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MPhil in Polar Studies (Scott Polar Research Institute)

University of Cambridge

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University of Cambridge

Course options

  • Qualification

    MPhil - Master of Philosophy

  • Location

    University of Cambridge

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    01-OCT-25

  • Duration

    9 months

Course summary

The aims of the course are to provide an understanding of key contemporary research problems in a range of disciplines in either the humanities and social sciences or physical sciences relating to the Arctic and Antarctica, and for students to undertake original research on a topic selected in consultation with members of staff.

The MPhil in Polar Studies consists of two Strands (Social Sciences and Humanities; and Physical Sciences), each composed of two Modules. Lecture and seminar-based teaching take place in the Michaelmas term. The remaining two terms are devoted to a research-led dissertation.

The course is examined through the submission of three essays and the dissertation. Dissertation topics are agreed with supervisors and are closely integrated with the ongoing research activities of the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI).

Learning Outcomes

The outcomes of the course are achieved both through focused study of specialised aspects of research on the Arctic and Antarctic, either in terms of social sciences and humanities or the physical sciences, and through the development of research skills and methods. The following outcomes of student learning are sought: Knowledge and Understanding.

That students acquire knowledge of important contemporary polar research questions in a range of contexts. Students gain an understanding of histories, cultural transformation and governance in the Arctic and Antarctic, or of the physical processes at work in these regions, how these have changed in the past and are changing currently, and the methods and techniques for investigating them.

That students gain familiarity with an appropriate range of intellectual, theoretical and methodological traditions relevant to the study of the Arctic and Antarctic. For the Social Sciences and Humanities strand, students draw on material from disciplines such as geography, anthropology, political science and history, and understand the significance of different epistemological positions that provide the context for research. For the Physical Sciences strand, students will become familiar with theories and empirical work from, amongst other areas, the fields of glaciology, oceanography and atmospheric science, as well as with field-based, remote sensing and modelling techniques used in polar research.

Application deadline

26 March 2024

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 31,860per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge

  • University League Table

    1st

  • Campus address

    University of Cambridge, The Old Schools, Trinity Lane, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1TN, England

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Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    Geology

    1st out of 30

  • Entry standards

    / Max 229
    228 99%

    2nd

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    94.0 94%

    3rd

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    n/a

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