Teaching

The MPhil in Modern British History is a nine-month full-time programme combining elements of formal teaching 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 teaching for the MPhil consists of a ‘core’ module for all Modern British History students, a ‘Research Challenge’ skills training programme involving project work and a group presentation (not formally assessed), and two ‘option’ modules from a list published by the Faculty. The core and optional modules are each assessed through an essay.

The options offered each year vary. An illustrative list of options previously offered in modern British history includes:

• Becoming Victorian: transitions to 'modernity' in nineteenth-century Britain
• Interpreting Modern Ireland, 1845 to the present
• New Times: Britain since 1970
• Race and Empire in Modern British History

In addition, students will attend 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.
Seminars & classes	All students will take the core course, Debates in Modern British History, which consists of eight two-hour seminars throughout Michaelmas term, 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 MPhil courses: one in Michaelmas and one in Lent term. Each option consists of seven or eight two-hour classes. Students will attend at least four sessions of skills training associated with the Research Challenge and complete the tasks set by the MPhil Director. These assignments are not formally assessed, but informal feedback will be provided. Students are also required to attend and participate in the 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.
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.