The MA History comprises two modules:

• MA History part 1 (90 points)
• MA History part 2 (90 points)

It is possible to take MA History part 1 (A883) on its own, with a postgraduate qualification for those who pass. However, we anticipate that you will want to go on to MA History part 2 (A884), and complete a dissertation. To qualify for the MA in History you will need to pass both modules. Please be aware that you must pass MA History part 1 in order to proceed to MA History part 2.

MA History Part 1 (A883)

Studying MA History part 1 (A883) takes approximately 11 months. It introduces you to the craft of doing history, period-based study and specialist theme-based study, and develops your study skills to postgraduate level.

All students will begin with the study of Block 1, ‘Doing history’. Over eight weeks, you will map the contours of the discipline; get to grips with the location, handling and analysis of large bodies of evidence and secondary sources; and grapple with philosophical questions that continue to shape the work of historians.

For Block 2, students will study either ‘Approaches to Early Modern History’ or ‘Approaches to Modern History’ according to the pathway selected before the start of the module. The aim of this block is to immerse your in your chosen period of study. You will become familiar with key debates within the historiography of your chosen period and you will develop key skills in handling and analysing primary sources peculiar to the period.

Blocks 3 and 4 provide the opportunity for more in-depth study of specialist themes. For each Block, you will have a choice: to study a theme entirely within your chosen period (early modern or modern history), or to study a theme across both periods.

For Block 3, students on the early modern history pathway will choose to study either Block 3A: Political communication and engagement in early modern Britain and Ireland, or Block 3B: Violence in Britain and Ireland, c.1500-c.1970.

Students on the modern history pathway will choose to study either Block 3C: Environment and landscape history, c.1750-c.1970, or Block 3B: Violence in Britain and Ireland, c.1500-c.1970.

For Block 4, students on the early modern history pathway will choose to study either Block 4A: Bodies and health, c.1550-c.1780 or Block 4B: New chapters: Immigration to Britain and Ireland, c.1500-c.1970

Students on the modern history pathway will choose to study either Block 4C: Social history of institutions, c.1750-c.1970 or Block 4B: New chapters: Immigration to Britain and Ireland, c.1500-c.1970.

Assessment is by 3 tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and an end of module assessment.

MA History Part 2 (A884)

In this module you will plan, research and write an extended piece of work over approximately 11 months. This is a 15,000-word dissertation, based on a subject you have chosen which relates to one of the themes you studied in A883 and which you have agreed with your tutor. All students will receive training in the development of research projects and you will receive support from your tutor for your specific project.

This MA will equip you with skills that many employers are looking for, including in research, critical thinking, project management, collaboration and communication. It will help you to develop the knowledge and skills required for PhD study.