MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Classical Islamic History and Culture)

University of Cambridge

The Classical Islamic History and Culture pathway is designed for highly motivated students who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of the pre-modern Islamic world, together with the research skills necessary to carry out independent primary research work to a high academic standard through engagement with Arabic or Persian primary sources. 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.The Classical Islamic History and Culture pathway will equip its graduates with the skills and knowledge to research independently and effectively the history and literatures of the pre-modern Islamic world, including further development of their skills in reading Arabic or Persian source materials. Graduates will also be able to show a sophisticated understanding of the wider fields of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and the ability to communicate their knowledge and their research findings effectively.AssessmentThesisFor the Classical Islamic History and Culture 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.EssaysFor the Classical Islamic History and Culture pathway, students may submit essays as part of their degree:With the approval of the Degree Committee, a candidate 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