1. Can I do the MA if I don't have a first degree in history?
2. What is distinctive about the OU MA in History?
3. How does studying at the OU differ from other universities?
4. Can you recommend some books I can read before the start of the course?
5. I have a disability. Is the course suitable for me?
6. Can this course be successfully completed if I'm not based in the UK?
7. Will the MA help me prepare for study for a Ph.D?

Can I do the MA if I don't have a first degree in History?

You must hold an honours degree to be accepted for the MA in History programme. Your degree need not be in History, but you must have the basic skills expected of a graduate in that area. You can check your mastery of those skills in our self-diagnostic test. If you have not taken a History degree or a degree where History formed a substantial part of your studies, you might consider first taking one of our undergraduate courses.
If you want help to assess your preparedness, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.

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What is distinctive about the OU MA in History?

• While you will be asked to choose a pathway of study – early modern history or modern history – and receive specialist training in the study of a historical period, you will also have the opportunity to explore events and phenomena from the other period through the study of themes which straddle both periods.
• The choice of periods and themes means that you can focus on topics which interest you
• You will have plenty of choice when it comes to selecting a dissertation topic.
• You will have access to the Open University Library’s superb collection of e-books, e-journals and primary source databases.
• Taking it as a part-time course means you can combine study with other commitments
• You will benefit from the university’s unrivalled experience in supported open-learning.

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How does studying at the OU differ from other universities?

Teaching is through a combination of electronic and face-to-face tuition. You will have a tutor to help you engage with the course material, mark and comment on written work, and prepare you for the dissertation. There are also day schools, where you will be taught by other tutors and members of the academic staff.  In addition, you will have access to the Open University’s library and its extensive electronic resources.

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Can you recommend some books I can read before the start of the course?

We recommend reading the following set text before the course starts:

• Tosh, J. The Pursuit of History: Aims, Methods, and New Directions in the Study of History Routledge £32.99 - ISBN 9780367902469 The current edition is the 7th edition, but students may also use the 6th edition - ISBN 9781138808089

You will need to buy this for A883 if you study the course.

It is also recommended that you read one or two books which provide an overview of the history of Britain and Ireland in your chosen period of study (early modern or modern).

Further lists of preparatory reading will be supplied to students who register for A883.

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I have a disability. Is the course suitable for me?

Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Large print versions of the course materials can be provided on request. Other alternative formats of the course materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.

If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in or booklet Meeting Your Needs.

You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.

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Can this course be successfully completed if I'm not based in the UK?

Yes. Although the geographical focus of the MA History is Britain and Ireland, the great strides made in the digitisation of primary and secondary sources in the last decade mean that it is possible to study the course even if you are based outside the UK. However, it is likely that you will still need access to a library (preferably a university or other specialist library) with a good collection of books on British and Irish history. Also, unless you are willing to travel to the UK for research, you will need to base your dissertation on collections of primary sources available online.

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Will the MA help me prepare for study for a Ph.D?

Definitely! By completing an MA you will acquire key skills in research and writing that are required for further postgraduate study. In fact many departments require you to have a Masters degree before beginning a PhD. Many students discover a research topic on their MA which they go on to study in more depth for their PhD thesis.

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