Overview

The African Studies programme from the University of Cambridge is designed for students who wish to enhance their historical and contemporary understanding of Africa’s societies, politics, economics, and cultures, as well as for those who wish to apply for advanced research degrees.

The degree thus offers a highly regarded postgraduate qualification relevant to a wide range of professional careers, as well as intensive research and language training for students planning to prepare a doctoral dissertation.

The course introduces the latest research approaches and methodologies in African studies at an advanced level. Students have the advantage of developing an interdisciplinary approach to critical thinking and academic writing, the opportunity to develop skills in an African language, and also receive specialist research training.

The African Studies programme is structured by four key elements: a core course, an option course, a dissertation, and language training. Full details of the course can be found on the Centre’s website.

Key facts:

By the end of the course, students should have acquired:

A deeper knowledge and understanding of African studies and its critical debates

A conceptual and contextual understanding enabling the evaluation of past and present research on Africa and its methodologies

The knowledge and technical skills required for pursuing original research in their chosen area

The ability to situate their own research within current and past methodological and interpretative developments in the field

Increased proficiency in speaking an African language and/or in using an African language for academic purposes

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

The MPhil in African Studies is a taught postgraduate course, structured by four key elements. These are the core course, the option course, the dissertation, and African language training.

Formal assessment consists of two parts: coursework essays and a dissertation. You are also required to submit a "practice" essay on a topic related to your dissertation research, and a formal dissertation proposal, but these are not formally assessed.

African language training is also not a formal part of the degree assessment, but all students are required to demonstrate that they have attended language teaching and made good progress at language acquisition.

The language element of the MPhil course is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge Language Centre and the Centre of African Studies.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 9 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-26 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

110

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Disciplines

African studies View 13 other Masters in African studies in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

110

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Admission requirements:

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK II.i Honours Degree

Two academic references

Transcript

CV/resume

Evidence of competence in English

Research proposal

Sample of work

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37176 GBP / year

≈ 37176 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

21826 GBP / year

≈ 21826 GBP / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United Kingdom

846 - 1465 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for African Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Key facts:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Cambridge

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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