The Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge is among the largest and most prestigious history faculties in the world. Though the study of history at Cambridge dates back centuries, the study of history as a distinct academic discipline in the form of the undergraduate Historical Tripos was only established in the nineteenth century: history had previously been studied as part of the broader 'Moral Sciences' Tripos, and subsequently within the 'Law and History' Tripos. Nevertheless, the Historical Tripos - together with the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees offered by the Faculty - has produced a large number of alumni who have gone onto occupy a broad range of positions in public life.