MPhil in Social Anthropology

University of Oxford

Social anthropology considers people, through and through, as social beings. Everything that all of us do, in whatever society or culture at whatever period of history, rests on assumptions, which usually are not stated but which are largely shared with our particular neighbours, kin, friends, or colleagues.Everything social is open to question, including solidly held beliefs and attitudes and ideas about causality, the self in society, and nature and culture. Learning to relate different versions of the world to each other is learning to be a Social Anthropologist and is what we hope you will learn over the course of your degree.The MPhil in Social Anthropology aims to provide a solid background in analytical and methodological issues as they apply to social anthropology and allows you to develop an extended research project, which may involve fieldwork. It is intended both as a standalone degree and as a broader and deeper preparation for Doctoral research than is possible with the MSc in Social Anthropology.AssessmentFirst yearIn the second term you will be examined on one core paper. During the third term you will be examined on one core paper and two option papers. These assessments will usually take the form of an essay or timed written exam. The examination of these papers in the first year constitutes the ‘qualifying’ examination for continuation to the second year.Second yearThe second year examinations consists of an option paper and a general essay, and the MPhil thesis is completed in the third term. You will receive support from your tutors in devising a viable thesis project, including discussion of relevant literature, questions of methodology and research implementation.