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Teaching
The MPhil in Medieval History is a nine-month full-time programme that combines elements of formal teaching with independent research. Students on the MPhil will join a group of researchers of all levels within the field, allowing them to integrate into the research culture of medieval history at Cambridge.
The teaching for the MPhil consists of a ‘core’ module for all Medieval History students, classes in Latin and palaeography, and an ‘option’ module from a list published by the Faculty.
The options offered by the Faculty each year vary. An illustrative list of options previously offered in medieval history includes:
- The Byzantine Empire
- Law and Society
- Medieval Manuscript Studies
- Pastoral Care in the 12th and 13th centuries
- Religion and Power
In addition to the above, students will attend the weekly Medieval History research seminars and workshops.
Students may also choose to audit additional option courses. These are not assessed elements of the MPhil but will help students develop the skills needed for the MPhil in Medieval History.
While the course will formally begin in October, all students are required to attend an intensive Latin pre-sessional course. This will begin in mid-September.
| One to one supervision | All students 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 attend an intensive Latin course before the start of the MPhil. Additional support may be offered during the term if students do not reach the required level during the pre-sessional programme. All students will take:
Students are also expected to attend postgraduate research seminars and workshops on Medieval History. 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 relevant undergraduate lectures as indicated by their supervisor. |
| 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 dissertation proposal essay to be discussed with their supervisor
- formal written feedback from two examiners after the examination of the 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 two essays of 3,000 – 4,000 words, for the core and option modules. Each essay is worth 10% of the final degree mark. Taken together with the written examination in Latin and Palaeography, these form Part I of the course and are worth a total of 30%.
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.
Written examination
Students sit one Latin and Palaeography Transcription exam, worth 10% of the overall mark for the MPhil.