Course summary
This MPhil provides initial research training and aims to develop students' linguistic and methodological skills. It also provides a foundation for students wishing to continue their research at the doctoral level. This MPhil is only suitable for those with demonstrable experience and ability in independent academic research. Learning Outcomes At the end of the MPhil programme, students will be expected to have: acquired, where appropriate, the ability to read, interpret and translate primary sources in Modern and/or classical Korean acquired a good knowledge of the general scholarship on modern and/or classical Korean culture(s) acquired an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their thesis developed the ability to formulate original research questions and to produce a well-constructed argument to answer them in the form of an independent piece of research based on the use of primary and secondary sources developed independent library- and internet-based research skills concomitant with the successful completion of a Masters-level degree Continuing Applicants for the PhD should submit a research proposal on an interesting and workable topic via the Applicant Portal 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. Applicants will also be required to obtain a Pass in the MPhil by Research.
Modules
1: Dissertation (50 per cent of the grade) In their dissertation, students will be required to demonstrate research competence using Korean-language sources, and to conduct research that addresses contemporary and/or historical issues of relevance to Korea. Prospective students are asked to contact potential supervisors before applying to Cambridge to ensure that an appropriate supervisor is available. One-on-one supervisions will be held by the main supervisors and will take place typically at the beginning of the academic year and in the Easter term. In addition, the required Researcher Development Seminar (JM1 or EA1) will help guide students through the research process. 2: Three papers (50 per cent of the grade) Each of the three papers (a paper is an exam for which teaching is provided) is assessed either by a research essay of maximum 5,000 words or an alternative exercise agreed by the Degree Committee and counts for one-sixth of the total grade (ie 16.67 per cent). Please note that papers are usually only offered if there are at least two takers. Modules offered vary according to the staff available each academic year and the interests of students. Additional papers may be introduced. Please consult your potential supervisor to discuss the options available.
Assessment method
Thesis / Dissertation For the Korean Studies pathway, 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 Three written examination papers on subjects approved by the Degree Committee. Students may submit essays as part of their degree in place of written examinations. Essays are not more than 5,000 words, including footnotes, but excluding bibliography. Students may apply to the Degree Committee for approval of an equivalent alternative exercise. Written examination For the Korean Studies pathway, students may take examinations as part of their degree: Some papers may be assessed by written examination, as described in "form and conduct". With the approval of the Degree Committee, a student 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.
Entry requirements
Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Good II.i Honours Degree. If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country. High II.i or a first at BA level from a UK university or equivalent. Prior exposure to the Korean language is preferred but not essential.
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
Provider information
University of Cambridge
The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1TN