Typical Week for MPhil Students?

Hello all,

I'm an American starting my MPhil at Cambridge this fall. I'm wondering what the typical week looks like? I've seen lots of rumors that Cambridge doesn't give weekends off. Is this true? Is it only true for undergraduates? What consistent free time can I expect to have?

Thanks so much!

Reply 1

threeportdrift

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Original post by Anonymous

It depends quite a lot on the MPhil. But a general Arts and Humanities schedule will be three or four hour long lectures per week, one research methods session as scheduled time. But each lecture will come with a reading list of 20 or more books, and you have to decide which of those you read and how you tackle the reading lists. There will be 6-8 essays through the first two terms, to develop your writing skills and prepare you for exams and the dissertation. In the final term, lectures tend to stop and you work on your dissertation.

Then you may meet with your Supervisor once or twice a term.

It isn't school, it's up to you to work out when you work and when you don't work, outside formal lecture time. The degree presumes about 40 hours per week, but it's mainly up to you whether you spend 20 or 60 and when you plan that time.

Generally, if you take full advantage of all that Cambridge offers in the way of societies, additional lectures, sports etc, you will have to do some work at weekends. Essay deadlines also mean you will almost certainly have to work through the vacations as well. You will likely have at least one chunky essay to submit the first day back after Christmas.

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post by threeportdrift

It depends quite a lot on the MPhil. But a general Arts and Humanities schedule will be three or four hour long lectures per week, one research methods session as scheduled time. But each lecture will come with a reading list of 20 or more books, and you have to decide which of those you read and how you tackle the reading lists. There will be 6-8 essays through the first two terms, to develop your writing skills and prepare you for exams and the dissertation. In the final term, lectures tend to stop and you work on your dissertation.
Then you may meet with your Supervisor once or twice a term.
It isn't school, it's up to you to work out when you work and when you don't work, outside formal lecture time. The degree presumes about 40 hours per week, but it's mainly up to you whether you spend 20 or 60 and when you plan that time.
Generally, if you take full advantage of all that Cambridge offers in the way of societies, additional lectures, sports etc, you will have to do some work at weekends. Essay deadlines also mean you will almost certainly have to work through the vacations as well. You will likely have at least one chunky essay to submit the first day back after Christmas.