Virtual Open Events
You can watch the recording of our MSt History Information Session from our Master's Open Week 2023, here.
The next Virtual Open Day is due to take place on Wednesday 13 November 2024. Click here to register.
The Master of Studies (MSt) in History is a University of Cambridge qualification, offering education and research training at master’s level, and provides you with the opportunity to carry out advanced research in history. It is designed for those who have relevant or humanities-related experience at first-degree level, and helps to develop critical awareness and theoretical understanding of the associated skills and techniques that can be deployed.
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, you will 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 academic years in short, intensive study blocks, and begins in October 2025 (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.
Aims of the programme
By the end of the course you 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 your analytical, evaluative and critical capacities;
- developed the ability to form independent judgements based on your reading, research and writing;
- gained demonstrable specific subject knowledge and analysis relevant to your dissertation;
- developed research skills required for further postgraduate research.
Teaching and learning
The MSt in History is structured around three residential modules that you 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 you learning support while you are on the programme, including learning resources, to build a virtual community of practice. You 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. Teaching is planned to take place at Girton College, Cambridge.
Module 1: Approaches to History
You 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: Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 October 2025
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: Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 February 2026
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: Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 May 2026
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. You will work independently on your chosen topic under the supervision of an expert in the chosen field who you will have regular contact with. You will be required to attend five supervisions between May 2026 and May 2027 and will be able to agree with your supervisor whether these are face-to-face or online.
There will also be three day-schools at which students provide short presentations on their research to date, alongside some training in dissertation research and writing:
- Day School 1: Friday 23 October 2026
- Day School 2: Friday 22 January 2027
- Day School 3: Friday 23 April 2027
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
You will be given formal feedback on your 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.
Further study
A strong performance in the MSt in History might enable students to progress to PhD study at this or other leading global universities.
Find out more
If you would like academic guidance on your research topic before making an application, please contact the Course Directors, Professor Samantha Williams skw30@cam.ac.uk and Dr Matt Neal mrjn2@cam.ac.uk
