Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

History (MA)

Course Aims

The MA in History is designed to act as a self-regulated year of further study, and to provide a preparatory year for PhD candidates, giving a thorough grounding in research skills and methods, theoretical concepts and the techniques of conducting and writing up an independent research project. Consisting partly of taught courses and partly of independent research, it draws together a wide range of chronological, geographical and thematic expertise to offer a challenging and flexible programme of study.

Special Features

• Flexible, geared to students’ interests.
• Opportunity to work closely with a research mentor on specialist options.
• Draws on a stimulating and supportive learning environment, with a wide range of chronological, geographical and thematic expertise.
• Close links with interdisciplinary research groups, including the Centre for the Study of Medieval Society and Culture, the Centre for the Crusades and the Centre for Modern German History.

Course Description

The MA in History is tailored to the interests of individual students. In Part One, students choose a combination of modules amounting to 120 credits. These include 40 credits of Core postgraduate research skills and methods modules, which students will find helpful in planning and conducting their research. These are accompanied by 40 credits made up of a combination of discipline-specific skills modules, which will usually include a module on Historical Theory and may include languages (where applicable), such as Medieval English, Latin, Old French, Modern French or German. The last 40 credits consist of Optional modules allowing students to pursue their particular subject interests.

Our flexible programme of study permits the content of options to vary from year to year, reflecting student interests. Assessment is via essays or a combination of coursework and written examination, depending on the modules chosen.

Part Two comprises a dissertation on a topic of the student’s choice, amounting to a maximum of 16,000 words.

Course Structure

Students take a total of 180 credits of modules, consisting of:

• 40 credits of research skills and methods
• 40 credits of historical theory and subject-specific research skills
• 40 credits of option modules selected by the student
• 60 credit dissertation (topic or theme chosen by the student in consultation with academic staff)

Please see the History website for more course and module information.

Subject Areas

The following subject areas are available most years:

• Austria and Germany 1866-1945
• Victorian City and Environment
• Dirt, Disease and Public Health, 1800-1914
• Order and Disorder in Early Modern Society
• Politics and Society in Early Modern Wales
• Society and Identity in Wales, 1840-1914
• Twentieth-Century Wales
• France, 1870-1945
• The Global Economy, 1944-2000
• Industrialisation in England and Wales
• Modern India, 1757-1947
• Indian Gender and Women's History
• China, 1840-2000
• Political and Social History
• History of the Crusades
• Sources for the Study of the Crusades
• Diaspora Studies
• Germany, 1945-1955
• Arts and Politics in Germany

The MA in History also offers a number of specialised pathways:

• MA in History (Economic and Social History)
• MA in History (Asian Studies)
• MA in History (Medical History)
• MA in History (Early Modern History)
• MA in History (Diaspora Studies)
• MA in History (Modern European History)

We also offer a separate MA in the History of the Crusades.

The MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Economic and Social History) is also available. This, together with the MA in History (Economic and Social History), has ESRC recognition for postgraduate awards.

Assessment is via written examinations or assessed essays, depending on the courses chosen.

Part Two comprises a dissertation on a topic if the student’s choice, and is a maximum of 20,000 words in length, submitted in September.

Skills Acquired

On completion of the MA students will be able to:

• Formulate and justify their own arguments and conclusions in seminar discussions and written work
• Present their arguments clearly and concisely, in accordance with scholarly conventions
• Think critically and challenge assumptions
• Use information technology in information retrieval and assignment presentation
• Work independently, manage their time and organise their own study methods and workload
• Work effectively with others as part of a team or group in seminar or tutorial discussions
• Presentation skills
• Engage in informed debate
• Evaluate a body of knowledge, assess its strengths and weaknesses, consider ways in which knowledge can be improved or extended, and to present conclusions logically and coherently in written work

Career Prospects

Graduates of this and similar degree programmes have gone on to PhD programmes or into careers in the heritage sector, journalism, teaching, media research (media, commercial, academic), and publishing.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a 1st or upper 2nd class UK Honours degree in an appropriate subject. Suitable for graduates in History and related humanities and social science disciplines.

Students whose first language is not English will be required to pass an IELTS test (minimum 6.5) or equivalent.

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 (General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

How to Apply

Applications can be made for this course via our Online Application Service selecting the MA History option from the list of courses. Applicants should use the Personal Statement section of the form to outline their area of interest and, if possible, the topic that they hope to research for their dissertation.

Funding

For more information on funding available for Masters students in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion please see the school's funding website.

Next intake: September each year

More information

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