MPhil in Early Modern History

Samuel Johnson by Joshua Reynolds
Overview
The MPhil in Early Modern History provides intensive training in the history of early modern Britain, Europe and the wider world to enable its students to produce a substantial piece of historical research and historical writing. This stimulating course is designed for those who have completed degrees in which History is at least a substantial component, and who want to consolidate their knowledge of the period between 1500 and 1800. It aims to deepen students’ understanding of how early modern history has been studied and to explore how both traditional and innovative methods can be used to interpret the subject.
The MPhil in Early Modern History combines taught and research elements over a 9-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).
Throughout the course, you will be supervised by a dedicated member of staff who will guide your research towards the completion of an original historical subject that you have chosen and developed. In addition, you will benefit from Cambridge’s vibrant research environment: attending and participating in guest talks, workshops and other events throughout the year.
The course is particularly appropriate for those who may wish to continue on to a PhD, at Cambridge or elsewhere. It is also well-suited for those who seek simply to explore early modern 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 the PhD degree in Early Modern History at Cambridge.
Cambridge graduates in Early Modern History have taken up positions in UK and international universities or followed careers in business, the media, law and politics.
At a glance
All students will submit a thesis of 15,000–20,000 words, worth 70 per cent toward the final degree.
Students also produce three 3,000-4,000-word essays, two in Michaelmas term and another in Lent term; each essay is worth 10% of the final degree grade.
All students admitted to the MPhil in Early Modern History will be assigned a supervisor to work with them throughout the course, but crucially on the dissertation. Students will meet regularly with their supervisor throughout the course.
Students can expect to receive:
- regular oral feedback from their supervisor, as well as termly online feedback reports;
- written feedback on essays and assessments and an opportunity to present their work;
- oral feedback from peers during graduate workshops and seminars;
- written and oral feedback on dissertation proposal essay to be discussed with their supervisor; and
- formal written feedback from two examiners after examination of a dissertation.
If you have any questions, drop us a line on earlymodern@hist.cam.ac.uk
The Course
Core Course: Sources and Methods
This compulsory module provides an introduction to the theories, approaches and conceptual challenges that accompany original historical research. Four of the classes will explore different ways of contextualising and evaluating key types of source material. The other three sessions will look at how scholars have addressed important underlying themes in the social, cultural, political and economic history of the Early Modern world. Bibliographies will be handed out at least a week in advance of each class. Some of the sessions will involve practical exercises in the handling and analysis of source material.
Topics for 2023-24
- Global and Transnational History
- Archives
- Ideas and Intellectual History
- Power
- Beliefs
- Images
- Objects
We combine taught and research elements over a 9-month full-time programme. This includes skills training, training workshops and seminars, and students will also complete an independent research dissertation.
Core Course: Sources and Methods
- Teaching: Weekly seminars
- Assessment: Essay (3-4,000 words)
Option 1
- Teaching: Weekly seminars
- Assessment: Essay (3-4,000 words)
Preparatory dissertation work
- Independent research and 1-on-1 supervisor meetings
- No assessment
Applying to the course
To apply to the MPhil in Early Modern History, you will need to consult the relevant pages on the Postgraduate Admissions website (click below).
Since applications are considered on a rolling basis, you are strongly advised to apply as early in the cycle as possible.
On the Postgraduate Admissions website, you will find an overview of the course structure and requirements, a funding calculator and a link to the online Applicant Portal. Your application will need to include two academic references, a transcript, a CV/ resume, evidence of competence in English, a personal development questionnaire, two samples of work and a research proposal.
Research proposals are 600–1,000 words in length and should include the following: a simple and descriptive title for the proposed research; a rationale for the research; a brief historiographic context; and an indication of the sources likely to be used. The document should be entitled ‘Statement of Intended Research’. Applicants are encouraged to nominate a preferred supervisor, and are invited to contact members of the Faculty in advance of submitting their application to discuss their project (see our Academic Directory: https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/directory/academic-staff).
Below are some anonymised examples of research proposals, submitted by successful applicants to the MPhil in Early Modern History. You may use these to inform the structure of your submission. Please note that they are purely for guidance and not a strict representation of what is required.
Early Modern History - Research Proposal 1
Early Modern History - Research Proposal 2
Early Modern History - Research Proposal 3
Assessment & Dissertation
Essays
Each of three modules in Michaelmas and Lent Terms (one Compulsory Core, and two Options) will require a 3,000-4,000 words essay (or equivalent).
Each will count toward 10% of the final degree mark, for a total of 30%. Taken together, these are Part I, and students must receive passing marks in order to move to Part II.
Students will also prepare a 2,000-word dissertation proposal essay due in the Lent Term. This essay will be unassessed but students will meet with their Supervisor to discuss the essay and get feedback in preparation for the dissertation.
Thesis
The thesis is Part II of the MPhil in Early Modern History.
All students will submit a thesis of 15,000-20,000 words, worth 70% of the overall mark.
At the discretion of the Examiners the examination may include an oral examination on the thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.
Practical assessment
All students will present their work at least once during the academic year and will receive feedback from academics and peers on their work-in-progress. This is not an assessed element of the course but is a valuable feedback tool for the dissertation.
The Dissertation, or thesis, is the largest element of the course, and for the MPhil in Early Modern History it is worth 70% of the overall mark.
Students are admitted to the University on the basis of the research proposal, and each student will be assigned a Supervisor who will support the preparation of a piece of original academic research. Candidates must demonstrate that they can present a coherent historical argument based upon a secure knowledge and understanding of primary sources, and they will be expected to place their research findings within the existing historiography of the field within which their subject lies.
All students should be warned that thesis supervisors are concerned to advise students in their studies, not to direct them. Students must accept responsibility for their own research activity and candidacy for a degree. Postgraduate work demands a high degree of self-discipline and organisation. Students are expected to take full responsibility for producing the required course work and thesis to the deadlines specified under the timetable for submission.