History MA

Course Content

• Course Details

  Our distance learning History MA is taught online on a full-time and part-time basis, with the opportunity to complete in one and two years respectively. The year is split into three trimesters.

  You will develop the skills necessary to understand, critique, utilise and communicate concepts and theories used within the discipline of History. You will acquire methodological skills for historical research, particularly the selection, evaluation and interpretation of primary sources.

  The course comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit dissertation. Students must take the History Research Methods module and complete a dissertation. The remainder of the programme is made up from a selection of specialist modules (normally three 30 credit modules) which reflect staff research expertise.

  Methods of Learning

  At Master’s level study, we aim to encourage student-led debates and exchange of ideas. Each module incorporates a variety of teaching methods in class, including workshops, student presentations and discussions of primary and secondary materials (such as film, images, documentary sources and online resources). Learning activities include a variety of online methods.

  Full-time students get six hours of timetabled contact per week, part-time students will have three hours. This does not include individual tutorials or dissertation supervision.

  Independent study and assessment time equate to approximately 18 hours per week full time or nine hours part time.

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• Entry Requirements

  To join the History MA distance learning course, we normally accept a second class degree in History or related discipline.

  We also welcome applications from ‘non-standard entrants’, including those with experiential learning. Interviewing all applicants ensures that each has the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to complete the programme successfully.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • Minimum standard – IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent)
    for study at postgraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK and International – Full Time Distance Learning: £8,010
  • UK and International – Part Time Distance Learning: £1,335 per 30 Credit Module

  Additional Costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2023. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK and International – Full Time: £7,650
  • UK and International – Part Time: £1,275 Per 30 Credit Module

  Additional Costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2022. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  Postgraduate Loans

  If you are starting a postgraduate Master’s course in 2023/24 either full-time or part-time* you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan through Student Finance England.

  *Please note that the maximum period of study allowed for part-time courses is two years.

   

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on History MA?

  Our distance learning history masters programme is delivered online rather than on campus and we use an exciting range of online tools to amplify your learning experience.

  How will I be assessed?

  Assessment is by coursework only, consisting of assessments such as essays, student presentations, book reviews and seminar portfolios.

  To complete a masters in history, students must accumulate a total of 180 credits, including a 15,000 word dissertation, undertaken under the supervision of an appropriate member of the course team. A Postgraduate Certificate is awarded for 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma for 120 credits.

  Are there any specialist facilities and features?

  • teaching takes place in evening classes, with online learning activities, providing a convenient programme for postgraduate learners
  • students study a range of specialist topics in-depth with staff who are engaged in research and publication
  • much of the teaching is centred on the use and interpretation of primary sources, giving students the opportunity to engage in active learning

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Careers and Employability

Previous MA History students have used their qualification in a variety of ways. It can be a bridge to further study – with several former students having gone on to do a PhD. As a prestigious qualification, it can enhance career opportunities in a wide range of occupations, for example, teachers have used the course to gain curriculum knowledge and career progression; History MA is also useful for law, journalism and a range of other careers. Many students take the course purely because they have enjoyed History as a degree or as a personal interest and wish to pursue the subject further.