Do you want to move beyond learning about the past to doing history? Are you interested in undertaking a piece of research on a historical topic of your choosing? Would a postgraduate qualification in history help your career?

If your answer to any of these questions is yes, you might want to consider our MA History.

The MA History at The Open University provides you with the opportunity to explore society, politics and culture in Britain and Ireland during either the early modern (c.1500-1800) or modern (c.1750-1970) period. Using our world-class collection of online primary source materials together with collections of documents and artefacts in local and national repositories, you will produce an independent research project on a topic of your choice.

Our MA History comprises two modules studied part time over two years. In the first module (A883), you will study the craft of doing history in the digital age, and develop advanced level skills in the location and analysis of primary and secondary sources. Based on your choice of pathway, you will become conversant in the key historiographical debates and research methodologies that have shaped the study of either early modern or modern Britain and Ireland. During the second half of the module, you will choose two specialist themes for in depth study.

Your studies on A883 will prepare you for the second module (A884), when you will embark on your own independent research project, also known as a dissertation. You will be able to choose your own topic based on the specialist study you completed in A883. You will receive training in the development of research projects and you will receive support from your tutor for your specific project.

Read more on what you will study in the MA History.

Find out more

The MA in History qualification provides full details of this degree and its modules.

For a taste of the type of study you will undertake as part of the MA History, try our free OpenLearn course, What do historians do?

If you'd like to check that you're ready for MA study, have a look at our self-assessment diagnostic test.

If you need more information and would like to talk to one of our study advisers, call us now on 0300 303 0064 or follow this link to book a call back.