Course summary
The Hebrew and Pre-Modern History and Culture pathway is designed for highly motivated students who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of the pre-modern Jewish history and culture of North Africa and the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Cairo Genizah manuscripts, together with the research skills necessary to carry out independent primary research work to a high academic standard through engagement with primary sources in Hebrew or another relevant pre-modern Middle Eastern language. Graduates will be well placed to pursue further research in a PhD programme, to use their skills and knowledge in the heritage sector, in education, or in any other field where cultural understanding, linguistic skills and high level critical thinking, analysis and communication skills are needed. Learning Outcomes The Hebrew and Pre-Modern History and Culture pathway will equip its graduates with the skills and knowledge to research independently and effectively the history and literatures of the Jews of pre-modern North Africa and the Middle East, including further development of their skills in reading Hebrew or other Middle Eastern source materials. Graduates will also be able to show a sophisticated understanding of the wider field of Middle Eastern Studies and the ability to communicate their knowledge and their research findings effectively. Continuing All applicants should submit, via the Applicant Portal, a workable and relevant research proposal and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project. Those students who are enrolled in an MPhil by Advanced Studies at the University of Cambridge and wish to continue to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies will be required to obtain at least 67 per cent overall in their MPhil by Advanced Studies degree and satisfy any pre-existing requirements also set by the Degree Committee, i.e. English language requirement. 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.
Modules
Students study three taught modules and write a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words. A core taught module provides a full overview of the wider field of Middle Eastern Studies and on-going training and support in preparation for the dissertation. The two optional modules provide specialist training in specific aspects of the subject. Students are also encouraged to engage in various training courses and reading groups in the department of Middle Eastern Studies, as well as the department’s fortnightly research seminars, and the many other research events taking place across the wider university.
Assessment method
Thesis / Dissertation Students will submit a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words, including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography on a subject approved by the Degree Committee. All MPhil dissertations must include a brief abstract at the start of the dissertation of no more than 400 words. The examiners have the option to conduct an oral examination with the candidate. Essays Students may submit essays as part of their degree: With the approval of the Degree Committee, a student may offer, in place of one or more of the examination papers, the same number of essays, each of not more than 5,000 words, including footnotes, but excluding bibliography, or equivalent Alternative Exercises approved by the Degree Committee. Written examination Students may take examinations as part of their degree: Three written examination papers on subjects approved by the Degree Committee. With the approval of the Degree Committee, a students may offer, in place of one or more of those papers, the same number of essays, each of not more than 5,000 words, including footnotes, but excluding bibliography, or equivalent Alternative Exercises approved by the Degree Committee.
Entry requirements
Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High II.i Honours Degree. If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country. Applicants are expected to have an existing level of competence in Hebrew necessary for the taught papers and dissertation research they plan to undertake (usually at least equivalent to two years full-time study of the language). Those applicants whose native language is not English must have an excellent command of the English language (evidenced by the appropriate English-language test scores). The primary aim of the course is to prepare graduate students for independent academic research. All prospective MPhil applicants are advised to peruse the staff profiles on our website to familiarise themselves with the research and teaching interests of staff members. Applicants should contact potential supervisors by email and discuss potential MPhil dissertation topics.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Cambridge
The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1TN