MA History

Overview

This postgraduate course is designed for those who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of history across a range of periods, regions and theoretical perspectives. The MA in History provides you with opportunities to study the subject at an advanced level.

You will have the chance to study a range of periods and topics, from Early Modern England to Fascism in modern Britain, from the Decline of the Aristocracy to warfare and memories of war and the role of history in the construction of British national identity.

By studying particular topics in depth, you are encouraged to think not only about the diversity of the past, but also how history itself is constructed.

Course Details

The History MA is taught on a full-time and part-time basis, with the opportunity to complete in one and two years respectively. The year is split into three trimesters.

You will develop the skills necessary to understand, critique, utilise and communicate concepts and theories used within the discipline of History. You will acquire methodological skills for historical research, particularly the selection, evaluation and interpretation of primary sources.

The course comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit dissertation. Students must take the History Research Methods module and complete a dissertation. The remainder of the programme is made up from a selection of specialist modules (normally three 30 credit modules) which reflect staff research expertise.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Assessment is by coursework only, consisting of assessments such as essays, student presentations, book reviews and seminar portfolios.

For the award of Master’s, students must accumulate a total of 180 credits, including a 15,000 word dissertation, undertaken under the supervision of an appropriate member of the course team. A Postgraduate Certificate is awarded for 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma for 120 credits.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Previous students have used our MA in a variety of ways. It can be a bridge to further study - with several former students having gone on to do a PhD. As a prestigious qualification, it can enhance career opportunities in a wide range of occupations, for example, teachers have used the course to gain curriculum knowledge and career progression, an MA History is also useful for law, journalism and a range of other careers. Many students take the course purely because they have enjoyed History as a degree or as a personal interest and wish to pursue the subject further.