In Year 1, the course is structured around two in-person residential modules that you must attend in Cambridge. Each of these residential blocks is preceded by guided preparatory reading and other activities . A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) offers learning support while you are on the programme, including learning resources, peer-to-peer and student-to-tutor discussion between modules to build a virtual community of practice.
In Year 2, the focus is on the dissertation. You will work independently on your chosen topic under the supervision of an expert in your chosen field. You will have five supervisions between May 2027 and May 2028 (you can agree with your supervisor whether these will be face-to-face or online). There will also be three day-schools across the academic year, where you give a short presentation on your research to date. There will also be some research training in dissertation research and writing.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students should have:
developed an understanding of, and ability to apply critically, the main academic theories and concepts underpinning the study of history;
extended and developed their analytical, evaluative and critical capacities;
developed the ability to form independent judgements based on their reading, research and writing;
gained demonstrable specific subject knowledge and analysis relevant to their dissertation
By the end of the course, the students should have acquired or consolidated the following skills:
the academic, technical and ancillary skills necessary to participate in critical debates within the field of history;
the ability to formulate a research topic, create a research design, and communicate their ideas and research conclusions in a substantial piece of postgraduate level research;
transferable skills, including the ability to take responsibility for their own learning, learning how to learn, making oral and written presentations, planning and producing written assignments, working independently, and, where they have chosen to do so, using information technology.
Continuing
Successful completion of the MSt at a high grade may allow students to progress to a PhD either at the University of Cambridge or another institution.
Open Days
Please refer to the ICE Website for more information about our previous and upcoming events and Open Days. These are a great way of finding out more about our courses, including content and delivery, and hearing from our academics and students. Recordings of these open events are also available to view on our YouTube channel.
Departments
This course is advertised in the following departments: