The MPhil aims to introduce students to the latest research topics, methods and debates in South Asian studies at an advanced level. It provides training in the use of printed, manuscript and other sources relevant to South Asian studies. It provides essential language training in Hindi and Urdu. It offers training in the advanced use of a library and archival facilities and the appropriate use of electronic databases for the location, identification and evaluation of source materials. It provides a structured introduction to key debates in South Asian history, development economics, politics and sociology through a variety of intensive courses. Finally, it offers close supervision in undertaking an original research project.

The MPhil is associated for examination purposes with the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Sciences. But teaching and learning for the course take place in the Centre of South Asian Studies and the various humanities and social science faculties and departments. The course covers South Asia from the early modern period to the present. The areas studied cover the modern states of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

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

• a deeper understanding of their chosen area of South Asian studies and the critical debates within it;
• a conceptual and technical understanding that enables the evaluation of current research and methodologies;
• the technical skills necessary to pursue primary research in their chosen area;
• the ability to situate their own research within current and past methodological and interpretative developments in the field; and
• an understanding of and proficiency in a modern South Asian language.