Teaching

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, each of which is assessed through an essay.

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:

• Absolutism, Monarchism and State Formation in Early Modern Britain and Europe
• Approaches to Early Modern Visual and Material Culture
• The Book
• The Global Early Modern Period
• Poverty, Disease and Medicine in Britain, 1500-1800
• Space, Place and Landscape in Early Modern History

In addition, students are required to attend and participate in the weekly Early Modern History research seminars and workshops.

Students may also take optional skills modules in palaeography and languages. These are not assessed elements of the MPhil but will help students develop the skills needed for the MPhil in Early Modern History.

One to one supervision	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 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.
Seminars & classes	All students will take the core course, Sources and Methods, which consists of seven two-hour seminars throughout Michaelmas term. 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 seminars. Students are also expected to attend the postgraduate research seminar which is most relevant to their field of study. These thriving research seminars meet weekly during term-time. Students are encouraged to ask questions and engage with speakers.
Lectures	Although not compulsory, students are welcome to attend undergraduate lectures relevant to their areas of interest.
Posters and Presentations	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.
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
• written and oral feedback on the dissertation proposal essay to be discussed with their supervisor
• formal written feedback from two examiners after examination of 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 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.