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Teaching
The MPhil in Modern British History is a nine-month full-time programme combining formal teaching elements with independent research. Students on the MPhil will join a group of researchers of all levels within the field of British history, allowing them to integrate into the research culture of Modern British history at Cambridge.
The MPhil involves three assessed components:
- A core course (eight two-hour classes) examined through an essay of 3,000-4,000 words (excluding footnotes and bibliography) worth 10% of the overall mark.
- Two option courses (see representative list below; eight two-hour classes for each option) examined through an essay of 3,000-4,000 words (excluding footnotes and bibliography), each worth 10% of the overall mark.
- A dissertation (15,000–20,000 words) worth 70% of the overall mark.
All students will also take a Research Challenge skills training session and complete tasks set by the Course Director. These assignments are not formally assessed, but informal feedback will be provided.
In addition, students will attend one of the weekly research seminars offered by the Modern British History subject group (including Modern British History, Modern Cultural History, Irish History, British Social and Economic History).
| One to one supervision | All students admitted to the MPhil in Modern British 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 supervision 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 module, Debates in Modern British History. The module is run with weekly seminars and key readings throughout the first term (Michaelmas) and aims to help students gain a foundational understanding of the key themes in Modern British History, historiography, and methods. Students will also select two modules from a list of options offered by the Faculty's seven MPhil courses. Typically, students will select one module in the first term (Michaelmas) and one in the second term (Lent). The courses offered each year may vary. In 2023-24, Modern British History ran the following optional courses:
Students will attend at least four sessions of skills training associated with the Research Challenge and complete the tasks set by the Course Director. These assignments are not formally graded, but informal feedback will be provided. Students are also required to attend and participate in the fortnightly research seminar in Modern British History. Students are encouraged to ask questions and engage with speakers. |
| Lectures | Although not compulsory, students are encouraged to attend relevant undergraduate lectures as indicated by their Supervisor. |
Feedback
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 graduate 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 the examination of a dissertation
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The dissertation is Part II of the MPhil in Modern British History.
All students will submit a dissertation of 15,000–20,000 words, worth 70% of the overall mark.
The examiners may decide to include an oral examination on the thesis and the general field of knowledge within which it falls.
Essays
Each of the three modules in the first (Michaelmas) and second (Lent) terms (one Compulsory Core and two Options) will require a 3,000–4,000-word 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 second term (Lent ). This essay will be unassessed but students will meet with their Supervisor to discuss the essay and get feedback in preparation for the dissertation.
Other
All students must participate in their Compulsory Core and Options modules (which may include written work, group work, and class participation). This element is not formally assessed, but satisfactory participation is necessary for progression through the course.