MPhil in History
The MPhil is a 21-month course that can only be taken on a full-time basis. There is some extra coursework, but the main difference with the MSt is a substantial research project.
Michaelmas Term
| Core course - Historical Methods | Fortnightly, two-hour classes. This new core course combines the best elements of two previous courses, Sources and Historiography and Theories and Methods, into a single, integrated learning experience. You will be taught as a group within your strand (including MSt students), allowing the material to be tailored to your area of study while still covering essential concepts for all students. The course blends general theoretical and methodological approaches as well as specialised historiographical topics. |
| First optional subject | Six two-hour tutor-led group classes. Approximately 30 courses run each year and you will choose your course from a list of available option courses Submit extended essay at the end of term for assessment. |
| Dissertation | Two to three meetings with your supervisor to plan your research, reading, which seminars you should attend, and identify any training you need. Prepare your research proposal for submission Start initial reading |
| Skills training | You should discuss any additional skills you need to undertake your research in your first meeting with your supervisor. Additional lectures, classes, or tutorials will take place in Michaelmas and Hilary terms, either in the History Faculty or another department. A range of general and specific training is available including: Document and object handling Palaeography Oral history Text analysis software GIS software Statistical analysis There is a separate section on language training |
Hilary Term
| Second optional subject | Six two-hour tutor-led group classes. Approximately 30 courses run each year and you will choose your course from a list of available option courses Submit extended essay at the end of term for assessment. |
| Core course - Historical Methods | Submit extended essay on historical methods for assessments |
| Dissertation | Submit an annotated bibliography and research proposal in 0th week Plan work on primary sources, including arranging archive access Identify and begin working through secondary literature One to two meetings with your supervisor |
| Skills training |
Trinity Term
| Core course in Writing History | Weekly classes, exclusively for MPhil students with all MPhil students taught in one or two classes, ranging widely across history and involving critical reading and thinking about published work. Submit extended essay for assessment |
| Dissertation | Complete research Present your research in a dissertation workshop Submit a full draft to supervisor by the start of 6th week Revise dissertation as needed Submit dissertation at the end of term. |
Summer Vacation
| Dissertation | Carry out as much primary source work as possible; research trips, especially overseas, should be carried out in this time. |
Skills Training
You should discuss any additional skills you need to undertake your research in your first meeting with your supervisor. Additional lectures, classes, or tutorials will take place in Michaelmas and Hilary terms, either in the History Faculty or another department.
A range of general and specific training is available including:
- Document and object handling
- Palaeography
- Oral history
- Text analysis software
- GIS software
- Statistical analysis
There is a separate section on language training