Dr. Mary Laven

Professor

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Biography

Mary Laven is a Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Cambridge, where she has taught since 1997 and currently serves as the Chair of the History Faculty. She completed her Master's in Renaissance Studies at the Warburg Institute and obtained her PhD from the University of Leicester, focusing on early modern nuns. Laven has established a robust relationship with the Fitzwilliam Museum, where she co-curated several exhibitions, including 'Treasured Possessions: Renaissance to Enlightenment' and 'Madonnas & Miracles: The Holy Home in Renaissance Italy.' Her research is grounded in the social and cultural history of early modern Italy and Europe, particularly in areas of religion, gender, sociability, and material culture. She led the ItalianROSE project, which piloted a new study of migration and minority experiences in the Italian Renaissance. Laven has published notable works, including 'Virgins of Venice,' awarded the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 2002, and 'Mission China: Matteo Ricci and the Jesuit Encounter with the East.' Her book 'Domestic Devotions: The Place of Piety in the Renaissance Italian Household' was a significant outcome of her European Research Council-funded project. She supervises numerous doctoral students and contributes extensively to undergraduate and MPhil teaching.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

University of Cambridge • Cambridge

Chair of the History Faculty, focusing on Early Modern History.

Awards

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John Llewellyn Rhys Prize

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Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship

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Bainton History / Theology Prize

Requirements for University of Cambridge

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Reading
Required:25
Writing
Required:25
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:110
Prerequisites
UK Bachelor's Degree with good Upper Second Class Honours or international equivalent Background in international relations, politics, law, economics, security or history is a definite asset
Application Checklist
  • Two academic references
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Personal statement (approx 500 words)
  • Research proposal (1-2 pages/500 words)
  • Application fee (£50)
Specialization Notes

Standard postgraduate requirements for Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) and related humanities departments.