The MSc in African Studies is a three-term advanced degree programme, designed both as a stand-alone interdisciplinary introduction to current debates about Africa, and as a preparation for doctoral research on Africa. It is designed for those who wish to expand their knowledge of African studies. There are four components to the MSc in African Studies:the core courses - Methodology, Ethics and Research Strategies, and Themes in African History and the Social Sciences,an optional paper, anda dissertation of 15,000 words. Through the first core course, students will examine research methodologies and strategies, including the politics of researching and writing on Africa, and is taught in Michaelmas term. The second is a weekly lecture and seminar over two terms (Michaelmas and Hilary term) covering key questions in African history and the social sciences, giving close attention to critical debates and current issues. The core courses form compulsory elements of the degree programme and are open only to students taking the MSc in African Studies. Students will also take an optional paper on a particular theme and within a specific discipline. A wide selection of optional papers is available each year. Finally, student will write a research dissertation of 15,000 words on a research topic of his/her choosing, which must include discussion of the comparative reading, historiography, or theory relevant to the dissertation. Fieldwork will be undertaken at the end of Hilary term. Supervision for the dissertation element of the programme runs through the year, the dissertation being submitted near to the end of Trinity term. Student will submit examined essays for core course one and his/her chosen optional paper at the beginning of Hilary term and towards the end of Trinity term respectively. Student will sit a written examination for core course two in Trinity term.