Early Modern Studies

The MSc in Early Modern Studies at University College London offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach to understanding the transformative period from the late 15th to the early 18th century. This program is designed for students with a keen interest in exploring the cultural, political, religious, and social developments that shaped Europe and beyond during the early modern era. Students will engage with a wide range of subject areas, including history, literature, philosophy, art, and science, enabling them to develop a nuanced understanding of this crucial period in world history.

The programme is structured to provide both broad contextual knowledge and specialized expertise. Core modules cover foundational themes such as early modern political thought, religious change, and intellectual history, while optional modules allow students to tailor their studies toward particular areas of interest, such as gender history, early modern soundscapes, or transnational connections. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, analytical skills, and primary source analysis, empowering students to produce original research and engage with scholarly debates.

Throughout the course, students will benefit from the accomplished faculty’s expertise, access to extensive historical archives, and dedicated research seminars. The flexible modular system facilitates part-time or full-time study, accommodating different academic and professional commitments. The programme is ideal for those considering doctoral research or careers in academia, heritage, museums, or cultural analysis. Graduates will gain a deep understanding of early modern history and culture, strengthened research skills, and a global perspective on the profound changes that defined this transformative period, preparing them for diverse career paths or further academic pursuits in the humanities.

The MA will teach you critical reading skills, the ability to assess and weigh evidence, and construct persuasive arguments. It combines training in book history, bibliography, and paleography with a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of the early modern period.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits), between two and four optional modules (60 credits) and a dissertation (90 credits).

Core modules

• Early Modern Exchanges: Methods, Histories, Cultures A
• Early Modern Exchanges: Methods, Histories and Cultures B

Optional modules (indicative list):

Up to 60 credits from a list which varies each year. An up-to-date list is available on our website. Below is an indicative list, showing modules that have been offered previously.

• Shakespeare in his Time
• Sex and the Body in Early Modern Europe
• From Renaissance to Republic: The Netherlands: 1555-1609
• Early Modern Science
• The Self and the World: Theoretical Approaches to Travel Writing
• Aztec Archaeology: Codices and Ethnohistory
• Early Modern Books and Their Readers: Historical Bibliography for Researchers
• I.T. for Graduate Research
• Paradoxes of Enlightenment: German Thought from Leibniz to Humboldt
• Political Thought in Renaissance Europe
• The Practice of Toleration in Early Modern Europe
• Trade, Money and Institutions in the Ottoman Mediterranean 1600-1914
• Early Modern Handwriting and Manuscript Culture for Researchers
• Giordano Bruno
• The Public Sphere in Britain, 1476-1800: Print Culture, Censorship and Propaganda
• Men on the Moon: Cosmic Voyages in the Early Modern Period
• Thinking with Women: Gender as an Early Modern Category
• Web 0.1: Early Modern Information Culture, c.1450-c.1750
• The Conquest of Mexico

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 18,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of tutorials, seminars, workshops, presentations, class discussions and library, archive, museum and gallery visits. Assessment is through essays, annotated bibliography and the dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The Early Modern Studies program at University College London offers a variety of financing options to support enrolled students throughout their academic journey. Students are encouraged to explore the full range of funding opportunities available, including undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, bursaries, and external funding sources. UCL provides several internal scholarships specifically aimed at students pursuing degrees in humanities and social sciences, which may cover partial or full tuition fees, as well as living expenses. Additionally, students can apply for government-funded loans, such as those provided by the UK Student Loans Company for domestic students, which cover tuition fees and maintenance costs. International students are advised to seek scholarships offered by their home governments, UCL's international scholarship programs, or external organizations that support international study. The university also facilitates bursaries based on financial need, academic merit, or special criteria related to diversity and inclusion. Specific details about scholarship eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines can be found on the university's official financial aid webpage. Students are encouraged to contact UCL's Student Funding Office for personalized guidance and to ensure they are aware of all available support options. It is recommended to start the funding application process early, as competitions for scholarships and bursaries are highly competitive. Furthermore, students engaged in research components of their Early Modern Studies degree may have opportunities to secure research grants or teaching assistantships, which can provide additional financial assistance. Overall, UCL is committed to making education accessible and offers a comprehensive support system to help students manage the costs associated with their studies in Early Modern Studies.

Early Modern Studies at University College London offers an interdisciplinary approach to exploring the cultural, political, religious, and intellectual transformations that shaped the early modern period, roughly spanning from the late 15th century to the late 18th century. The program is designed for students interested in understanding how the early modern world laid the foundations for the modern era, through a detailed examination of history, literature, art, philosophy, and other related disciplines. The curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of major developments during this time, including the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Scientific Revolution, and the Enlightenment, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Students engage with a variety of sources, including original texts, visual artifacts, and archival materials, to develop a nuanced understanding of the period's complex social and cultural dynamics.

The program emphasizes comparative and thematic studies, allowing students to explore topics such as politics and kingship, religion and secularism, gender and sexuality, science and innovation, and artistic expression. It encourages contextual analysis, cultural interpretation, and interdisciplinary research methods, preparing graduates for careers in academia, museums, heritage sectors, journalism, and cultural management. Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, and research-focused projects, with opportunities for independent study and collaboration with leading scholars in the field.

Students also benefit from UCL’s extensive library and digital resources, as well as access to affiliated research centers that focus on early modern history, literature, and culture. The program offers flexible study options, including full-time and part-time routes, and integrates a variety of assessment methods to develop diverse skills such as essay writing, presentations, and research proposals. Graduates of Early Modern Studies at UCL leave equipped with a deep understanding of a pivotal historical period and the critical skills necessary for further academic research or professional pursuits in-related fields.