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Course structure

Soviet Poster FLIKR Jorge Lascar

Course structure

The course lasts four years and is split into three Parts: Part IA in the first year, Part IB in the second year, and Part II in years three and four.

Year Part Content (For 2022 starters)
One Part IA During the first year you will enhance your written and spoken language skills and study a related course (normally an introduction to the literature, thought and history of the relevant country). You will also choose one ‘Outline’ course from History Part IA, which will introduce you to broad themes within a substantial historical period. You will also study the ‘Historical Thinking IA’ course, which investigates how historians work.
Two Part IB In your second year you continue your advanced language study and take three further courses. The latter comprise a further course related to your language, and a History ‘Topic’ course, plus either an additional MMLL paper or the History IB ‘Research Project’. The latter familiarises you with the research methods of a well-defined historical field, and allows you to carry out a small piece of independent research.
Three Part II The two-year Part II comprises a Year Abroad and a final year of study in Cambridge. The Year Abroad gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the language, culture and politics of your chosen language area. During this year, you will also prepare a Year Abroad Project which will cover the culture, thought, history or politics of the country in which you are spending your time.
Four Part II At the start of your final year you take an Advanced Oral examination. You will study advanced language courses in your chosen language and three other advanced courses from a wide range offered by both Faculties. You have the option of submitting a 10,000 word dissertation, drawing on your linguistic and historical skills, in place of one of these papers.