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. 

 

Year 1

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
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
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.
Year 2

Michaelmas Term

Core course - Research Masterclass

  • Weekly classes, exclusively for MPhil students, during which you will present and receive feedback on your work.
Dissertation
  • Arrange five or six meeting with your supervisor throughout the second year
  • Finalise plan of work remaining for dissertation and agree this with supervisor
  • Complete any remaining research in primary sources and secondary reading

 

Hilary Term

Dissertation
  • Write your first draft

 

Trinity Term

Dissertation
  • Submit a full draft to supervisor by the start of 6th week
  • Revise dissertation as needed
  • Submit dissertation at the end of term

 

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