History MA

Course overview:

Challenging and diverse, our flagship history programme builds on the department’s research strengths and has been designed to provide a thorough training in the study of history across a wide range of periods and themes.

You consider history from a variety of perspectives, to explore how people lived in the past and what factors shaped their environment, beliefs and culture. The provision is flexible. You can either build your programme by choosing from a range of taught options in cultural, European and regional history, or undertake 100 credits out of 180 through independent study.

How you learn:

At postgraduate level it is important that you take an active role in structuring your own learning experience, and also engage with the relevant methods and underpinning theories of the disciplines you encounter. At the same time we recognise that students embark on their study with different levels of skills and awareness of the discipline, especially in the case of mature students perhaps returning to study. The Research Skills and Methods module is designed to address these issues, involving a high degree of regular tutor contact, a firm foundation of research, interpretation and writing skills, as well as an introduction to a range of methodological approaches and historiographies.

How you are assessed:

It is intended that you should experience a variety of different types of assessment, although the traditional extended essay plays a large part in the overall picture. There may also be ‘formative’ types of assessment which do not contribute to your final mark but have a useful diagnostic and developmental function. Some modules include a portfolio of exercises or short pieces, a group project, case studies or even a practical project. There are, you may be pleased to learn, no exams!

Career opportunities:

Typically graduates go on to roles in teaching, museum work, heritage management and/or administration. You may also choose to pursue further academic study - MPhil or PhD.