The University, in existence for 800 years, has a wealth of medieval buildings and traditions, and a wide range of medieval manuscripts and printed books are held by the University's many libraries. This rich history makes Cambridge an ideal place to study medieval history.
The MPhil in Medieval History forms an integral part of the teaching and research in the Cambridge History Faculty, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The course offers students intensive training in medieval concepts and methods and helps them develop skills in Latin and palaeography, which they will use to research a key theme in medieval history.
The MPhil in Medieval History combines taught and research elements over a nine-month full-time programme. The taught elements include taught modules on research topics and skills training, training workshops and seminars, and all students will also complete a long piece of independent research (15,000–20,000 words).
Throughout the course, the student will be supervised by a dedicated member of staff, who will guide research on the subject that the student has chosen, leading to the completion of an original piece of historical research in the form of a dissertation. In addition, students will benefit from Cambridge's vibrant research environment by participating in classes, workshops, and other events, and by attending seminars given by guest speakers.
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 medieval history. It is appropriate for those wishing to pursue a PhD at Cambridge or elsewhere. It is also well-suited to those seeking to explore medieval history more deeply. It is expected that this will be the normal means by which those without an appropriate master's degree from elsewhere will prepare for doctoral study in medieval history at Cambridge.
The MPhil in Medieval History is a nine-month full-time programme that combines elements of formal teaching with independent research. Students on the MPhil will join a group of researchers of all levels within the field, allowing them to integrate into the research culture of medieval history at Cambridge.
The teaching for the MPhil consists of a ‘core’ module for all Medieval History students, classes in Latin and palaeography, and an ‘option’ module from a list published by the Faculty.
The options offered by the Faculty each year vary. An illustrative list of options previously offered in medieval history includes:
In addition to the above, students will attend the weekly Medieval History research seminars and workshops.
Students may also choose to audit additional option courses. These are not assessed elements of the MPhil but will help students develop the skills needed for the MPhil in Medieval History.
While the course will formally begin in October, all students are required to attend an intensive Latin pre-sessional course. This will begin in mid-September.
Students will receive regular constructive feedback throughout the MPhil.
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).