Programme Description

The M.Phil in Reformation and Enlightenment Studies offers well-qualified graduates in History, the Humanities and the Social Sciences an introduction to research in the political, social, cultural and religious history of Ireland, Britain and continental Europe across the Early Modern period.

The course is designed to introduce students to a wide range of issues in, and approaches to, Early Modern History while also providing students with a rigorous training in research methods and relevant skills.

The programme is built around Trinity College Library´s unparalleled research resources for the period from the Reformation to the French Revolution and reflects the full range of exciting new research currently being undertaken in Early Modern history within the Department of History. The course may also serve as an introduction to graduate study for students intending to pursue doctoral studies in Early Modern History.

Aims:

The course aims to provide graduates with a critical awareness of key issues and questions in Early Modern history and a firm foundation in the research process. Students will be trained in the analysis and the presentation of their research findings and introduced to the methodological challenges of conducting research at postgraduate level.

Each module within the degree programme introduces students to a defined theme or problem within Early Modern history, providing a tightly focused and in-depth introduction to a range of contemporary sources, interpretative problems and current debates. Through exploring these issues, approaches and methodologies, the M.Phil in Reformation and Enlightenment is designed to equip students with both the analytical and practical skills required for independent historical research.