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During their initial year, each MPhil candidate is assigned a three-member research committee consisting of a primary supervisor, secondary supervisor, and the Research Tutor. MPhil candidates participate in weekly Research Training Seminars and complete the Research Methods course, along with necessary language instruction. They may also need to enroll in supplementary courses focused on regional studies, thematic subjects, or theoretical frameworks relevant to their specialization. After successfully submitting a 20,000-word research report and fieldwork proposal, MPhil students advance to PhD candidacy and begin their fieldwork. This research phase provides the foundation for a 100,000-word dissertation that must offer novel insights and substantially contribute to the field. Following fieldwork, PhD candidates join weekly post-fieldwork seminars and have opportunities to present ongoing work. Both MPhil and PhD students are urged to participate in the diverse seminars and workshops offered throughout the School.
Most of our PhD alumni have pursued academic careers, securing faculty positions at universities in the UK and internationally, or continuing research through post-doctoral positions. Additionally, SOAS anthropology PhD graduates have entered various professional fields including social and market research, development organizations globally, government and policy work at national and international levels, museum and heritage sectors, journalism, and diverse advisory roles.