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MPhil in Early Modern History

Different course options

Study mode

Full time

Duration

9 months

Start date

08-OCT-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MPhil - Master of Philosophy

Subject areas

Modern History (17th To 20th Century)

Course type

Research

Course Summary

The MPhil provides intensive training in studying the history of Britain, Europe and the wider world between c.1500 and c.1800. It equips students to write a substantial and significant piece of historical research. This stretching course is designed for those who have taken undergraduate degrees and who now wish to consolidate their knowledge of the early modern period. By examining traditional and innovative methods and interpretations, the course aims to enhance understanding of how early modern history has been conceived and practised.

The course combines taught and research elements over a nine-month full-time programme. The taught element comprises a core course, taken by all students; specialist courses on themes within the period, from which students choose; and various training courses, covering languages and palaeography. Students work towards their own long piece of independent research. The course culminates in the submission of this dissertation.

Throughout the course, students will be supervised by a dedicated member of staff. The supervisor will guide research into an original historical subject chosen and developed by the student. In addition, students will benefit from the stimulus of Cambridge’s bustling research culture. They will be encouraged to attend the several seminar series run on early modern history and also the many other relevant talks, workshops, and events that the Faculty and wider University offer.

The course is designed for those who (will) have completed undergraduate degrees in which history is either the sole or the main component. It is particularly appropriate for those who may wish to continue on to a PhD, whether at Cambridge or elsewhere. (The course is the normal means by which those without an appropriate master’s degree prepare for doctoral study in early modern history at Cambridge.) The course is also intended for those seeking to explore early modern history more deeply as a subject of research: it is a rewarding programme of study in its own right.

Modules

The dissertation is Part II of the MPhil in Early Modern History. All students will submit a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words, worth 70 per cent of the overall mark. At the discretion of the examiners, the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£12,903

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£30,339

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High 2.1 Honours Degree. Applicants should normally hold at least a high upper second-class degree from a UK university (usually 67 per cent) or international equivalent as set by the University Graduate Admissions Office. Candidates will normally be expected to have taken a substantial number of history courses at a university level and to have a sound background in the period covered by the course. Most applicants are completing or have completed degrees in history or a cognate discipline.