skip to content

Postgraduate Study

The MPhil in Modern British History offers students an exciting and intellectually stimulating course, combining research skills and in-depth understanding of the development and latest innovations within modern British history. At its core, the MPhil provides the opportunity to shape your own intellectual trajectory and questions through undertaking your 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. You'll 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, i.e. encompassing the relations between England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, as well as with 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 ca. 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 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, 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 particularly appropriate for those who may wish to continue on to a PhD, at Cambridge or elsewhere, in modern British history. It is also well suited for those who seek simply to explore modern British 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 another university will prepare for the PhD degree in Modern British History at Cambridge.

Cambridge graduates 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 find out more about our exciting work and what our students are up to.

Learning Outcomes

Students on the MPhil in Modern British History 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; and
  • 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 Cambridge 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 Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Apply Now

Key Information


9 months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Faculty of History

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
May 16, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


Similar Courses