American History at the University of Cambridge is a dynamic field which covers the history of what is now the United States; from the colonial period to the modern era. The MPhil in American History enables students to develop expertise in this ever expanding field of historical scholarship. Throughout the course students will be supervised by a dedicated member of staff, who will guide their research towards the completion of an original historical subject chosen and developed by them. In addition, students will benefit from Cambridge’s vibrant research environment in American History, attending and participating in guest talks, workshops and other events throughout the year. The course is designed for those who have completed degrees in which History is the main or at least a substantial component and who want to consolidate their knowledge of American history. It is particularly appropriate for those who may wish to continue on to a PhD, at Cambridge or elsewhere but it is also well-suited for those who seek simply to explore American history at a deeper level. It is expected that this will be the normal means by which those without an appropriate Master’s degree from elsewhere will prepare for the PhD degree in American history at Cambridge. 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 and all students will have 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 group classes students are introduced to the more specialised and intensive nature of research required at a postgraduate level. 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.