Our bespoke MA in History provides an exciting opportunity to work with experts who are leading research in their field, and to tailor your studies to suit your research interests and the skills you wish to develop.

You will take a total of six modules, of which two are core modules and four are optional.

As one of your options you may wish to undertake a rewarding work placement module in a heritage organisation or a school.‌

Core Modules

The core module Researching and Writing History provides the opportunity to hone the skills fundamental to this level of study including engagement with primary and secondary sources, working independently and with a supervisor, presenting your work and more. This module provides valuable preparation for the second core module, your Dissertation.

The Dissertation is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and skills, and to apply them to a topic of your choice. You will be matched to a supervisor who has particular expertise in your chosen topic or methodology and they will guide you as you develop your research hypothesis, conduct your research and write up your findings. The topics chosen by previous students are extremely varied, ranging from The Later Career of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Nostalgia in the British Soap Opera.

Find further details on the core modules.

Optional Modules

You will choose four modules from a wide range of options, each taught by experts who are passionate about their subject and active in their research. Our optional modules are listed on the course structure page, with detailed descriptions.

If you would like to discuss the modules available and potential dissertation topics before you apply, please get in touch with the subject area specialists (see the link below) or the Postgraduate Coordinator in History, Becky Sheppard.

Our Experts

The research interests of our staff are diverse and range from Anglo-Russian relations to historical GIS techniques, and from Muslim and Christian concepts of holy war to using non-traditional source materials to recover historical knowledge.