External summary

Over the last twenty to thirty years intellectual history has emerged as a vibrant discipline at the cutting edge of historical inquiry. It encompasses the study of textual productions of all kinds, from ‘elite’ publications such as philosophical writings, scientific texts, and theological treatises, to more ‘popular’ writings such as sermons, novels or polemical pamphlets. It is, in fact, concerned as much with the intellectual ‘undergrowth’ of the past – the ‘second-rate thinkers’, minor philosophers, polemicists, and other authors of ephemeral literature – as with so-called ‘major figures’ such as David Hume or Adam Smith; it is concerned especially with the dialogue and interaction that took place between the well-known, canonical theorists and their less famous contemporaries. It is also concerned more broadly with the relationship of texts to their various historical contexts – intellectual, social and cultural – which, it is widely agreed, are essential to understanding the meaning these texts had for their authors and contemporary audiences.

Edinburgh is fortunate in having a remarkably strong group of academics with extensive expertise in intellectual history. Not all of these are based in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology: they include members of staff in, for example, the Science Studies Unit, Geography, and Philosophy. Together they constitute one of the most significant concentrations of intellectual historians in the UK. Edinburgh is also particularly well-provided with relevant library and archival resources: the holdings of the University Library and the National Library of Scotland especially contain important and unique printed and archival material that is not available elsewhere.

The programme will familiarise students with different methodological approaches, such as  ‘Begriffsgeschichte’ and the ‘Cambridge School’, as well as enabling them to explore significant episodes in intellectual history, Enlightenment, Epicureanism, Mind-Body dualism, modern European-Asian cultural dialogue, and Tocqueville’s America. It will serve equally as a self-contained degree or as a stepping stone to a PhD. Participants will be provided with the necessary research skills and training in methodology and use of resources to progress to further postgraduate research at doctoral level.

Educational aims of programme

This rigorous programme studies the philosophy, ideas and intellectual backgrounds of a wide range of societies and cultures. It is designed to provide candidates with:

• a thorough understanding of the chief methods of practising intellectual history;

• detailed understanding of major themes in intellectual history;

• appreciation of the ineluctable interdependence of text and context, and of the importance of ideas in the past and the present.

• familiarity with the theory and practice of intellectual history, and with the available research resources.

• the ability to plan and complete coherent research work.

• the ability to prepare and deliver oral presentations.

• the skills required to assess critically a wide range of data and develop from it interpretative models.

• the ability to undertake research using resources such as the library, archives, museums, computers and internet.

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

Teaching takes places in modules that are seminar-based, with a mixture of student-led and tutor-led discussions. In addition, students are set several writing tasks throughout the year and complete a research dissertation. These will allow students to develop:

• specialized knowledge and expertise in intellectual history.

• a detailed understanding of central methodological issues and approaches in intellectual history.

• an appreciation and understanding of the ineluctable interdependence of texts and their historical contexts.

• a thorough familiarity with several major episodes and themes in intellectual history.

• a clear understanding of the relationship of intellectual history to other historical disciplines.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

The programme is designed to encourage the development of the ability to:

• research, understand, interpret, and evaluate a wide range of complex evidence, utilizing relevant historiographical, theoretical, and methodological knowledge and skills.

• formulate hypotheses and test them rigorously.

• develop tight and coherent arguments both orally and in writing.

• read texts critically and sensitively, evaluating their arguments as well as situating them in their practical and intellectual contexts.

• appreciate a variety of approaches to intellectual history.

• cross disciplinary boundaries, for example, between philosophy, science and history.

• undertake independent research using resources such as the library, archives, museums, computers and internet.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

This programme is designed to develop and enhance students’ ability to:

• independently define focused projects, such as a dissertation.

• manage time autonomously in a modern research environment.

• plan and complete projects in a controlled fashion and on time.

• work successfully in teams and communicate effectively with peers and academic staff.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

The programme is designed to develop students’ ability to:

• collect, process, evaluate, and communicate information from a range of sources.

• explain complex arguments in a lucid and accessible fashion.

• formulate hypotheses and test their validity.

• identify the broader significance of a specific argument.

• undertake oral and written analysis based on evidence from relevant primary sources.

• communicate with clarity and precision, verbally and in writing.

• adapt the style and format of their communication to different audiences.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

The programme is designed to contribute to the development of personal effectiveness in both academic and broader life contexts including future employment.

• goal setting as a route to personal effectiveness and happiness.

• time management and the most effective use of time with reference to small and large tasks.

• team working skills.

• respect for the opinions, ambitions and aims of others.

• participating in and directing effective meetings through tutorial sessions and exercises.

• understanding conventions, rules and boundaries.

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

The programme will encourage students to develop and enhance the following technical and practical skills:

• Digital technology in the practice of historical research and writing.

• Online digital technology in the representation of historical sources, with the ethical and intellectual challenges that such technology represents.

• Practical skills in navigating and using book and journal based library resources.

• Practical skills in accessing and handling original and archive historical sources.

• Practical skills in making effective contributions to group based learning.

Programme structure and features

Structure and SCQF credit values

The MSc in Intellectual History is available on a full-time basis taken over the course of one academic year, or a part-time over the course of two. 

Structure and Credit Values

Two core courses are taught in each semester, Postgraduate Research Skills in semester one and Historical Methodology in semester two.

These are complemented by two optional courses in the first semester, and either a further two optional courses or supervised reading (both 20 credits) in the second semester.

The remaining 60 credits are awarded for the dissertation written in the second semester.

Courses that may be available:

Progression requirements

Following the coursework stage (based on semester one and two courses), the Board of Examiners meets in May and is responsible for deciding whether students have satisfied the requirements of the Diploma stage of the programme and whether candidates can progress to the dissertation stage of candidature for the Masters programme.

In order to progress to the masters dissertation candidates

• attain at least 80 credits with a pass at masters level or more in each of the separate elements and

• be awarded an aggregate pass at masters level for the 120 credits of study in semesters one and two

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Practices

The programme's outcomes, detailed below, are assessed by means of coursework for the courses taken and the dissertation. Coursework will total approximately 18,000 words, while the dissertation is 12,000 words.

Modes of Study

The programme may be taken full time over twelve months or part-time over twenty four months.

Exit Awards

Requirements for the Award of the Diploma

In order to be awarded the diploma candidates must:

• attain at least 80 credits with a pass at diploma level or more in each of the separate elements and

• be awarded an aggregate pass at diploma level for the 120 credits of study examined for the diploma

Requirements for the Award of the MSc

In order to be awarded a masters degree candidates must:

• have satisfied the requirements for progression, as laid out above, and
• attain 60 credits, by achieving a pass at masters level for the dissertation  

Requirements of the Award of the MSc with Distinction

The Masters degree may be awarded with distinction. To achieve a distinction, a student must have been awarded at least 70% on the University’s Postgraduate Common Marking Scheme for the dissertation and must also have been awarded a mark of at least 69% for the coursework element.

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

Teaching and Learning strategies employed at the University of Edinburgh consist of a variety of different methods appropriate to the programme aims. The graduate attributes listed above are met through a teaching and learning framework (detailed below) which is appropriate to the level and content of the course.

Teaching and Learning Activities

Specific activities will vary with course options taken, but will include lectures, seminars and workshops.

Assessment methods and strategies

Assessment

Courses can be assessed by a diverse range of methods and often takes the form of formative work which provides the student with on-going feedback as well as summative assessment which is submitted for credit. 

Various assessment methods are used dependent on course options taken, but may include:

• Essays

• Dissertation

• Online discussion forums

• Power point presentation

• Poster presentation

Career opportunities

Many students are attracted to the MSc in Intellectual History as an advanced qualification that will be valued by a range of employers.

Career options

Possible fields for employment after completion of this programme include:

• Academia

• Policy think-tanks

• National and international civil services

• Non-governmental organizations

• Museum/curatorial

Others are interested in pursuing long-term academic careers and see the MSc as preparation for a PhD, while some are considering an academic career as a possibility, and use the MSc to establish whether it is the right career choice. The combination of skills training courses, specialised seminars, and independent research provides students with transferable skills that will be beneficial whatever they end up doing.

Other items

The Programme Director is responsible for monitoring and reporting on students’ overall academic progress, as well as offering pastoral support. Graduate Officers in the relevant subject area will offer additional academic and pastoral advice and support to each student.  The Graduate School Director will ensure that a supervisor is appointed to guide students through the process of completing the dissertation.

Access is provided to a networked wireless graduate study room with 38 desktop PCs, as well as two further graduate study rooms containing book collections, wireless networking and study space. These are maintained by Information Services via an e-Learning and Web Development Officer. Information Services also offer students access to training courses in a range of computing applications. 

MSc students are also encouraged to engage with and attend the various research seminar programmes organised by the School so as to familiarise themselves with current research issues and to develop their discursive skills.