School of History, Classics and Archaeology
Graduate Programmes - Taught MSc in Enlightenment Studies

Edinburgh is a city, which was shaped by the Enlightenment, physically, culturally, and intellectually. The aim of this taught programme is to introduce students to the study of the culture and ideas of the European and North American Enlightenments in the eighteenth century. It will take advantage of the complementary expertise of members of staff in different Schools of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in order to offer an inter-disciplinary curriculum in Enlightenment studies. The programme is designed for a variety of applicants, with, for example, backgrounds in history, history of science, history of art, philosophy, or literature. 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.

For entry to the programme, a first degree performance at 2:1 honours level or its equivalent is normally required. The MSc in Enlightenment Studies is available as a full-time programme taken over the course of one academic year, or as a part time programme taken over two academic years.

The specific educational aims of the programme are:

• To familiarize students with the main interpretations of the Enlightenment in current scholarship.
  
• To encourage them to develop an interdisciplinary approach to studying the Enlightenment.
  
• To allow students to acquire a detailed understanding of central characteristics of the Enlightenment in art and material culture, philosophy, science, literature, and political culture.
  
• To equip students with the skills required for modern research conditions, including the ability to formulate a precise research design and strategy and to manage their time effectively.
  
• To develop and test students’ ability to produce substantive pieces of written work, including a well-researched dissertation.

Students are expected to achieve several aims, which will be assessed primarily by essays, seminars and a dissertation such as:

• Understanding the diversity of methodological and theoretical approaches in the study of the Enlightenment .
  
• Analysis of primary and secondary sources for acquiring a detailed knowledge and command in research topics.
  
• Appreciation of the interaction and links among the different subject areas of Enlightenment studies.

A wide variety of intellectuals skills are promoted through seminars and discussions and advanced study encouraging the development of the following:

• The ability to develop sound and coherent arguments based on the thorough analysis and evaluation of primary and secondary sources.
  
• An appreciation of the variety of interpretations of the culture and ideas of the Enlightenment.
  
• An understanding of the importance of the study of the Enlightenment in the modern world.
  
• The ability to cross disciplinary boundaries within the field of Enlightenment studies.
  

The programme's outcomes are assessed by means of five assignments, each of 3,000 words, and a 15,000 word dissertation.

The Programme comprises a total of 180 credits, 120 course-based credits, and 60 credits for the dissertation.

* This course is a taught module which all History MSc students take as a group together.

**The range of specialist courses available may vary according to staffing arrangements. The options that may be available include:

Further to discussion with the Programme Director, one optional element may be chosen from the School postgraduate options not on this list.

Dr. Thomas Ahnert
Progamme Director

Thomas.Ahnert@ed.ac.uk