Overview

The American History programme from the University of Cambridge combines taught and research elements over a nine-month full-time programme. The taught elements include three modules, as well as training workshops and seminars. All students will also complete a substantial piece of independent research.

Throughout the course, students will be supervised by a dedicated member of staff, who will guide their research towards the completion of a dissertation on a subject chosen and developed by the student.

Cambridge graduates in American history have taken up posts in universities and academic-related spheres of work around the world. The MPhil in American History provides a point of entry into this rich tradition. However, the MPhil has also provided an excellent basis on which to proceed to a career in other, non-academic professions.

Key facts:

Students on the MPhil in American History will be provided with an in-depth study of some of the key areas of research in American history. All students will be assigned a supervisor who will guide them through the requirements of the course and, most crucially, the dissertation.

In this manner, all students are provided with the historiographical knowledge and analytical skills necessary to understand and evaluate existing research and to pursue research in their own fields of intellectual interest. Through individual supervisions and small-group classes, students are introduced to the more specialized and intensive nature of research required at a postgraduate level.

By the end of the programme, students will have:

Knowledge of key debates and trends in American history and historiography

Greater understanding of issues, events, and people in American history

Skills in presenting work in both oral and written form

Advanced research and writing skills at postgraduate level

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

The MPhil in American History is a nine-month full-time programme which combines elements of formal teaching with independent research. Students on the MPhil will join a group of researchers of all levels within the field of American history, allowing them to integrate into the research culture of American history at Cambridge.

The MPhil involves four assessed components:

A core course (eight two-hour classes) worth 10 per cent of the overall mark

Two optional courses ("options") chosen from a list offered by the Faculty (eight two-hour classes for each option); each is worth 10 per cent of the overall mark

A dissertation (15,000–20,000 words) worth 70 per cent of the overall mark

In addition to the above, students will attend the weekly American research seminar and the weekly American History Graduate Workshop and may undertake optional language training where relevant.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 9 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-14 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

110

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Disciplines

History View 340 other Masters in History in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

110

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High II.i Honours Degree

Two academic references

Transcript

CV/resume

Evidence of competence in English

Personal development questionnaire

Sample of work

Research proposal

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37176 GBP / year

≈ 37176 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

18656 GBP / year

≈ 18656 GBP / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United Kingdom

846 - 1465 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for American History.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key facts:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Cambridge

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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