MA/PGDip/PGCert History

University of Birmingham

Whether you are interested in a variety of historical periods and approaches, or have a passion for a particular element of the past, our new MA History offers you the flexibility to study what interests you most.

The MA in History enables you to develop expertise across a variety of subjects in which the Department of History has significant strengths, which include Medieval Studies, Early Modern History, Global History, Contemporary History, and Modern British Studies.

You can also specialise in a particular historical pathway, including studying taught modules and writing your dissertation on a topic within the pathway area of specialism. Current pathways include:

Modern and Contemporary History pathway
Global History pathway
Medieval and Early Modern History pathway

All applications are made to the MA History programme. If you would like to specialise in a particular pathway, you do not need to decide on applying. You will indicate this at the module choice process upon entry to the programme, allowing for greater flexibility in your Masters study.

Studying our MA History programme allows you to benefit from the expertise of a large number of historians at Birmingham and the Department is unrivalled in the geographical and chronological breadth of its expertise.

If you are interested in continuing your studies to an advanced level, but are unable to commit to a full Masters degree or would prefer not to complete a dissertation, you may be interested in our Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) routes. On the PGDip you complete modules worth 120 credits over 8 months full-time or 16 months part-time. On the PGCert you complete 80 credits over 4 months full-time.

At Birmingham, Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research students also have the opportunity to learn graduate academic languages free of charge, to support your studies.

Employability

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV