The M.Litt. is a research degree, examined, usually after two or more years of research, by a dissertation of up to 60,000 words. The criteria for obtaining the degree are that the dissertation represent a 'substantial contribution to knowledge', but the criteria are adapted to take account of the fact that the course lasts only two years.

It should be noted that there is no formal taught element in this course of study. It does not provide a suitable foundation course from which to proceed to a higher research degree, for which the most appropriate course is an M.Phil. If you are looking for a course of this type you should return to the graduate admissions front page and find out about the Faculty's M.Phil. courses.

Candidates work closely with their supervisors, who will usually be assigned to them at the start of the course. It is possible to change supervisors with minimal formality, and it is often desirable to do so as the research project develops.

Although research students spend long hours working independently, they are also able to attend regular (usually fortnightly) seminars in their subject area. All graduate students are required to be members of a College, which offers a centre of social activity, as well as providing an opportunity to meet graduates who work in other fields.

All members of the University, including graduate students, are entitled to attend lectures in any Faculty.

In recent years the Faculty has admitted very few students for this degree. It is generally felt that many candidates would benefit more from a one-year, taught course such as an M.Phil., or from a full three year period of research for the Ph.D.

The M.Litt. is a research based degree so there are no required teaching elements of the course, however, students must attend a minimum of ten sessions per year selected from the Graduate Research Seminars.

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Each M.Litt. student is assigned a supervisor and an advisor. The supervisor will assist in refining the research topic, oversee the general direction of work and give a clear indication of whether it is up to the standard normally expected for the degree sought.

The student has a formal advisory meeting with the supervisor and the advisor once a year. The advisor is also available for less formal consultation from the outset.

Supervisors write termly reports online which can be accessed by the students.

Assessment

Thesis

Submission of a 60,000 word dissertation and an examination, conducted orally or in writing, on the subject of the dissertation.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript 
• Personal Reference. This is only required if you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

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