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The MPhil in Modern British History offers students an exciting and intellectually stimulating course, combining research skills and an in-depth understanding of the development and latest innovations within modern British history. At its core, the MPhil provides the opportunity to shape the student's intellectual trajectory and questions through undertaking a dissertation in consultation with leading historians in the field. The tailored, individual and closely supervised dissertation work is complemented by the important place in the course for group work and the creation of a supportive intellectual community. The student will emerge with excellent skills for undertaking advanced research and a degree that will be highly valued in institutions across the world. The advanced research and writing skills gained will also be of immediate use in a wide variety of occupations.
'British' will be understood in the widest sense of the word, encompassing the relations between England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, as well as European, imperial, and Atlantic history. This course will consider established methodologies in social, political, and cultural history as well as innovative approaches in modern history and historiography. The period covered will be c. 1700 to the early 21st century.
The MPhil in Modern British 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, 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 in modern British history, 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 modern British history. It is appropriate for those wishing to continue to a PhD at Cambridge or elsewhere. It is also well-suited to those seeking to explore modern British 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 the PhD degree in modern British history at Cambridge.
Cambridge graduates from the MPhil in Modern British History have gone on to doctoral research, as well as prestigious careers in public service, the media, and the private sector.
Follow the MPhil in Modern British History on Twitter to learn more about our exciting work and what our students are up to.
Learning Outcomes
Students on the MPhil will be provided with an in-depth study of some of the key areas of research in modern British history, and all students will have a Supervisor who will guide them through the requirements of the course and, most crucially, the dissertation.
In this manner, all students are provided with the historiographical knowledge and analytical skills necessary to understand and evaluate existing research and to pursue research in their own fields of intellectual interest. Through individual supervisions and group classes, students are introduced to the more specialised and intensive nature of research required at a postgraduate level.
By the end of the programme, students will have acquired:
- a firm grasp of the historiographical debates in modern British history
- research skills relevant to the specific area in which they will have written a dissertation
- the ability to situate their own research findings within the context of previous and current interpretative scholarly debates in the field
Continuing
The Faculty's MPhil programmes provide excellent preparation for doctoral study, and many of our MPhil students choose to stay at Cambridge to pursue a PhD.
Students wishing to continue to the PhD are normally expected to achieve an overall mark of 70 in their MPhil with a mark of at least 70 in their dissertation.
Admission to the PhD is always subject to the availability of a suitable Supervisor.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:
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Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
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Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.