Course summary
This MPhil caters both for beginners in Akkadian and those with some previous knowledge of the language. A demanding course, this MPhil delivers competence in the language and specialist knowledge of Mesopotamian culture and social history over a relatively short time. It can be a final degree or serve as the basis for further research using cuneiform documents or material culture. All MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology take a Research Skills module and write a dissertation (15,000 words maximum). For the MPhil in Assyriology students also choose either three modules selected from a list of modules in Assyriology or two modules selected from a list of modules in Assyriology and one two-term module or two one-term modules from a list of optional modules in the Department of Archaeology. Students taking the MPhil in Assyriology must take a minimum of one Language module from the list of modules in Assyriology published by the department. The module choices must be approved by the Director of the MPhil in Assyriology. Modules typically offered include: Akkadian (Introductory Akkadian language and texts or Advanced Akkadian language and texts) Sumerian language and texts (The combination of Sumerian and Akkadian is at the discretion of the course coordinator). Mesopotamian culture (Mesopotamian religion, literature, and scholarship or Mesopotamian society, economy, and politics) Archaeology of Mesopotamia ('Prehistory to early States' or 'States to Empires' ) Not all modules will be available in all years.
Modules
The MPhil in Assyriology delivers competence in language and specialist knowledge of culture and history over a relatively short time. All MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology take a Research Skills module and write a dissertation (15,000 words maximum). The MPhil in Assyriology also includes taught modules, chosen in consultation with the supervisor according to the student's interests. Students may be required to give in-class presentations.
Assessment method
Thesis / Dissertation The dissertation is an extended piece of independent, original research. Students work with their supervisor to formulate a dissertation project, carry out research for it and write it up. The topic of the dissertation has to be approved by the Faculty Degree Committee; the dissertation is of maximum 15,000 words (excluding bibliography, tables, figures and appendices) and is due at the end of July; it counts as 50 per cent of the student’s final mark. Essays Students taking the MPhil in Assyriology are usually required to produce between one and four assessed essays depending on their chosen course of study and the modules they select. The essays are between 3,000 and 4,000 words and are submitted in Michaelmas, Lent and/or Easter terms. Written examination Students taking the MPhil in Assyriology may be required to sit in-class tests for some language modules. For language modules, choice of module is subject to the student’s prior experience in order to ensure that they have the preparation to benefit from the module taken; the course co-ordinator will provide guidance on this. Other Attendance at the relevant Research Skills workshops is required of all MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology. Its mode of assessment may include a research proposal of specified length, and/or an oral presentation (supported by visual aids) to teaching staff and peers. The assessment of Intermediate Akkadian includes assessed coursework in the form of a philological commentary and a content-based commentary. The assessment of Advanced Akkadian includes assessed coursework in the form of a philological commentary and cuneiform copy. Key Information 10 months full-time Master of Philosophy Department of Archaeology Course - related enquiries Application - related enquiries Course on Department Website Dates and deadlines: Michaelmas 2023 (Closed) Funding Deadlines Similar Courses Archaeology PhD
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. A knowledge of French and/or German may be deemed advantageous. Applicants must make clear their reasoning for wanting to study the programme.
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