MPhil in Modern European History

The MPhil in Modern European History focuses on the study of continental Europe from roughly the middle of the eighteenth century to the present day. The course offers an introduction to key themes and selected topics in modern European history, as well as intensive methodological and historiographical training in the social, cultural, political and economic history of modern Europe. Taught options vary from year to year but have recently included courses on nineteenth-century France, Imperial Russia, the Eastern Bloc, the Cold War, Fascism, and the politics and culture of the eighteenth century.

The MPhil in Modern European History combines taught and research elements. The taught elements include three modules, as well as training workshops and seminars, and all students will also complete a long piece of independent research (15,000 – 20,000 words). Students will usually need a reading knowledge of the language of the country they wish to study, though this is not a formal requirement, especially for topics with a transnational focus.

The course is designed for those who have completed degrees in which History is the main or at least a substantial component and who want to consolidate their knowledge of modern European history. It is particularly appropriate for those who may wish to continue on to a PhD, at Cambridge or elsewhere, but it is also well-suited for those who seek simply to explore modern European history at a deeper level. By the end of the programme, students will have acquired: a deeper understanding of their chosen area of modern European history 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.

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High2.1 Honours Degree. Applicants should hold a high upper second class degree from a UK University (usually 67%) or international equivalent as set by the University Graduate Admissions Office.