American history at the University of Cambridge is a dynamic field which covers the history of what is now the United States, from the colonial period to the modern era. The MPhil in American History enables students to develop expertise in this ever-expanding field of historical scholarship.
The MPhil in American History combines taught and research elements over a nine-month full-time programme. The taught elements include three modules, as well as training workshops and seminars. All students will also complete a substantial piece of independent research (a dissertation of 15,000–20,000 words).
Throughout the course, students will be supervised by a dedicated member of staff, who will guide their research towards the completion of a dissertation on a subject chosen and developed by the student.
Cambridge graduates in American history have taken up posts in universities and academic-related spheres of work around the world. The MPhil in American History provides a point of entry into this rich tradition. However, the MPhil has also provided an excellent basis on which to proceed to a career in other, non-academic professions.
The MPhil in American History is a nine-month full-time programme which combines elements of formal teaching with independent research. Students on the MPhil will join a group of researchers of all levels within the field of American history, allowing them to integrate into the research culture of American history at Cambridge.
The teaching for the MPhil consists of a 'core' module for all American History students, and two 'option' modules from a list published by the Faculty.
The options offered each year vary. An illustrative list of options previously offered in American history includes:
Students also attend the weekly American History Research Seminar. With permission, students may also attend the weekly American History Workshop, and undertake optional language training where relevant.
Students will receive regular constructive feedback throughout the MPhil.
Students can expect to receive:
Applicants for this course should have achieved a High II.i Honours Degree .
If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country.
Please be aware that this is the minimum criterion for academic results, and that attaining this minimum does not assure admission to the MPhil. Admissions are fiercely competitive and many students who meet the minimum standard are not accepted onto the MPhil.
You will normally be expected to have taken a substantial number of history courses at 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, such as English or politics.
University Minimum Academic Requirements
Score : Grade A & B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 plus a Language Centre assessment)
Score : Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 with no element lower than 185).