History : MA

Our MA programme is designed to foster and challenge students wishing to take their study of history to a deeper level, with a view either to enhance their skills for professions outside of academia or to lay firm foundations for doctoral research
Our History MA offers you the opportunity to pursue your chosen period or research specialism through one of its three pathways (set out in detail at the bottom of the page):
Medieval and Early Modern
Modern
Heritage
Alternatively, a bespoke History MA allows you to tailor your options according to your interests. Each pathway consists of five taught modules and a substantial piece of original research in the form of an 18 -20,000 word dissertation: your opportunity to develop original research, ambitious in its rigour, which makes a significant contribution to knowledge.
You will be trained by leading historians, who are expert not only in their subject specialism, but also in the skills they deploy in working with their primary sources: from Greek urns to medieval manuscripts, from landscapes to literature, from the moving image to oral histories. In the course of your studies, you will expand your knowledge of potential sources, gain fundamental skills, and discover your own innovative approaches to primary material.
You can take advantage of our excellent relationship with local and national heritage organisations to undertake a placement at an historical site, in an archive or at a museum. Not only will you gain rewarding experience in the heritage sector, but you will also learn how to feed your knowledge and skills into causes and commerce: an education equipping you for life beyond the MA. For those considering a career in teaching, we offer supervised school placements that will give you a taster of the profession and experience in applying your academic expertise in a classroom.