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Teaching
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, each of which is assessed through an essay.
The options offered each year vary. An illustrative list of options previously offered in American history includes:
- Environmental History of Early America
- Race, Place and Space in Twentieth Century American History
- Slavery, Freedom, and their Afterlives in Early America, c.1500-Present
- US Empire in the Americas
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.
| One to one supervision | All students admitted to the MPhil in American 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 for one-on-one supervisions throughout the course. The frequency of supervisions will vary depending on the time of year, with the regularity of meetings increasing as the year progresses and the student begins to focus more on the dissertation. Students can expect at least one supervision session per term and normally eight across the year. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
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| Seminars & classes | All students will take the core course, Concepts and Methods in American History (eight two-hour classes). This module runs weekly throughout Michaelmas term and is designed to help students come to a foundational understanding of the key themes in American history, historiography, and methods. Students will also select two modules from a list of options offered by the Faculty's MPhil courses: one in Michaelmas and one in Lent term. Each option consists of seven or eight two-hour classes. Students are also required to attend and participate in the weekly American History Research Seminar, which brings in a variety of impressive scholars in American history. Students are encouraged to ask questions and to engage with speakers. |
| Lectures | Although not compulsory, students are welcome to attend relevant undergraduate lectures as indicated by their supervisor. |
| Taught/Research Balance | Equal Taught/Research |
Feedback
Students will receive regular constructive feedback throughout the MPhil.
Students can expect to receive:
- regular oral feedback from their supervisor, as well as termly online feedback reports
- written feedback on essays and assessments
- oral feedback from peers during postgraduate workshops and seminars
- feedback on the dissertation proposal
- formal written feedback from two examiners after examination of a dissertation
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Students submit a dissertation of 15,000–20,000 words, worth 70% of the overall mark. The dissertation is Part II of the MPhil.
At the discretion of the Examiners, the examination may include an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.
Essays
Students submit an essay of 3,000 - 4,000 words for each of the three taught modules (the core course and two options). Each essay is worth 10% of the final degree mark, for a total of 30%. Taken together, these essays form Part I of the MPhil.
Students also prepare a 2,000-word dissertation proposal essay due in the Lent term. This essay is not assessed, but students will meet with their supervisor to discuss the proposal and receive feedback in preparation for the dissertation.