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Postgraduate Study

The  Hebrew and Pre-Modern History and Culture pathway is designed for highly motivated  students who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of the pre-modern Jewish history and culture of North Africa and the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Cairo Genizah manuscripts, together with the research skills necessary to carry out independent primary research work to a high academic standard through engagement with primary sources in Hebrew or another relevant pre-modern Middle Eastern language. 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.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MPhil course, students will be able to:

· read, interpret and translate primary sources relevant to their research interests in Hebrew or other Middle Eastern languages;

· show a good understanding of more general scholarship on Middle Eastern Studies;

· show an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subjects of their coursework and dissertation;

· formulate original research questions on the history and literatures of the Jews of pre-modern North Africa and the Middle East;

· communicate their research findings in the form of an independent piece of research based on the use of primary and secondary sources; and

· use independent archival and library- and internet-based research skills concomitant with successful completion of a Masters-level degree in Hebrew and Pre-Modern History and Culture.


Continuing

All applicants should submit, via the Applicant Portal, a workable and relevant research proposal and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project.

Those students who are enrolled in an MPhil by Advanced Studies at the University of Cambridge and wish to continue to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies will be required to obtain at least 67 per cent overall in their MPhil by Advanced Studies degree and satisfy any pre-existing requirements also set by the Degree Committee, i.e. English language requirement.

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.


Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

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Key Information


11 months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
May 16, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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