Subjects

History

What makes the Cambridge History course so special?

The combination of range and flexibility, both chronologically and geographically. Beyond the minimal requirements (papers in British political, British socio-economic, and European history; and at least one falling before and one after 1750), a student can choose to pursue a historical sub-discipline across time, or sample a range of different approaches to a single time period. Many choose to move beyond the types of history previously available to them by taking papers in the history of political thought or in extra-European history – or both. The Themes and Sources paper in Part I and the Special Subject in Part II complement a cycle of weekly essays through being assessed by longer coursework essays on a targeted set of primary sources. Finalists frequently enjoy the opportunity to write an article-length (15,000-word) dissertation, the choice of topic for which is entirely free.

Such advantages of the course are increased by the Cambridge system of supervisions, by which students can discuss their ideas (normally individually) with specialist researchers within Cambridge. Lectures provide further opportunity to hear leading scholars who work at the ‘cutting edge’ reflecting on past literature and forthcoming research. Such occasions are provided both in the annual lectures for each paper, and public lecture series which attract prominent scholars from outside Cambridge.

Why choose Newnham for History?

Newnham has a long tradition of valuing teaching as an integral part of College life. Its current Fellows continue to uphold the ideals of their forbears in taking teaching seriously and seeking the most effective teaching methods for an individual’s style of learning. Newnham was one of the pioneers of the supervision mode of teaching, still the mainstay of any historian’s degree, and an important element of the Director of Studies’ job is securing the best supervisors for her students. The wide range of topics taught by the current History Fellows (see below) offers advantages to students not only for their supervised papers, but also for historical method classes. Those classes, organised into a systematic programme across the three years of a degree, provide an important chance for each cohort of students to exchange ideas, experiences, and share what they have discovered in their own particular papers. Contact across year groups is fostered not only informally but also (for example) by an evening of presentations by third year students on their dissertations. The provision of public lectures at a University level is complemented by College lectures on formal occasions, and by ‘pudding seminars’, in which students and Fellows share their ideas and current research more informally.

Newnham historians benefit from the excellent resources provided by the College as well as the University. Since the College had to provide its own books for women students (who were originally barred from using university resources), a legacy remains of an unusually well-stocked undergraduate library. Whilst this provides a quiet working environment both inside and outside term time, historians at Newnham live within minutes of the Faculty and of the University Library, a copyright library. First year History students at Newnham have the opportunity to improve current language skills through classes in (for example) French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Latin. They enter University ‘preliminary’ exams, which provide a chance to practise exam techniques in a formative rather than summative context. A student in any year may take advantage of the presence of a Royal Literary Fund Fellow in College who provides assistance with writing skills outside the formal confines of supervisions.

How many students take History at Newnham and what options do they choose?

Approximately eight per year (circa twenty-four in total), although these are occasionally augmented with American students taking a year abroad. There are perhaps two to four Newnham postgraduates working in History at any one time. The choice of options varies across time, space, and genres of history – and students benefit from the advice of their peers as well as their Director of Studies in shaping their path through the papers on offer.

How will I be taught at Newnham?

The structure of teaching is determined by the subject not the College. In History, the main teaching derives from weekly supervisions, on one paper per term, arranged by the Director of Studies. Lectures, though rarely compulsory, are a vital part of a student’s learning, and attendance at them should not be skimped (attending between eight and twelve per week is advised).

However, there are exceptions to this pattern. Themes and Sources (in part I) and the Special Subject (in part II), the two source-based papers, are taught by means of Faculty classes rather than supervisions. Historical Argument and Practice (in both parts of the Tripos) is taught in College classes, either fortnightly (in the first and third years) or twice termly (in the second). First-year students at Newnham also enjoy weekly language classes funded by the College.

Can you tell me more about the History Fellows?

• Dr D'Maris Coffman (Director of Studies) is a historian of early modern public finance, state formation, and economic thought. She is the Director of the Centre for Financial History, based at Newnham.

• Dr Bianca Gaudenzi's research interests lie in the cultural and social history of 20th century Germany and Italy.

• Dr Gabriela Ramos is a historian of Latin America, specialising in the cultural, religious, and social history of the Andes.

• Dr Gillian Sutherland (Fellow Emerita) is a historian of British and European social history (from c. 1700) and British political history from 1750.

What jobs do Newnham History students go on to do?

A very wide range – utilising the non-vocational nature of their subject. Previous students have gone on to posts in accountancy, merchant banking, personnel management, publishing, journalism, teaching, social work, and the Civil Service. Some work in academia, either in research or academic administration. The current Principal of Newnham, Dame Patricia Hodgson, read History here as an undergraduate.

Are there any A-level subjects that are particularly useful?

A student does not have to take History at A-Level in order to read it at university, but an applicant who has not taken History would naturally be expected to account for this, and offer positive reasons for her choice of course. Students previously admitted have combined History with either other essay-based subjects or sciences. An A-Level in a language is looked on favourably.

Can I take a gap year?

Yes – but you don’t have to. Many students find the experience which a gap year offers highly beneficial for their personal development and broadening their horizons. However, it is equally justifiable for a student eager to begin her course not to seek a gap year, since opportunities for work directly relevant to History can be slim. Reasonably firm plans, with valid justifications, are most important.

How should I prepare for interview at Newnham?

Although applicants cannot pre-prepare material for Newnham (or Cambridge) History interviews, there are ways in which they can help themselves. Key to this is handling the process before coming to interview: careful thought about the content of the personal statement in the UCAS application, and judicious selection of samples of written work. Keeping copies of the personal statement and submitted work, and reading them through before arriving for the interview, is advisable. An interviewee should be prepared to explore her ideas in more depth, and to have them questioned and challenged; intellectual flexibility and interest are sought. Discussion is likely to broaden beyond history to the other subjects she is studying and her relevant extra-curricular activities.

Newnham historians also sit a written test, lasting an hour, on the day of interview. This is carefully designed not to advantage any particular type of applicant; and we would like to reassure applicants that no additional preparation is needed for this.

Where can I find out more?

The History Faculty website has more information about the course. The Student Life section of this website gives information about living and learning at Newnham.

For primary and secondary source exercises, sample lectures, and interviews with historians reflecting on their work see www.historycambridge.com

You are welcome to email the Director of Studies in History, Dr Rose (jr292@cam.ac.uk) if you have further questions.

Take a look at the profiles of two History undergraduates.

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