Course summary

The MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research (South Asian Studies) is a one-year research-only programme designed for highly motivated students who wish to pursue an extended research project on some aspect of South Asian Studies through sources in Sanskrit. The MPhil offers an in-depth introduction to South Asia’s seminal textual sources, significant language skills to interpret and analyse such sources, an understanding of the relevant historiographical and theoretical issues, and methodology training. Graduates will be able to work independently to design research projects and will have an in-depth knowledge of the Sanskrit primary sources and secondary literature in their chosen specialism in South Asian Studies. They will be very well placed to study for a PhD, and will also be in a position to use their skills and knowledge in other professions and activities where advanced research skills and independent critical thinking, analysis and communication skills are needed. The programme is appropriate for students who have already had some previous training in Sanskrit. Learning Outcomes The South Asian Studies research pathway develops its graduates’ ability to develop a research project, to research independently using Sanskrit sources and the related secondary literature, and to communicate those findings effectively. Graduates also develop their ability to read, interpret and translate primary sources in Sanskrit, acquire a good knowledge of current scholarship on South Asian Studies, and acquire an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their thesis. Continuing Applicants for the PhD should submit, via the Applicant Portal, a research proposal on an interesting and workable topic and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project. Admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each applicant on their own merits and in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations.