Course summary
The 2-year, part-time MSt in History is designed for adult learners who wish to study at postgraduate level and are keen to develop high-level skills in historical research. We are open to applicants of all backgrounds and prior experience of the subject. The course has been designed to be accessible to those in full- or part-time employment, and to international students. The taught elements of the syllabus, Part 1, are offered during the first year in 3 intensive study blocks/modules, usually scheduled inside full term. Sessions are offered in research training, and essay and dissertation writing. In the second year, Part 2, you will undertake a dissertation under the supervision of a supervisor and there are 3 ‘Day Schools’ with training in dissertation research and writing. The MSt is taught over 2 academic years in short, intensive study blocks, and begins in October 2026 (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. 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
- Skills and other attributes
- The course helps to develop critical awareness and theoretical understanding of the associated skills and techniques that can be deployed.
- the academic, technical and ancillary skills necessary to participate in critical debates within the field of history
- the ability to formulate a research topic, create a research design, and communicate their ideas and research conclusions in a substantial piece of postgraduate level research
- transferable skills, including the ability to take responsibility for their own learning, learning how to learn, making oral and written presentations, planning and producing written assignments, working independently, and, where they have chosen to do so, using information technology
Modules
The MSt in History is structured around 3 residential modules that you must attend. In the first year, each of the 3 residential blocks will be preceded by guided preparatory reading and other activities. You will need to dedicate approximately 75 hours in Year 1 to attend lectures, seminars and classes, which includes some reading and preparatory time. In Year 2, this will be around 18 hours. You will also have 5 hours of supervision sessions in Year 2 to discuss and shape your dissertation. Teaching methods combine informal lectures and class discussion, the study of primary sources, and student-led peer-to-peer learning. A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) offers you learning support while you are on the course, including learning resources, to build a virtual community of practice. You are expected to have sufficient IT skills to engage with the VLE, where all assessed assignments are uploaded. Residential teaching blocks take place in October, February and April in Year 1 (2026-2027). In Year 2, residential teaching blocks take place in October, January and April (2027-2028). Full details are available on the course website.
Assessment method
In Year 1 assessment will be through a range of formats which may include coursework, written and oral examinations, posters, presentations and projects. For each of Modules 1-3, this will be the equivalent of 3,000 words maximum per module. Some assignments, and the dissertation, require literature reviews. To complete Year 1 successfully, you must pass at least 2 of the 3 assessed assignments and reach an average pass mark of 60% across the 3. Year 1 assignments constitute 30% of the overall award mark. In Year 2 you will complete a dissertation of 16,000 to 20,000 words (including appendices but excluding bibliography and footnotes). The dissertation constitutes 70% of the overall award mark. You will be given formal feedback on your assignments and informal feedback throughout the course, including during supervisions. Supervisions also result in an annual progress report at the end of Year 1 and termly reports during Year 2.
How to apply
International applicants
Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you'll need to prove you have sufficient fluency before admission. If we offer you a place, it will be subject to you meeting this requirement. As a minimum, you will be required to demonstrate an overall score of 7.5 in IELTS Academic with a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component (or equivalent). We welcome applications from international students. If you're coming from overseas, you would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission. It's important to be aware that entering the UK as a visitor for study purposes comes with certain expectations and restrictions, and you should fully understand the requirements.
Entry requirements
Expected academic standard Applicants for this course will normally have achieved a UK 2.1 honours degree or overseas equivalent. There is provision to accept non-standard applicants who do not satisfy the standard academic criterion. Such applicants must produce evidence of relevant and equivalent experience and their suitability for the course. Language requirement Applicants for whom English is not their first language will need to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language by completing one of the following: IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 7.5 (with a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component) CAE: Grade A or B (with at least 193 in each individual element) plus a language centre assessment. CPE: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 in each individual element). TOEFL iBIT: Overall score of at least 110 with no element below 25
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £16218 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £16218 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £16218 | Whole course |
| Wales | £16218 | Whole course |
| International | £32436 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
There is a £85 application fee.
Provider information
University of Cambridge
The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1TN