MA in History by Distance Learning
University of Birmingham - College of Arts and Law
Key Information
Campus location
Online
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning
Duration
2 years
Pace
Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 5,265 / per year *
Application deadline
30 Aug 2024
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* for all students
Introduction
Are you interested in taking your knowledge of history to a higher level? Do you want to add to your repertoire of skills? Or maybe you want to continue your professional development?
This two-year distance learning program offers you the opportunity to explore a number of historical themes, drawing on the Department of History’s broad range of expertise. You may pursue one of five pathways through the MA:
- Contemporary History
- Global History
- Medieval Studies
- Early Modern History
- Modern British Studies
Your chosen pathway will determine your choice of core modules and the theme of your dissertation, but you also have the opportunity to study two optional modules in other areas that suit your particular interest.
Birmingham’s Department of History is ranked eighth in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education). Research in the department spans the medieval to the modern, including topics such as China’s Middle Period, the material culture of the early modern household, and non-governmental organizations in modern Britain.
This research expertise is evident within our teaching within our programmes drawing on the diverse regional and chronological expertise available in the Department of History.
Why Study This Course?
- Research expertise – Times Higher Education ranked the Department of History first in the country for its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise
- Excellent reputation – the University of Birmingham has been ranked as one of the world's top 100 institutions to study History in the 2023 QS World University Rankings
- Flexibility – you will have an exciting opportunity to explore your chosen area of study in-depth, through your choice of optional modules and dissertation topic
- Career changing – a qualification from the University of Birmingham can be the springboard to promotion with your current employer, the platform from which to launch a new career, or simply a way to become more effective in your current role
- Ongoing support – you will be assigned a personal tutor who will guide and support you throughout the program
Career Opportunities
- The University's Careers Network provides advice and information specifically for postgraduates that will help you to develop an effective career and skills development strategy and to make the most of your time with us at the University. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team to deliver local support.
- In addition to a range of campus-based events and workshops, Careers Network provides extensive online resources and comprehensive listings of hundreds of graduate jobs and work experience opportunities.
- You will also be able to access our full range of career support for up to two years after graduation.
Postgraduate Employability: History
Our History postgraduates develop a broad range of transferable skills that are highly valued by a range of employers. These skills include familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large quantities of information from diverse sources; the ability to organize information in a logical and coherent manner; the expertise to write clearly and concisely and to tight deadlines; critical and analytical ability; the capacity for argument, debate, and speculation; and the ability to base conclusions on statistical research.
Over the past 5 years, 81% of History postgraduates were in work and/or further study 6 months after graduation (DLHE 2012 - 2017). Some of our History postgraduates go on to use their studies directly, for example in heritage or in museums. Others use their transferable skills in a range of occupations including finance, marketing, teaching, and publishing. Employers that graduates have gone on to work for include the Royal Air Force, Ministry of Defence, University of Birmingham, Royal Air Force Museum, and the University of Oxford.
Gallery
Curriculum
Core Modules: Pathway-specific
You will study two core modules that are specific to the pathway you are studying:
Contemporary History pathway
- Mass Society and Modernity 1914-1945
- Globalisation since 1945
Global History pathway
- Global Histories: Comparisons and Connections
- The Making of the World: Themes in Global History
Medieval Studies pathway
- Approaches to Medieval Studies
- Understanding Medieval Documents
Modern British Studies pathway
- New Directions in Modern British History
- Sites and Sources in Modern British Studies
Early Modern History pathway
- Introduction to Early Modern History
- Writing Early Modern History: Sources and Approaches
Core Modules: All Pathways
You will also take two core modules in research and dissertation preparation:
- Historical Methods
- Research Methods and Skills: Dissertation Preparation
Optional Modules
Your remaining two modules are optional.
- Medieval Studies pathway
Medieval Studies students can take either of the two Global History modules (Global Histories: Comparisons and Connections; The Making of the World: Themes in Global History) or the bespoke Medieval Warfare module:
- Medieval Warfare
All Other Pathways
Students may choose from any of the other core pathway modules. Other modules may be available in any given year.
Dissertation
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.
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships and Studentships
Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available. To discover whether you are eligible for any award across the University, and to start your funding application, please visit the University's Postgraduate Funding Database.