The MPhil in World History at the University of Cambridge compares and connects the history of regions and empires into global histories that consider convergence, divergence, and enduring historical dynamics, from c. 1500 to the late 20th century. It draws on a concentration of research in South and Central America, as well as Southeast and East Asian histories. The MPhil in World History enables students to develop strong expertise in this rich and expanding field of historical scholarship.
The MPhil in World 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, and all students will also complete a long piece of independent research (15,000–20,000 words). Students will also take language classes, a component that is required but not examined. This may be in any language offered by the Cambridge University Language Centre and may be elementary, continuing, or advanced. In this way, the MPhil in World History offers students a thorough preparation for an advanced research degree that will be highly valued in institutions across the world.
Throughout the course, students will be supervised by a dedicated member of staff, who will guide their research towards the completion of an original historical subject chosen and developed by them. In addition, students will benefit from Cambridge’s vibrant research environment, attending and participating in guest talks, workshops, and other events throughout the year.
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 world 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 world history at a deeper level. 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 world history at Cambridge.
The MPhil in World History attracts applicants from all corners of the world; graduate students from the World History Group, in turn, have taken up academic and academic-related positions in many continents.
The MPhil in World History is a nine-month full-time programme, which combines formal teaching with the integration of students into the research culture of the History Faculty by joining a group of researchers within a field.
The teaching for the MPhil consists of a ‘core’ module for all World History students, and two ‘option’ modules from a list published by the Faculty.
The core course is historiographically based, engaging students with key scholarship, classic texts, and their revisions. Several origins and traditions of world history, global history, transnational history, and regional history will be established and questioned in student-led seminar discussion.
The options offered each year vary. An illustrative list of options previously offered in world history includes:
The Caribbean in World History
Christianity, Identity, and Politics in Modern Africa
Empires in Comparative Perspective
Gender and Society in South Asia
Sovereignty in World History
Students will also study a language, as agreed with the MPhil Director. This is normally chosen from those offered by the University’s Language Centre (at a preliminary, intermediate, or advanced level). This is not an assessed element of the course but will help students develop the skills required to complete an MPhil in World History.
In addition, students are expected to attend and fully participate in the weekly world history research seminars and postgraduate workshop.
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).