| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA in Research Biography at the University of Buckingham is a unique program that delves into the art and practice of biography writing. Students develop critical awareness, research skills, and writing abilities, while focusing on a biographical subject of their choice within a historical context. The program offers individualized supervision, guest speakers, and a flexible full-time or part-time option, preparing graduates for diverse careers in academia, publishing, and beyond.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The MA in Research Biography program at the University of Buckingham is a unique one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that delves deeply into the art and practice of biography writing. Founded in 1996, the program consistently receives "excellent" ratings from external examiners and inspectors. Students can choose to focus on a biographical subject of their choosing, ranging from historical figures like Queen Victoria to more contemporary individuals like filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with:
- Critical awareness: of different biographical approaches and methodologies.
- Research skills: essential for conducting thorough and accurate biographical research, including archival work and utilization of various sources.
- Writing skills: necessary for crafting compelling and well-structured biographies.
Description:
The MA in Research Biography program at the University of Buckingham emphasizes the following aspects:
- Individualized approach: Students are guided to refine their research topic and proposal, and receive individual support from their supervisors throughout the dissertation process.
- Strong faculty: Led by experienced biographers and historians like Dr. Ophelia Field and Dr. Christina Dykes, the program also features guest speakers and instructors, including renowned authors and industry professionals.
- Focus on historical context: The program encourages students to understand their subjects within their specific historical, social, and political contexts.
- Flexibility: Offered as both full-time and part-time options, the program caters to students with various commitments and learning styles.
- Global perspective: The program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, enriching the learning experience with a range of viewpoints and experiences.
Outline:
The MA in Research Biography program at the University of Buckingham follows a structured curriculum:
Year 1:
- Term 1 & 2:
- Autobiography (September to December): Explores classic and contemporary autobiographies, analyzing their literary and social significance.
- Biography (January to June): Examines different biographical approaches and techniques through a range of historical and contemporary biographies.
- Term 2 & 3:
- Research Methods (January to June): Trains students in essential research skills, including archival research, source analysis, referencing, and academic writing.
Year 2 (Part-time only):
- Dissertation Research: Students dedicate their second year entirely to researching and writing their dissertation on their chosen biographical subject.
- Supervision: Regular individual supervisions with faculty members guide students in refining their research, writing style, and dissertation development.
- Guest Speakers: Throughout the year, guest speakers from various backgrounds including authors, memoirists, critics, publishers, and agents offer insights and practical advice on the field of biographic writing and publishing.
Dissertation:
- Students produce a dissertation of 25,000-40,000 words, demonstrating their research skills, critical analysis, and writing prowess.
Assessment:
- Research Methods module assessment includes:
- Annotated bibliography: Demonstrating research skills and understanding of relevant literature.
- Short biography: Applying biographical techniques in a practical writing exercise.
Year 2 (Part-time only):
- Dissertation: The primary assessment component, comprising a 25,000-40,000 word research paper on the student's chosen biographical subject.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Seminars: Serve as the core teaching method, offering interactive discussions and analysis of course materials.
- Individual Supervision: Regular meetings with faculty provide personalized guidance and support throughout the research and writing process.
- Guest lectures and workshops: Offered by prominent figures in the biographic writing field, offering practical insights and industry knowledge.
Faculty:
- Experienced biographers and historians with research expertise in various historical periods.
- Program Director: Dr. Ophelia Field, author of acclaimed biographies on historical figures.
- Guest Speakers: Renowned authors, critics, publishers, and agents share their expertise and insights with students.
Unique Approach:
- Individualized supervision and support for each student's research journey.
- Exposure to diverse perspectives through guest speaker sessions and international student participation.
- Flexibility of full-time or part-time options caters to diverse needs and learning styles.
Careers:
Graduates of the MA in Research Biography program embark on diverse career paths:
- Further academic studies at prestigious institutions like Harvard, London, Oxford, Cambridge.
- Senior positions in various fields across the globe.
- Leading roles in government, civil service, and other influential organizations. Positions in the publishing industry as editors, literary agents, or researchers.
- Successful careers as biographers, historians, writers, and journalists.
- The program welcomes students from diverse cultural backgrounds and encourages the exchange of perspectives and experiences.
- Regular group discussions between students foster a collaborative learning environment and exchange of research experiences.
StartType1st YearTotal cost Sep 2024Full-time (1 Year) UK£10,300£10,300 INT£16,480£16,480 Sep 2024Part-time (2 Years) UK£5,150£10,300 INT£8,240£16,480 Jan 2025Full-time (1 Year) UK£10,300£10,300 INT£16,480£16,480 Jan 2025Part-time (2 Years) UK£5,150£10,300 INT£8,240£16,480
