOULD IT

SUIT

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING,

LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

LSE

MSc Media,

Communication

and

Development

An intensive, high quality

graduate education in

media and

communications. An

intellectually stimulating,

well resourced learning

environment, with strong

links to media and

communications

industries and policy

makers. The opportunity

for lively cross-cultural

exchange of ideas among

a dynamic group of

fellow students in the

Department and School.

Study with

internationally

recognised active

researchers with

expertise in media and

communications and

politics and democracy,

regulation and policy,

technological change,

audiences, globalisation,

culture, and more.

http://www2.lse.ac.uk/st

udy/graduate/taughtPro

grammes2011/MScMedi

aCommunicationandDev

elopment.aspx

We attract

students from a

diverse range of

backgrounds,

often including

professional

experience

working in media

and

communications

related fields.

Indeed, the

opportunity for

cross-cultural

meetings and

exchange of ideas

among the

student body is a

valuable feature

of studying at LSE.

On graduating,

our students enter

a variety of

careers in the UK

and abroad,

including

broadcasting,

journalism,

advertising, new

media industries,

political

marketing, market

research,

regulation and

policy, media

The programme runs for

a full calendar year.

Formal teaching is usually

completed by the end of

the Lent term.

Examinations for all

courses are generally held

during May and June. The

remaining months are set

aside for students to

complete their

dissertations, and it is not

normally essential for

students to remain in

London during these

months.

Part-time students will

normally take and be

examined in courses to

the value of two units in

each year of study. In the

first year, these two units,

selected in discussion

with the student's

academic adviser, will

usually include the

compulsory theoretical

course(s) and one or

more option

course(s). The methods

course(s) and the

dissertation are then

usually taken in the

second year, together

with the remaining option

The programme

consists of four units,

including required

and optional courses

and the dissertation.

Courses typically

involve a

combination of

lectures and

seminars. The

Methods of Research

course is taught as a

series of lectures and

practical classes.

You will be examined

by written

examinations,

research

assignments, essays

related to courses,

and the dissertation

which must be

submitted in the

summer.


k/study/graduate/ta

ughtProgrammes201

1/MScMediaCommu

nicationandDevelop

ment.aspx

A broad social

science

foundation in

qualitative,

quantitative,

empirical and

critical skills. A

diverse, multi-

disciplinary and

theoretically

oriented

approach to

contemporary

developments,

issues and

debates in the

field.

http://www2.lse

.ac.uk/study/gra

duate/taughtPro

grammes2011/

MScMediaComm

unicationandDev

elopment.aspx

A range of

specialist

courses within

media and

communicatio

ns and related

fields,

including an

independent

empirical

research

project

http://www2.l

se.ac.uk/study

/graduate/tau

ghtProgramme

s2011/MScMe

diaCommunica

tionandDevelo

pment.aspx

11

management and

research in both

public and private

sectors. See

lse.ac.uk/media@l

se/alumni

http://www2.lse.a

c.uk/study/gradua

te/taughtProgram

mes2011/MScMe

diaCommunicatio

nandDevelopment

.aspx

course(s). Students may

be permitted to vary the

courses to be taken in

each year with the

approval of their

academic adviser.


udy/graduate/taughtProg

rammes2011/MScMediaC

ommunicationandDevelo

pment.aspx (also gives a

list of course options)

12

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT

SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING,

LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

KCL

MA World History

and Culture

Students are

required to

complete 180

credits as follows:

Compulsory

modules (40 credits)

Optional modules

(80 credits)

Dissertation (15,000

words) (60 credits)

http://www.kcl.ac.u

k/schools/humaniti

es/depts/history/m

yhandbook/progra

mmes/pgt/world.ht

ml

See also list of

modules at

http://www.kcl.ac.u

k/schools/humaniti

es/depts/history/m

odules/level7/

SEE DETAILED

PROGRAMME

SPECIFICATION

DOCUMENT AT

http://www.kcl.ac.

uk/schools/humani

ties/depts/history/

myhandbook/progr

ammes/pgt/world.

html

Modules on the MA

in World History

and Cultures are

taught by weekly

seminars where

students are

expected to

contribute to

discussion and

prepare

presentations.

It is also possible for

students to attend

relevant

undergraduate

lectures

http://www.kcl.ac.u

k/schools/humaniti

es/depts/history/m

yhandbook/progra

mmes/pgt/world.ht

ml

13

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT

SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING OUTCOMES

TEACHING,

LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

KCL

MA Religion in

Contemporary

Society

Unrivalled location

gives you access to

cosmopolitan and

vibrant religious

traditions. Close links

and regular fieldwork

trips to religious

centres and

communities in London

offering many

opportunities to

examine the religious

experience of living

communities.Unique

opportunity to engage

in study of a variety of

religious groups and

movements within and

outside the major

traditions (Christianity,

Judaism and Islam) in

the contemporary

world.

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/p

rospectus/graduate/ind

ex/name/religion_in_c

ontemporary_society/a

lpha/PQR/header_sear

ch//keyword/religious_

studies

Graduates apply

their skills in a

range of

professions, such

as academic

careers in

departments of

Theology, Social &

Political Sciences,

journalism,

business,

international

relations, teaching,

government, mass

media, and

religious

institutions.

http://www.kcl.ac.

uk/prospectus/gra

duate/index/name

/religion_in_conte

mporary_society/a

lpha/PQR/header_

search//keyword/r

eligious_studies

Core programme

content

Dissertation

Indicative non-

core content

Compulsory

modules:

Social Scientifice

Study of Religion

in Contemporary

Society

World Religions

and Modernity

Optional

modules:

Religion and

Politics in

Contemporary

Muslim Societes

Contemporary

Religious

Movements

http://www.kcl.a

c.uk/prospectus/

graduate/structu

re/name/religion

_in_contempora

ry_society/alpha

/PQR/header_se

arch//keyword/r

eligious_studies

Taught compulsory

and optional

modules assessed

by coursework plus

a dissertation.

http://www.kcl.ac.

uk/prospectus/gra

duate/structure/na

me/religion_in_co

ntemporary_societ

y/alpha/PQR/head

er_search//keywor

d/religious_studies

This unique interdisciplinary

course is designed to

develop your knowledge and

skills in social sciences and

humanities and to encourage

your constructive, critical

and independent thought in

this field. While focusing on

Christianity, Islam and

Judaism, the course will

allow you to specialise in

broad issues cutting across

these traditions and societies

(for example

fundamentalism, new

religions, or religious

pluralism), or to concentrate

on a particular society or

religion. Moreover, you will

master a number of

transferable skills that are

necessary for professional

expertise in a range of areas,

from the academic study of

religion to public policy and

pastoral care.

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/prospe

ctus/graduate/details/name/

religion_in_contemporary_s

ociety/alpha/PQR/header_se

arch//keyword/religious_stu

dies

Intellectual -

Combines Sociology

& Anthropology of

Religion to focus on

key issues, from

religion in public life

to globalization,

fundamentalism,

and modern

spirituality.

Encourages

research on major

traditions

(Christianity, Islam,

Judaism, Buddhism)

and new

movements.

Practical - Master

skills and

knowledge ideal for

careers in public

policy, journalism,

academia,

education, etc.

http://www.kcl.ac.u

k/prospectus/gradu

ate/index/name/reli

gion_in_contempor

ary_society/alpha/P

QR/header_search/

/keyword/religious_

studies

14

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT

SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

Oxford

MSt. Global

and Imperial

History

The History Faculty

offers a wide variety of

postgraduate master’s

programmes. This

reflects both the

diversity and the

clustering of research

interests within the

faculty.

http://www.history.ox.

ac.uk/postgrad/pg_sect

_pgt.htm

The Global and

Imperial History

programme is

open to all

students whose

research centres

on the

Commonwealth,

South Asia, or East

Asia. Students

should indicate

from the start

whether their

interests lie in the

Commonwealth,

South Asia or East

Asia.

http://www.histor

y.ox.ac.uk/postgra

d/pg_sect_global.h

tm

The course lasts

for nine months

(from October to

June) and the

examination

results are

normally

published by the

beginning of

July. The

examination

comprises three

elements: (1)

two extended

essays of up to

5,000 words; (2)

an examination

paper; and (3) a

dissertation of

up to 15,000

words.

http://www.hist

ory.ox.ac.uk/pos

tgrad/pg_sect_gl

obal.htm

The examination

comprises three

elements: (1) two

extended essays of

up to 5,000 words;

(2) an examination

paper; and (3) a

dissertation of up

to 15,000 words.

http://www.histor

y.ox.ac.uk/postgra

d/pg_sect_global.h

tm

(See also

http://www.histor

y.ox.ac.uk/postgra

d/pg_sect_pgt.htm

for detailed info on

dissertation

assessment and

feedback)

The one-year M.Sc.

and the two-year

M.Phil. in Economic

and Social History

offer a specially

structured training

course which aims to

equip students with a

knowledge and

understanding of

social-science

approaches and their

implications for the

study of history. This

can offer a route into

history for students

with a social-science

background, or, to

students with a

history background, a

way of broadening

their disciplinary

base. m

http://www.history.o

x.ac.uk/postgrad/pg_

sect_pgt.htm

A good dissertation is

driven by a research

question or problem

suitable for original

historical enquiry. The

research question emerges

from critical engagement

with the literature in a

particular field. A candidate

is expected to make

considered and effective

use of the appropriate

sources, which should be

consulted in the original so

far as appropriate and

practical. A thesis is not an

arbitrary or intuitive

processing of primary

material. It must have a

coherent approach or

method – one that is

relevant and effective for

the purpose of the thesis. It

should be presented in a

lucid and scholarly manner.

http://www.history.ox.ac.u

k/postgrad/pg_sect_global.

htm

15

LAW AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

UNI

COURSE


WHO WOULD

IT SUIT

PROGRAM

ME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES


Cambridge

LLM

Law

Intellectual stimulation; to

improve their career

prospects – whether in

practice, in academia, in

government service.

One of the most highly

respected LL.Ms in the

world. It is rigorous and

intellectually demanding. It

is taught by some of the

finest academics; and it is

studied by students who

are the best in their

generation.

Also has a number of

academic research centres,

international environment,

outsanding facilities and

academic / pastoral care,

professional contacts

http://www.law.cam.ac.uk/

courses/llm-why-do-the-

llm-at-cambridge.php

A challenging - but

supportive - environment.

The course, with its rich

historical traditions, attracts

students of the highest

calibre


courses/llm.php

-Intended for

those wishing

to pursue

further legal

studies after

completing

their first

degree in law,

including

those who are

considering an

academic

career or

intending to

practise law

and those

taking a career

break seeking

to broaden

their

intellectual

horizons.

http://www.la

w.cam.ac.uk/c

ourses/llm.ph

p

Courses and

teaching

methods

http://www.

law.cam.ac.

uk/courses/l

lm-

courses.php

Typically a three-hour

written examination at the

end of the academic year

(late May/early June).

In some courses, students

have the option of taking a

two-hour examination and

submitting a short written

essay.In seminar papers

students are examined

through a (compulsory)

supervised thesis. In

addition, in many of the

LL.M. courses, there is also

the option of writing a

thesis in lieu of the

examination. A candidate

whose topic is approved for

a thesis will be entitled to a

prescribed amount of

individual supervision from

a Faculty supervisor.

Students can, however,

write only one thesis and

their chosen topic cannot

overlap substantially with

material covered in another

course.


courses/llm-courses.php

? Intellectual– groups learning through

mixture of lectures, seminars and small

group teaching. For subjects with fewer

than 15 students, teaching will normally be

conducted through interactive seminars,

usually one two-hour seminar a week. For

larger subjects, in most cases lectures

(again usually 2 hours a week) are

supplemented by 4-6 hours of small group

teaching. Student participation in classes.

Independent research and writing skills on

thesis or seminar research course

Subject-based – In the small groups,

students are expected to analyse complex

legal material, critically examine legal

questions, apply this knowledge to

'problem' situations and consider

underlying policy issues.

Students benefit from direct feedback on

their work and so hone their written skills.

Also the mooting programme

Transferable – written communication

(essays / thesis) and oral communication

(tutorial /lecture participation, mooting),

annual EU institutions trip, student law

review, pro bono work

http://www.law.cam.ac.uk/courses/llm-

why-do-the-llm-at-cambridge.php

16

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD

IT SUIT

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

Oxford

BCL Law

(equiv.

to LLM)

Among legal

practitioners and legal

academics alike,

Oxford's Bachelor of

Civil Law (BCL) degree

is the most highly

esteemed masters-

level qualification in

the common law

world.

Only those with

outstanding first law

degrees from

common law

jurisdictions are

admitted. http://www.law.ox.ac

.uk/postgraduate/bcl.

php

?

BCL students choose their

courses from a selection of 30 or

so. Each student takes either 3

or 4 BCL courses. Teaching on

the BCL is shared between the

faculty and the colleges. A

typical BCL course might have

one or two faculty-level events

per week (e.g. a seminar and a

lecture). At some point in the

year there will also be a course

of three or four tutorials in each

course at college level. A tutorial

is an hour or so of intensive

discussion between one tutor

and typically two or three

students. All examinations

(except the essay-based

examination for Jurisprudence

and Political Theory) take place

at the end of the year, in early

July.

http://www.law.ox.ac.uk/postgr

aduate/bcl.php

(For more info on courses /

teaching and support etc see

also

http://www.law.ox.ac.uk/publis

hed/postgraduate/Provision_for

_PGT_students.pdf )

The BCL examiners

report has some

useful feedback on

the exams

assessments for

the course, at

http://www.law.ox

.ac.uk/published/b

clexam.pdf

(see also the BCL

programme

specification doc at

http://www.law.ox

.ac.uk/published/b

clprog.pdf )

For Programme

Objectives and

Learning Methods

see the Bcl

Programme

Specification 2008

document at

http://www.law.ox.a

c.uk/published/bclpr

og.pdf - worth

reading in full

Students are expected to analyse

complex material critically and to

consider it from different

perspectives. Attention to legal

puzzles is often combined with

discussion of underlying policy

problems, and you are expected to

make your own contribution to the

debate.

http://www.law.ox.ac.uk/postgrad

uate/bcl.php

(see also the BCL programme

specification doc at

http://www.law.ox.ac.uk/publishe

d/bclprog.pdf )

17

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

UCL

LLM Law

UCL Laws is based in

the heart of London,

close to the legal city,

major library

resources and the

West End. The

Institute of Advanced

Legal Studies, which

hosts lectures and

seminars, and has its

own extensive

library, is close by.

UCL Laws has a

remarkable teaching

and research

community,

demonstrated by the

talent and

achievement of its

students, faculty, and

alumni. We are

deeply committed to

the quality and

relevance of our

graduate education.

Students are taught

by internationally

renowned academics,

at the cutting edge of

their fields, and

leading legal

practitioners from

some of the major

City firms.


The programme is

suitable for law students

who wish to practice in

specialist areas of law

and/or pursue further

doctoral studies. Our

LLM attracts students

from all parts of the

world, providing

students from the UK

and abroad with unique

opportunities for formal

and informal critical

comparative analysis.

First destinations of

recent graduates

include: Ernst & Young:

Tax Advisor, UCL

Business Plc: Legal

Affairs and Intellectual

Property Manager,

Transport for London:

Lawyer, Price

Waterhouse Coopers:

Trainee Solicitor,

Ministry of Justice:

Lawyer, Mehmet Gun &

Partners: Trainee

Lawyer, Far East

International Company

Ltd. Legal Consultant,

Freshfields Bruckhaus

Deringer: Competition

Law Intern, Linklater's:

Associate Lawyer, BAE

Students undertake four

courses to the value of

180 credits. One course is

assessed through the

dissertation.

To specialise in a

particular field of law,

students must study

three full courses (or half

course equivalents)

within that specialisation.

(See also a more detailed

programme structure

outline at

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/law

s/prospective/llm/index.s

html?llm_programme )

The programme is

delivered through

lectures, seminars,

tutorials, research

exercises and guided self-

study. Most of the

courses are supported by

a dedicated website

containing materials, links

and news on the subject.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/pro

spective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/TMLL

AWSING07

The programme is

assessed through

unseen examination,

coursework and the

research dissertation.


rospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/TML

LAWSING07

Assessment in 135

credits worth of

courses (i.e., three 45-

credit courses or a

combination of 45 and

22.5-credit courses) is

by examination,

coursework essay or a

combination of both.

Details of specific

course assessment can

be found on the course

summary pages.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/l

aws/prospective/llm/in

dex.shtml?llm_subjects

For one of the 45-credit

courses you have

selected as part of your

180 credits for the

programme, you

choose to be assessed

by 9,000-word

dissertation; the

dissertation replaces

Students are

equipped with

the forensic legal

skills and

knowledge

which can

usefully be

applied in

further study,

the legal

profession,

public service or

industry. They

develop a

knowledge and

understanding of

law in its

context, the

skills necessary

for advanced

issues in law and

a capacity for

individual

research.

http://www.ucl.

ac.uk/prospectiv

e-

students/gradua

te-

study/degrees/p

gt/TMLLAWSING

07

Intellectual - develop

expertise in a range of

subjects; acquire a

systematic

understanding of these

along with a critical

appreciation of the

problems that arise from

these fields;

demonstrate originality

in the application of

knowledge together with

a practical understanding

of how established

research techniques are

used to create and

interpret knowledge;

develop your research

and writing skills through

assessed essays and the

9,000-word dissertation.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/la

ws/prospective/llm/inde

x.shtml?llm_programme

Subject-specific – The

LLM programme

provides a platform for

students who wish to

acquire expertise central

to an understanding of

how law works in a

global environment or

who wish to pursue

doctoral studies at a

later date. A large variety

18

/prospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/T

MLLAWSING07

(See also details of

law faculty centres

etc at


/laws/prospective/ll

m/)

Systems: Legal Assistant,

House of Commons:

Parliamentary

Researcher, L'Oreal In-

House Lawyer, Herbert

Smith PLC Trainee

Lawyer, Foreign and

Commonwealth Office:

Human Rights

Consultant and UCL Law

Department:

Researcher.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/pr

ospective-

students/graduate-


AWSING07

LLM courses are taught

by a variety of lectures,

seminars and tutorials,

and the teachers will

discuss the method of

delivery at the outset of

the course. Each course

will have teaching every

week during terms one

and two in the form of a

2-hour lecture or

seminar. In general

courses with a large

number of students will

have lectures and

additional tutorials, and

courses with smaller

numbers will have

seminars. Seminars and

tutorials involve

discussions and typically

students are expected to

lead these discussions

around a set topic under

the guidance of a teacher.

In some seminars and

tutorials you will be

expected to work in

teams and make

presentations to the rest

of the group. http://www.ucl.ac.uk/law

s/prospective/llm/index.s

html?llm_programme

the standard

assessment for that 45-

credit course. You

choose a selected topic

of law from this course

and submit the

dissertation on the 1st

September in the year

following entry to the

programme.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/l

aws/prospective/llm/in

dex.shtml?llm_program

me

of courses are offered,

with an opportunity to

take grouped courses for

the award of the LLM

with a named

specialisation.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/pr

ospective-

students/graduate-


AWSING07

19

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT

SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING,

LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

LSE

MSc International

Development

A high quality

academic training

in development

studies, examining

the importance of

contemporary

theory in the

social sciences for

the policy and

practice of

development.

A wide range of

choice in optional

courses within the

School so that you

can deepen or

widen your

disciplinary

training, or take

up the advanced

study of a

particular region

of the developing

world. Flexibility

of dissertation

topics in the MSc

Development

Studies allows you

to shape your

studies to your

needs.

The Department

of International

Development brin

gs together an

This degree is

intended for those

with experience of

work in

development in

government and

non-governmental

organizations as

administrators,

planners or

technical

specialists, for

those who wish to

take up such work

and also for those

who intend

undertaking

research on

development

problems (for

whom it will

provide an

appropriate

preparation for a

doctoral

programme).

Recent graduates

are already

employed in

responsible

positions in

Government,

NGOs,

international firms

and banks.

MSc Development

Studies students

follow one

compulsory core

course,

Development:

Theory, History

and Policy,

optional courses

(to the value of 2

units), a research

methods course

and produce a

10,000 word

dissertation. The

two optional

courses can be

chosen from

courses offered

within the

Department or

from a wide range

of offerings from

other

Departments &

Institutes within

the School such as

Anthropology,

Demography,

Economic History,

Economics,

Government,

Geography,

Information

Systems,

?

Postgraduate

work in

Development

Studies has to

take account of

the considerable

disciplinary range

and of the

necessary

engagement with

economics.

Anyone who

wishes

successfully to

undertake

research or

practical work in

the field of

development

needs to have a

high level of

competence in

one of the core

disciplines and

also be open to

approaches from

neighbouring

disciplines, partly

through

familiarity with

various

frameworks and

key concepts,

through which it

has been sought

It offers high quality

academic training

for development

studies, examining

the importance of

contemporary

theory in the social

sciences for the

policy and practice

of development.

http://www2.lse.ac.

uk/internationalDev

elopment/study/ms

cDevelopmentStudi

es.aspx

20

exciting group of

European and

international

students with a

diversity of

academic and

professional

backgrounds who

have gone on to

establish an

international

alumni network

involved in

development

research and

practice.

http://www2.lse.a

c.uk/study/gradua

te/taughtProgram

mes2011/MScDev

elopmentStudies.

aspx

http://www2.lse.a

c.uk/international

Development/stu

dy/mscDevelopm

entStudies.aspx

Recent graduates

have gained

employment in

government, non-

governmental

organisations

(NGOs),

international firms

and banks, or

have gone on to

obtain PhDs in

development

studies or other

social science

disciplines.

http://www2.lse.a

c.uk/study/gradua

te/taughtProgram

mes2011/MScDev

elopmentStudies.

aspx

International

Relations,

Management,

Social Policy,

Sociology, Law

and Gender.

http://www2.lse.a

c.uk/international

Development/stu

dy/mscDevelopm

entStudies.aspx

(See also courses /

structure detail

http://www2.lse.ac.

uk/study/graduate/

taughtProgrammes

2011/MScDevelopm

entStudies.aspx )

to integrate

different

perspectives on

central problems

of social

development and

change. This is

what the MSc

programme aims

to achieve.

http://www2.lse.a

c.uk/international

Development/stu

dy/mscDevelopm

entStudies.aspx

21

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD

IT SUIT

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

LEARNING OUTCOMES

TEACHING,

LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

LSE

MSc

Economics

Study in one of the

largest economics

departments in the

world, renowned

for its research and

contributions to

the development of

the subject area.

Our former

students are

employed as

economists in a

wide range of

national and

international

organisations in

government,

international

institutions,

business and

finance.

Approximately one

third of students

proceed to PhD

programmes at LSE

or other leading

universities. http:/

/www2.lse.ac.uk/st

udy/graduate/taug

htProgrammes2011

/MScEconomics.as

px

This MSc is

intended to

equip students

with the tools

of the

professional

economist, for

work in

government,

international

organisations,

business, or as

preparation

for economics

research. Each

year,

approximately

one-third of

graduates go

onto work in

the private

sector, one-

third to the

public sector

and

international

organisations,

and one-third

to pursue

further

education.

http://econ.lse

.ac.uk/study/p

rogrammes/m

scecon.html

Although extensive use is

made of mathematics, this

is primarily to facilitate

analysis (students

interested in a more

mathematically oriented

course should apply for the

MSc Econometrics and

Mathematical Economics).

This degree can also be

taken over two years for

those students whose first

degree did not specialise in

economics. Students who

successfully complete the

examinations in the

preliminary year will be

awarded a Diploma in

Economics, and those

meeting the required

standard will be permitted

to proceed to the MSc.

Please refer to MSc

Economics (Two Year

Programme).

http://econ.lse.ac.uk/study/

programmes/mscecon.html

See also

http://www2.lse.ac.uk/stud

y/graduate/taughtProgram

mes2011/MScEconomics.as

px

Academic-year programme.

Students must take three

compulsory courses, one

optional course and a

dissertation linked to the

optional course as shown.

Students are also required

to attend EC400

Introductory Course in

Mathematics and Statistics.

http://www.lse.ac.uk/resou

rces/calendar/programmeR

egulations/taughtMasters/2

010_MScEconomics.htm

(Also gives a list of course

options)

To succeed on the

programme you need to

prove that you can work

to a high standard and

have excellent analytical

ability; the core

economics and

econometrics courses

assume a knowledge of

constrained optimisation,

matrix algebra and basic

statistics.


udy/graduate/taughtProg

rammes2011/MScEconom

ics.aspx

Subject to attaining the

required grades,

students may progress

to the MRes/PhD

Programme. Those

intending from the

outset of their studies

to pursue a research

training, can apply for

the MSc Economics

(Research). See The

PhD Programme in

Economics for details.

http://econ.lse.ac.uk/st

udy/programmes/msce

con.html

The MSc Economics is

intended to equip

you with the main

tools of the

professional

economist, whether

you intend working in

government,

international

organisations or

business



ghtProgrammes2011/

MScEconomics.aspx

The degree is

based on

rigorous training

in core areas of

economics and

an optional

specialisation.

http://econ.lse.a

c.uk/study/progr

ammes/mscecon

.html

The degree

concentrates

on the core

elements of

economic

theory and

econometrics.

Although

extensive use

is made of

mathematics,

this is primarily

to facilitate

analysis

http://www2.l

se.ac.uk/study

/graduate/taug

htProgrammes

2011/MScEcon

omics.aspx

22

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT

SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING,

LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

Cambridge

MPhil Economics

This course has

evolved in response

to the changing

academic needs and

priorities and will

equip students with

the qualifications,

analytical capacities

and skills required

to undertake a

career as a

professional

economist in

business or

government.

http://www.admin.

cam.ac.uk/offices/g

radstud/prospec/st

udying/qualifdir/co

urses/fcec/

This degree is

specifically aimed at

candidates who are

interested in

undertaking a

master’s degree

that will give them

the training

required to

undertake a career

as a professional

economist working

for, say, the UK

Government

Economic Service or

an economics

consultancy.

http://www.econ.ca

m.ac.uk/prospect/n

ewmphil/Economics

/index.html

Each student will

take eight modules

plus a dissertation.

One module is

equivalent to

eighteen hours of

lectures.

http://www.econ.ca

m.ac.uk/prospect/n

ewmphil/Economics

/index.html (Also

gives more detailed

course structure

and module

options)

http://www.econ.ca

m.ac.uk/prospect/n

ewmphil/Economics

/index.html

Students will be

examined on

Microeconomics I,

Macroeconomics I

and Econometrics I

in January and on

the remaining five

modules in the

middle of May. Each

module accounts

for 10% of the

overall mark and

the dissertation

accounts for 20% of

the overall mark.

http://www.econ.ca

m.ac.uk/prospect/n

ewmphil/Economics

/index.html

23

LANGUAGES AND CULTURES

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS

SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT SUIT

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

LEARNING OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

Cambridge

South

Asian

studies

?

The MPhil in Modern

South Asian Studies is a

postgraduate course

with a substantial

research component. It

is designed both for

students who want to

enhance their

understanding of the

social, cultural, political

and economic history

and present condition

of South Asia and for

those who want to go

on to further primary

research. It provides

intensive research and

language training for

those who wish to go

on to prepare a

doctoral dissertation,

but it is also a

freestanding

postgraduate degree

course in its own right.

http://www.admin.cam

.ac.uk/offices/gradstud

/prospec/studying/qual

ifdir/courses/hssa/

The core course will consist

of twelve weeks of lectures

or seminars, outlined

below, which will take place

during the Michaelmas

Term and the first half of

the Lent Term. The

language element of the

degree will run throughout

the year, while the options

will be taught during the

eight weeks of Michaelmas

Term and in two-hour

lecture /seminars, the

format variable according

to what individual teachers

consider most appropriate.

In addition, there will be a

strong element of research

training, some of which will

also be assessed.

The second half of the Lent

Term and the Easter Term

will be devoted to the

production of a

dissertation, which must be

between 15,000 and 20,000

words http://www.s-

asian.cam.ac.uk/course.htm

l

Assessment consists of

two parts: coursework

and a dissertation. Both

parts must be passed.

The coursework will

count for 50% of the final

mark. Students will

submit one essay of no

more than 5,000 words

for the core course (20%)

by the last day of the Lent

Term and option(s) taken

(15% ) on the first day of

Lent Term. The 15%

allocated to language

training will be assessed

by an oral and a three-

hour written examination

in the Easter Term. The

dissertation will count for

50% of the final mark.

http://www.s-

asian.cam.ac.uk/assessm

ent.html

(See also http://www.s-

asian.cam.ac.uk/handboo

k.pdf )

Intellectual – dissertation

supervision - The

supervisor's role is to help

students clarify and

develop their own ideas,

not impose his or her

own interests on the

subject. Students should

not expect to be 'spoon-

fed' by their supervisors.

Graduate students in

Cambridge are expected

to have the capacity and

enthusiasm for organizing

their own research and

working largely on their

own initiative.

http://www.s-

asian.cam.ac.uk/assessm

ent.html

Subject-based - The

MPhil aims to introduce

students to the latest

research topics, methods

and debates in South

Asian studies at an

advanced level.

http://www.admin.cam.a

c.uk/offices/gradstud/pro

spec/studying/qualifdir/c

ourses/hssa/

Intellectual - provides a

structured introduction to

key debates in South Asian

history, development

economics, politics and

sociology through a variety

of intensive courses; offers

close supervision in

undertaking an original

research project.

Subject-based practical - It

provides training in the use

of printed, manuscript and

other sources relevant to

South Asian studies. It

provides essential language

training in Hindi and Urdu.

Transferable - offers

training in the advanced use

of library and archival

facilities and the

appropriate use of

electronic databases for the

location, identification and

evaluation of source

materials.

http://www.admin.cam.ac.

uk/offices/gradstud/prospe

c/studying/qualifdir/course

s/hssa/

24

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS

SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT SUIT

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

LEARNING OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

Oxford

MSt

Chinese

Studies

(although

here

based in

A&H)

? See the

Faculty of

Oriental

Studies

website at

http://ww

w.orinst.o

x.ac.uk/

for general

info on the

faculty,

but not

much on

individual

courses

? The website only has a 1-

page summary with course

outline / details.

http://www.orinst.ox.ac.uk/

ea/chinese/mst_chinese_gu

ide.html

3 course essays and a

15,000 word dissertation.

The written assessments

may also be assessed

orally.

http://www.orinst.ox.ac.

uk/ea/chinese/mst_chine

se_guide.html

? ?

25

UNI

COURSE


WHO WOULD IT SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

UCL

SSEES

MA

Russian

Studies

The Russian Studies MA draws on the

unique area studies expertise at The UCL

School of Slavonic and East European

Studies (SSEES) to offer a choice of

courses unparalleled in depth and

breadth, ranging from Russia's medieval

history to its contemporary politics, from

19th-century literature to 21st-century

film.

The programme is designed for students

who have little or no prior experience of

the study of Russia as well as those who

have undertaken Russian studies at BA

level, who wish to develop their

knowledge and understanding of Russia

from a multidisciplinary perspective.

The UCL School of Slavonic and East

European Studies (SSEES) is one of the

world's leading specialist institutions, and

the largest national centre in the UK, for

the study of Central, Eastern and South-

East Europe and Russia.

Located on the edge of Bloomsbury,

SSEES offers an ideal location for

scholars. The British Library, British

Museum, University of London Library

and other similar research centres are all

close by.

The SSEES Library is unequalled in Britain

for the depth and breadth of its

collections, the majority of which are on

open access in the SSEES building.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-

students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/TMARUSSING01

With their specialist

knowledge and language

skills, SSEES Masters

graduates can be found in

business, finance, the media,

international agencies,

charities, diplomacy,

international security

organisations, the law, and

academe.

Recent employer destinations

include: Independent

Television News; The Financial

Times; The Foreign and

Commonwealth Office; The

Organisation for Economic Co-

operation and Development

(OECD); NATO; Government

Communication Headquarters

(GCHQ); Amnesty

International;

PricewaterhouseCoopers;

Chase Manhattan; The Bank

of England; The European

Union

Some graduates advise the

Russian, Polish, American, and

other governments, and the

European Commission.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospec

tive-students/graduate-

study/degrees/pgt/TMARUSSI

NG01

Students

undertake

courses to the

value of 180

credits.

The programme

consists of one

language course

(40 credits),

optional courses

(80 credits) and

a research

dissertation (60

credits).

See for further

programme

details

http://www.ucl.

ac.uk/prospectiv

e-

students/gradua

te-

study/degrees/p

gt/TMARUSSING

01

(And also for

further course

details see

http://www.ssee

s.ucl.ac.uk/prosp

ect/ma_rus.htm)

Assessment is

carried out

through

unseen

examinations,

long essays,

course work

and the

research

dissertation. http://www.uc

l.ac.uk/prospe

ctive-

students/grad

uate-

study/degrees

/pgt/TMARUS

SING01

Russian culture

is explored from

a variety of

perspectives.

Students

specialise in

literature and

culture, social

sciences or

history, or

combine courses

into an

interdisciplinary

programme.

They are

encouraged to

develop their

research skills,

and many

choose to learn

Russian, or

improve their

command of

Russian, through

a language

course.

http://www.ucl.

ac.uk/prospectiv

e-

students/gradua

te-

study/degrees/p

gt/TMARUSSING

01

Intellectual - . Students

are also encouraged to take a methodology course to develop their research skills.

http://www.ssees.ucl.ac.uk

/prospect/ma_rus.htm

Subject-specific - The

programme is delivered

through a combination of

lectures, seminars,

laboratory sessions,

workshops, film viewings,

tutorials and specialist

language courses.



study/degrees/pgt/TMARUS

SING01

Students can choose to explore Russian culture from a variety of perspectives, whether by

specialising in literature and culture, social sciences or history, or by combining more than one discipline into an interdisciplinary degree. In addition, many MA students choose to learn Russian for the first time, or to improve their existing command of Russian, by taking one of

the three Russian-language courses offered within the MA.

http://www.ssees.ucl.ac.uk

/prospect/ma_rus.htm

26

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES


LSE

MSc Gender

Studies

(Gender

Institute)

The opportunity

to study within a

specialist

Institute located

in the only UK

university

devoted entirely

to the social

sciences.

http://www2.lse.

ac.uk/study/grad

uate/taughtProgr

ammes2011/MSc

Gender.aspx

Our students go on to

work in varied career

paths: research and

consultancy for

government and non-

governmental

organisations (NGOs)

in developed and less

developed countries,

international

organisations,

personnel work, the

legal profession and

in education.



ghtProgrammes2011/

MScGender.aspx

For the Gender core

course, you will have

one and a half hour

blocks of lectures

followed by linked

seminars. There will be

a series of compulsory

dissertation workshops

in the Lent term. The

Gender Institute holds

public lectures and

workshops with

eminent academics

visiting London

throughout the year.

All students on the MSc

Gender will have an

academic adviser who

will be allocated upon

arrival. Dissertation

supervision is allocated

in the Lent term.


study/graduate/taughtP

rogrammes2011/MScG

ender.aspx

(See also for more

details of programme

structure


genderInstitute/study/

mastersprogrammes/H

ome.aspx )

Dissertation

and ?

The opportunity

to develop

expertise in the

fullest possible

range of gender

theories, and

stress the

significance of

gender for

knowledge and

research design.

http://www2.lse.

ac.uk/study/grad

uate/taughtProgr

ammes2011/MSc

Gender.aspx

Intellectual - The MSc Gender

(Research) degree combines a

thorough grounding in

contemporary theories of gender

with advanced training in

quantitative and qualitative

research methodologies. You will

take part of your degree

programme in LSE's Methodology

Institute, which is a base for cross-

disciplinary research and teaching

in the broad area of social science

methodology.

Subject – specific - Our

interdisciplinary approach enables

students to consider theories of

gender from a range of

perspectives, develop a critical

appreciation of different theories

of gender and its application, and

use the analysis of gender relations

as a basis of research.

We emphasise global gender

relations. Globalisation, war and

conflict, sexuality, migration,

postcoloniality, representation,

employment, media, history - all

these are gendered phenomena

and deepen our understanding of

gender in turn.

http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/grad

uate/taughtProgrammes2011/MSc

Gender.aspx

27

UNI

COURSE


WHO WOULD IT SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

KCL

MA Late

Antique and

Byzantine

Studies

The holdings of King's

Burrows Library of Byzantine

Studies (at the Maughan

Library) are among the

strongest outside Greece.

World leading research and

teaching.

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/prospec

tus/graduate/index/name/lat

e_antique_and_byzantine_stu

dies/alpha/ABC/header_searc

h//keyword/byzantine_studie

s

The MA in Late Antique and

Byzantine Studies offers the

opportunity to specialize in an

exciting and multi-faceted

field of study that covers the

history and culture of the

Eastern Mediterranean world

during the long millennium

from the foundation of

Constantinople (modern

Istanbul) in 324 to the fall of

the Byzantine empire in 1453.


tus/graduate/details/name/la

te_antique_and_byzantine_st

udies/alpha/ABC/header_sear

ch//keyword/byzantine_studi

es

Leads to careers in

research or teaching,

cultural management,

general management,

civil service and banking.

Student destinations -

Research in our

department and

elsewhere in the UK, EU

and US; teaching, cultural

management, general

management, civil

service, banking.

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/pro

spectus/graduate/index/

name/late_antique_and_

byzantine_studies/alpha/

ABC/header_search//key

word/byzantine_studies

For students whose

previous training has

been in a related subject

in the humanities. To give

a grounding in the

subject, with a language-

training element in

medieval Greek or Latin. http://www.kcl.ac.uk/pro

spectus/graduate/details/





Study core

modules in

Medieval Greek or

Latin Language,

Methods &

Techniques, with

further choice of

modules taught at

King’s, Birkbeck,

Royal Holloway

and UCL.

http://www.kcl.ac.

uk/prospectus/gra

duate/index/name

/late_antique_and

_byzantine_studies

/alpha/ABC/heade

r_search//keyword

/byzantine_studies

(See also

http://www.kcl.ac.

uk/prospectus/gra

duate/structure/na

me/late_antique_a

nd_byzantine_stud

ies/alpha/ABC/hea

der_search//keyw

ord/byzantine_stu

dies for a very

detailed

description of the

courses and

structure)

Taught core and

optional

modules

assessed by

coursework

and/or

examination plus

a compulsory

dissertation

which accounts

for 25 per cent

of the total

marks.

http://www.kcl.a

c.uk/prospectus/

graduate/structu

re/name/late_an

tique_and_byzan

tine_studies/alp

ha/ABC/header_

search//keyword

/byzantine_studi

es

International expertise

in the fields of, the

language and history of

the Late Roman and

Byzantine periods;

particular areas of

current research are

charity and

remembrance in the

Palaiologan period,

material culture of

Cyprus in the Byzantine

period, archaeology

and epigraphy of Asia

Minor, middle

Byzantine literary

culture.


rospectus/graduate/ind

ex/name/late_antique_

and_byzantine_studies

/alpha/ABC/header_se

arch//keyword/byzanti

ne_studies

Intellectual and Subject-

specific - The degree

allows students, through

the numerous modules

on offer, to acquire

expertise in the necessary

research skills (ancient

languages, palaeography,

epigraphy, papyrology)

and in a variety of

disciplines (history,

literature, material

culture, philosophy).

A research skill, to be

chosen from: Language

(medieval Greek or Latin),

Greek Palaeography,

Elementary Greek

Palaeography, Latin

Paleography, Latin

Epigraphy, Greek

Epigraphy, Greek

Papyrology, an

appropriate module from

the MA in Digital

Humanities, another

language);

*A special subject.

*A dissertation.







28

UNI

COURSE


WHO WOULD IT SUIT

PROGRAMME

STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT

SUMMARY

LEARNING OUTCOMES

TEACHING, LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

KCL

MA Modern

Greek Studies

(Literature)

Four pathways are available

each with a different

specialism. Unique

combination of facilities for

research and learning

including premier collection of

Greek publications in

Maughan Library and the

Centre for Hellenic Studies.

The only programme in the

UK, and one of the few in the

world, that provides this level

of specialist teaching in the

field of Modern Greek

Literature within a one-year

format. Unique combination

of facilities for research and

learning in the subject:.Major

lectures, seminars and an

international conference

every 2 years organised by the

Centre for Hellenic Studies

bring scholars from Greece,

Cyprus, or other countries,

providing an unrivalled

research environment for the

aspiring student.


tus/graduate/index/name/mo

dern_greek_studies__obr_lite

rature_cbr_/alpha/ABC/heade

r_search//keyword/byzantine

_studies

Ideal for further academic

study; work in civil

service, teaching,

journalism.


spectus/graduate/index/

name/modern_greek_stu

dies__obr_literature_cbr

_/alpha/ABC/header_sea

rch//keyword/byzantine_

studies

No Core content.

Optional modules

may include:

Practical criticism

(40 credits); Greek

poetry in the

twentieth century

(40 credits); Cavafy

reader and read

(40 credits);

Additional/alternat

ive modules may

be selected from

one or more of the

following

programmes,

subject to

availability:

MA Comparative

Literature

MA Modern Greek

Studies

(interdisciplinary)

http://www.kcl.ac.

uk/prospectus/gra

duate/structure/na

me/modern_greek

_studies__obr_lite

rature_cbr_/alpha/

ABC/header_searc

h//keyword/byzant

ine_studies

Dissertation;

coursework

written in

students' own

time; written

examinations

http://www.kcl.a

c.uk/prospectus/

graduate/structu

re/name/moder

n_greek_studies

__obr_literature

_cbr_/alpha/ABC

/header_search/

/keyword/byzant

ine_studies

This programme leads

to a discipline-based

degree with specialism

in Greek literature

(poetry and fiction), in

comparative and

historical context, with

a primary focus on the

19th and 20th

centuries, studied in

relation to the theory

and practice of literary

criticism and analysis.


rospectus/graduate/de

tails/name/modern_gr

eek_studies__obr_liter

ature_cbr_/alpha/ABC/

header_search//keywo

rd/byzantine_studies

Subject-specific - Major

topics covered: poetry

and fiction of the 20th

century;

Intellectual

(Transferable?)- close

reading of texts;

comparative literary

context



name/modern_greek_stu

dies__obr_literature_cbr

_/alpha/ABC/header_sea

rch//keyword/byzantine_

studies

29

UNI

COURSE

WHAT IS

SPECIAL

ABOUT IT

WHO WOULD IT

SUIT

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

LEARNING

OUTCOMES

TEACHING,

LEARNING,

ASSESSMENT

Cambridge

MPhil

Linguistics

The MPhil caters

both for students

who want a course in

linguistics generally,

and for those who

wish to specialise in

particular sub-

disciplines of

linguistics or in the

linguistics of certain

language areas. For

the latter, there are

several 'pathways', as

explained below. All

students are required

to follow courses in

'Research Methods'

and 'Linguistic

Theory'. Beyond that,

each student will

follow his or her own

'Study Plan', which

allows the individual

interests, needs, and

strengths of the

student to be met.

http://www.mml.ca

m.ac.uk/ling/courses

/pgrad/mphil.html

The course structure allows

great flexibility in combining

areas. It provides for

flexible combinations of

work in any of the core

areas of theoretical and

descriptive linguistics,

ranging for instance from

formal syntax to

experimental phonetics

(including speech

production and perception).

A piece of work may have

as its focus the

development of an

argument in linguistic

theory, the description of

some aspect of a language

or its use, an issue in

historical linguistics, a

psycho-phonetic

experiment, and so on. The

various pieces of work may

relate to any language or

combination of languages

subject to adequate advice

being available for the topic

in question. The majority of

students will follow this

course structure. However,

some students may wish to

The scheme of examination for the

one-year course of study in

Linguistics for the degree of Master

of Philosophy shall consist of:

(a) a thesis 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;

(b) three essays of which two 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 the topic

of the second seminar in Lent Term.

The examination shall include an oral

examination on the thesis and on

the general field of knowledge in

which it falls, and, at the discretion

of the Examiners, on the essays

submitted by the candidate; save

30

specialise and opt for a

'pathway' in a particular

field. Pathways allow the

compulsory element of the

course (General Seminar) to

be combined with a

focussed programme of

study in a specific

subdiscipline of linguistics

or a specific language area.

The following pathways will

normally be available. See

furtehr details at

http://www.mml.cam.ac.uk

/ling/courses/pgrad/mphil.

html

that the Examiners may, at their

discretion, waive the requirement

for an oral examination.

http://www.mml.cam.ac.uk/ling/cou

rses/pgrad/mphil.html

31

EXAMPLES OF TRANSFERABLE SKILLS GOOD PRACTICE

UNI

FACULTY / PROGRAMME

UCL

ARTS AND HUMANITIES -

MA ARCHAEOLOGY

The MA in Archaeology programme is highly flexible, and the skills you can gain will depend upon the options you choose, perhaps

involving very practical skills derived from object handling, or computational competencies developed by working with GIS or other

analytical software. In general, though, the MA programme provides training in four main areas:

Research skills: finding, compiling, filtering and synthesising information from disparate sources is a key part of the dissertation

element of the programme. The taught options also encourage you to acquire the ability to read selectively, to prioritise

information, and to organise oral and written presentations of work. The assessed coursework elements of the programme support

you in your writing skills: they help you to write concisely, and to argue your case clearly.

Personal effectiveness: time-keeping and time-management are important to the successful completion of the programme, and

the ability to manage several projects at the same time will be a skill you gain through organising different course readings and

written assignments. Throughout the programme, as you engage in class discussions, produce critical writing, and plan your

research for essays and your dissertation, you will build up your flexibility, open-mindedness, self-discipline, and self-motivation.

Communication skills: written and oral communication skills are vital elements in the programme. In seminars, you will refine your

ability to engage in debate, which entails careful listening as well as speaking. You will also gain formal presentation skills. The

construction of arguments in different contexts and within different time-constraints is a major part of academic training. Writing

in critically-sophisticated but clear language in assignments of different lengths is fostered throughout the programme.

Teamworking and networking: the seminars of an MA degree have a variety of structures. They involve a high proportion of

collaborative learning: the ability to work with others on shared problems or to debate alternative viewpoints is constantly

developed. Some taught options also involve group projects, involving more in-depth co-operation on a presentation or on a

written assignment. Building up networks of contacts is also a key professional skill that the sheer breadth of teaching at the

Institute facilitates. http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/studying/masters/degrees/ma_archaeology/skills

Liverpool

MA Cinema and Politics

• qualitative analytical and critical contextual skills

• skills in research planning

• organisation and project based analytical skills

• advanced written and oral communication skills

• advanced information literacy skills.

http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught_courses/cinema-and-politics-ma.htm

ESCR DOCTORAL

GUIDELINES

http://www.esrc.ac.uk/_images/Postgraduate_Training_and_Development_Guidelines_tcm8-2660.pdf

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SOAS – University of London Academic Development ... · automatically after BA graduation. Therefore the majority of PG taught courses at these universities are labelled as MPhil