Prospective Students

Parts I and II

Part I (Year 1)

Cambridge is distinctive in offering the chance to combine of the Department's three constituent disciplines (Archaeology, Biological Anthropology and Social Anthropology) during the first year of the course (Part I of the Tripos). This provides a comprehensive introduction to and overview of the three subjects and related techniques, and forms the bedrock of a student's later specialisation. The course is also very flexible, so if they wish, students can also choose only one or two of these subjects, and combine them with Sociology, Politics, International Relations, and Psychology in the first year.

For those with an interest in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, HSPS offers first-year papers in the Cultures of Egypt and Mesopotamia, Egyptian language, and Akkadian language.

There are thus many pathways available in the first year, each involving four courses (papers). Some possible pathways are:

- Social Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, and Archaeology and/or Ancient Near East options

- Archaeology and Ancient Near East

- Social Anthropology, Sociology, Archaeology

Archaeology, Sociology, and Politics.

The conclusion of the first year is an Honours examination in each of the four papers taken by the student. Following Part I, and building on this broad introduction, students can choose one or two of the disciplines for Part II.

Part II (Years 2 and 3)

Archaeology
Biological Anthropology
Social Anthropology

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