History, West Midlands MA

To achieve the MA, you will need to complete all of six of the core modules, totalling 180 credits; each module is worth 20 credits (120 in total) and the dissertation is worth 60 credits. However, if you wish to leave the course early, upon successful completion of 60 credits you will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate, and for 120 credits you will receive a Postgraduate Diploma.

The six core modules include:

This module studies aspects of social, cultural and economic history during medieval times. Subjects include rural and urban settlements, castles and fortifications; the Black Death, social hierarchies and divisions, religion, standards of living, crime and the transition from feudalism to capitalism.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay

This module will allow you to explore the Reformation of the sixteenth century and its impact on counties and towns. This will be followed by the study of the English Civil War and its significance. Aspects of the material culture of the region will also be considered.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay

This module explores the history of the West Midlands in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by focussing on the economic, political, social and cultural history of areas such as Birmingham, the Black Country, the Ironbridge Gorge, the Potteries and Wyre Forest. Social history themes include anti-slavery and the history of women and children.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay

Some of the themes are: the changes that have taken place in the region's communities during the century; the regional economy, urban growth, housing, politics, migration women and education.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay

The aim of these two modules is to explore the range of archival, visual and printed sources available for local study and consider different approaches to historical study. They will also help in developing skills which are helpful for working on your dissertation. One of these modules is taught each year. Each module includes a full-day field trip.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay for each module

In addition to your taught modules, you will conduct a piece of independent research with the support of a supervisor, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.