Students can opt to take a one-year Master’s by Research (MbyRes) degree offered by the Department of Anthropology where they conduct independent research into a specific project and write a dissertation that is either socially (MA by Research) or biologically-oriented (MSc by Research). The degree can also be taken part-time over two years (not applicable for international students). We recommend this degree only to students who have a first degree in anthropology (and or a taught Master’s degree) and who are ready to conduct a longer research project within a one-year period.
Staff members in the Department advertise specific projects that can be taken up by prospective students, but we also accept students who have their own viable project that can be completed in the space of one year. Students are supervised by two staff members during their course of study. Most MbyRes students undertake fieldwork for approximately three-months. In some cases, able students with a suitable project can convert a MbyRes project into a PhD over a longer period (minimum of three years). The normal timetable for completion of a MbyRes degree is shown below for students who enter the University at the start of the University year. There are options to also start a programme in January. Opportunities exist to audit taught courses during the year of study.
Training Courses
Refining research questions
Writing background chapter and literature review as progression script
Developing methods
Providing timeline for projected completion
Applying for ethics
Completing progression
Finalising fieldwork plans (if applicable)
Beginning fieldwork where possible
Collecting and analysing data
Beginning write-up
Completion Review
Completing write-up
Submission of thesis in September
We offer two Masters by Research degrees in Anthropology. The MA in Sociocultural Anthropology by Research and the MSc in Evolutionary Anthropology by Research are one year full-time courses of supervised research. You can also register to study for these qualifications part-time. In this case the length of your course will be at least twice the length for full-time study.
Research students work closely with a supervisory team to undertake a substantial piece of research which must be written up in the form of a thesis. In addition, research students are required to undertake research training, provided by both the university and the department.
To be accepted for a research degree you must show that you have appropriate training to work independently (with academic guidance from your supervisor) at this level. This will normally involve both an undergraduate degree at upper second or first class level and supportive references. The department will also need to be satisfied that your proposed research is viable and that we are able to provide appropriate supervision and resources.
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