The Master of Studies (MSt) in History provides students, having relevant or humanities-related experience at first-degree level, with the opportunity to carry out advanced research in history and to develop critical awareness and theoretical understanding of the associated skills and techniques that can be deployed. The MSt offers education and research training at master’s level. The taught elements of the syllabus, Part I, are offered during the first year in three intensive study blocks/modules, usually scheduled inside full term, each of which is examined by an assessed essay. Sessions are offered in research training, and essay and dissertation writing. In the second year, Part II, students undertake a dissertation under the supervision of a supervisor and there are three day schools with training in dissertation research and writing.
The MSt is taught over two years in short, intensive study blocks, and begins in October 2024 (Michaelmas Term). It has been designed to be accessible to those in full- or part-time employment and to international students.
Successful applicants will become members of a Cambridge College and will join the wider graduate community, with full access to the facilities of the University.
Open Days
There will be an open event later in the winter. The date will be advertised here.
Aims of the programme
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;
- developed research skills required for further postgraduate research.
Teaching and learning
The MSt in History is structured around three residential modules that students must attend. In the first year, each of the three residential blocks will be preceded by guided preparatory reading and other activities.
A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) offers learning support to students while they are on the programme, including learning resources, to build a virtual community of practice. Students are expected to have sufficient IT skills to engage with the VLE and all assignments are uploaded to the VLE for assessment.
Year 1
The taught elements of the syllabus are offered during Year 1 in three intensive study blocks, each of which is examined by an assessed essay of 3,000 words maximum. Sessions are offered in research training, and essay and dissertation writing. Teaching methods combine informal lectures and class discussion, the study of primary sources, and student-led peer-to-peer learning.
Module 1: Approaches to History
Students will be introduced to a range of approaches to history, possibly including social and economic, political, local history, political thought, American history, world history.
Teaching dates:
From Tuesday 15 October to Friday 18 October 2024
Module 2: Sources, Methods and Research Skills
This module provides research training in using, for example: quantitative and qualitative approaches; literature, visual sources, and material culture; oral history. Topics might include using library resources and archives, the census, microhistory, sources for early modern history.
Teaching dates:
From Wednesday 19 February to Friday 21 February 2025
Module 3: Theory, Concepts and Historiography
Theoretical, conceptual and historiographical approaches are developed through a number of thematic topics drawn from, for example: class and social status; race and gender; the Annales School; and religion.
Teaching dates:
From Wednesday 7 May to Friday 9 May 2025
Please note that the content of all modules is indicative and may be subject to change.
Year 2
The second year is characterised by focus on the dissertation. Students will work independently on their chosen topic under the supervision of an expert in their chosen field with whom they will have regular contact. Students will be required to attend five supervisions between May 2025 and May 2026 and will be able to agree with their supervisor whether these will be face-to-face or online.
There will also be three day-schools, at which students provide short presentations on their research to date and at which there is some research training in dissertation research and writing:
- Day School 1 - Saturday 25 October 2025
- Day School 2 - Saturday 24 January 2026
- Day School 3 - Saturday 18 April 2026
Contact time
Lectures, seminars and classes: c.75 hours in Year 1 (including some reading/prep time), c.18 hours in Year 2.
- Supervision: 5 x 1-hour sessions in Year 2.
Assessment
Essays, projects and other written work
- Three essay assignments, each of 3,000 words maximum.
Some assignments and the dissertation require literature reviews.
Dissertation
A dissertation of 16,000-20,000 words (including appendices, but excluding bibliography and footnotes).
Feedback
Students are given formal feedback on their assignments and informal feedback throughout their course, including during supervisions. Supervisions also result in an annual progress report at the end of Year 1 and termly reports during Year 2.
Find out more
If you would like academic guidance on your research topic before making an application, please contact the Course Directors Prof Samantha Williams at skw30@cam.ac.uk and Dr Matt Neal at mrjn2@cam.ac.uk
