Undergraduate Information
 


Cambridge-MIT Undergraduate Exchange
 


The History Faculty participates in the Cambridge-MIT undergraduate exchange program. This junior year exchange allows MIT undergraduates to study for the entire academic year at the University of Cambridge. MIT History majors in good standing may apply during their sophomore year for admission to the program.

History at Cambridge is a three-year program. Each year is divided into three terms. During the first two years, known as "Part I," students take five subjects, or "tripos papers," then sit for exams in these five subjects during the final term of the second year. In the third year, known as "Part II," students take three, more specialized, subjects leading to extensive research projects.

By arrangement with the Cambridge History Faculty, MIT undergraduates who study History at Cambridge will take three Part I tripos papers during their year in Cambridge. They will sit for preliminary examinations in two of these papers between the second and third terms of their year abroad; final grades in these two subjects will be assigned based on the performance on these exams. The student will then write an extensive research essay related to the third subject during their final Cambridge term. The grade on this research essay will serve as the final grade for the subject. Grades will be assigned by the member of the Cambridge History Faculty in charge of the tripos; the MIT History Undergraduate Officer will then assign an MIT grade for all three subjects in consultation with the Cambridge instructors.

MIT students who successfully complete three tripos papers during their year in Cambridge will receive credit for a full year of academic work at MIT. In addition, they will receive appropriate credit toward the History major at MIT. The MIT History Faculty expects that its undergraduate majors will pass 21H.931, "Seminar in Historical Methods," prior to leaving for Cambridge. It is strongly recommended that MIT students study topics in Cambridge that will prepare them to write a senior thesis when they return to MIT for their final year of study.

For more information about History at Cambridge and a list of tripos papers currently offered, click here. MIT History majors who have questions about the program, or who wish to apply for the exchange, should contact the History Undergraduate Officer.