Economic and Social History (MSc)

The MSc in Economic and Social History provides training for advanced research in social and economic history through a distinctive combination of interdisciplinary study and specialisation.

Course information

The MSc in Economic and Social History is a one-year taught programme run by the School of History.

The programme offers a distinctive combination of interdisciplinary study and specialisation. It provides the training required for advanced research in social and economic history. It also provides specialised historical study and training in knowledge transfer, where students communicate aspects of their research to academic and non-academic audiences.

The ultimate intention is to prepare students for either doctoral research or employment in related areas.

Highlights

• This interdisciplinary programme offers training in the research methods required for higher-level research in social and economic history.
• You will develop an understanding of, and critical engagement with, the distinctive debates and controversies relating to social and economic history. You will enhance your ability to engage in such debates.
• The programme will develop appropriate research, quantitative and other skills through training in social science methodologies as well as those commonly used in history. These include quantitative analysis and critical assessment of research methodologies.

You will receive training in the use of libraries, appropriate databases (electronic and otherwise), archives or other source-appropriate repositories.

Teaching format

The MSc degree requires that students take half their modules in social sciences and half in history over Semesters 1 and 2. The four social science modules offer essential training in quantitative and qualitative methods, and in the philosophy and methodology of the social sciences. The history modules examine the key historiographical issues relating to economic and social history in the modern period.

Careers

The Economic and Social History MSc is suitable for UK and overseas graduates interested in pursuing PhDs in social and economic history, and for graduates interested in careers that include:

• management and administration
• civil service
• financial services
• journalism
• education
• library and museum services.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.