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 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 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.
Cambridge early modernists hold positions in British and foreign universities and have pursued careers in many other fields (including business, education, government, media, and the law).
The MPhil in Early Modern 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 early modern history, allowing them to integrate into the research culture of early modern history at Cambridge.
The teaching for the MPhil consists of a ‘core’ module for all Early Modern History students, and two ‘option’ modules from a list published by the Faculty.
The core course provides an introduction to the theories, approaches and conceptual challenges that accompany original historical research. Four of the classes usually explore different ways of contextualising and evaluating key types of source material. The other three sessions normally look at how scholars have addressed important underlying themes in the social, cultural, political and economic history of the Early Modern world. Some sessions will usually involve practical exercises in the handling and analysis of source material.
The options offered each year vary. An illustrative list of options previously offered in early modern history includes:
In addition, students are required to attend and participate in the weekly Early Modern History research seminars and workshops.
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.
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).