MLitt in Early Modern History

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Early Modern History at the University of Glasgow is a one-year program that delves into the social, political, religious, and cultural landscape of Europe, Africa, and the Americas from the late 15th to the 18th century. The program equips students with in-depth knowledge, critical thinking skills, and research abilities, preparing them for careers in history-related fields or further academic pursuits. Students can choose from a wide range of optional courses and benefit from the expertise of internationally renowned faculty and extensive library and museum resources.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Master of Arts (MA) in Early Modern History

This one-year program delves into the social, political, religious, and cultural landscape of Europe, Africa, and the Americas from the late 15th century to the 18th century. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge to explore diverse historical themes across various geographical regions and chronological periods.

Objectives:

• Equip students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of Early Modern history.
• Develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
• Foster research independence and encourage participation in research-led initiatives.
• Prepare students for further academic pursuits or professional careers in history-related fields.

Program Description:

• The program curriculum comprises a core course titled "Research, Resources, and Skills" aimed at developing essential research and analytical abilities.
• Students can choose five optional courses from a wide range of thematic areas, including social, political, religious, and cultural history.
• The program draws upon the expertise of internationally renowned faculty specializing in Early Modern Scotland, England, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
• Graduates develop a sophisticated understanding of the period, enabling them to analyze historical complexities, interpret primary sources, and construct compelling arguments supported by evidence.

Outline

Program Content:

• The program curriculum delves into various aspects of Early Modern history, including:
• Social and cultural history
• Political history
• Religious history
• Intellectual history
• Economic history
• The program explores these themes across diverse geographical regions, including:
• Scotland
• England
• Europe
• Africa
• The Americas
• The program examines historical developments from the late 15th century through the 18th century.

Program Structure:

• The program consists of one core course and five optional courses.
• Students can choose their optional courses from a broad range of topics offered by the History department and other relevant departments.
• The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing students to conduct independent research on a specific topic under the guidance of a faculty supervisor.

Course Schedule:

• The program typically follows a two-semester structure:
• Semester 1: September to December
• Semester 2: January to March
• The core course and a selection of optional courses are offered in each semester.
• Students can expect a high level of interaction and engagement in small group settings.

Individual Modules:

• Core Course: Research, Resources, and Skills
• This course lays the foundation for conducting historical research, equips students with the ability to locate and analyze primary and secondary sources, and introduces them to essential research methodologies.
• Optional Courses:
• Students can choose from a diverse range of optional courses which may include those offered by other departments.
• Some examples of potential optional courses include:
• The Global History of Inequalities
• The Medievalists: The Middle Ages in 20th Century Eastern and Central Europe
• Military Scotland in the Age of Proto-Globalization, c.1600-c.1800
• Medieval Palaeography: An Introduction to Reading Medieval Documents
• Scottish Castles and Palaces in European Context, c.1100-1600
• Heretics and Inquisitors in Europe, 800-1600
• Issues, Ideologies and Institutions of Modern Scotland
• Gender, Politics and Power
• Gender, Culture and Text
• Plantation and Civility in the Hebrides and in Ulster, C1541-1639
• Making a Living: Work, Gender and Society 1700-1850
• Dissertation:
• The dissertation allows students to focus on a specific historical topic of their interest.
• Students conduct independent research, analyze primary and secondary sources, and develop a scholarly argument supported by evidence.
• They receive guidance and mentorship from a faculty supervisor throughout the dissertation process.

Assessment

• Assessment Methods:
• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning outcomes:
• Essays
• Research papers
• Presentations
• Class participation
• Dissertation
• The specific assessment methods used may vary depending on the chosen optional courses.
• Assessment Criteria:
• Assessment criteria emphasize the following aspects:
• Depth of historical knowledge
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Research skills and methodology
• Communication and writing abilities
• Ability to construct a reasoned and evidence-based argument
• originality and insight in the dissertation

Teaching

• Teaching Methods:
• The program employs a variety of teaching methods to promote active learning and engagement:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Group discussions
• Independent research
• Teaching methods may vary depending on the chosen optional courses.
• Faculty:
• The program benefits from the expertise of leading historians specializing in different areas of Early Modern history:
• Dr. Jochen Schenk
• Other faculty members with expertise in Early Modern Scotland, England, Europe, Africa, and the Americas
• Unique Approaches:
• The program fosters a vibrant research culture, encouraging students to participate in:
• Seminar programs
• Reading groups
• Research groups
• Conferences

Careers

• Career Paths:
• The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in various sectors:
• Heritage policy and projects
• Media
• Teaching
• Research
• Public history
• Museums and archives
• Cultural institutions
• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations
• The program also provides a strong foundation for further academic pursuits in the field of Early Modern history.
• Career Opportunities:
• Graduates benefit from the transferable skills acquired during the program, including:
• Research skills
• Analytical thinking
• Communication skills
• Writing skills
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Project management
• Teamwork
• These skills are highly valued by employers in various industries.

Other

• International Faculty:
• The program draws upon the expertise of internationally renowned faculty specializing in Early Modern history.
• Extensive Library and Museum Resources:
• The University Library holds a vast collection of printed and manuscript materials from the medieval period to the present.
• The Baillie Collection of printed medieval and modern sources in Scottish, Irish, and English history.
• The University’s Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery provides access to primary source materials in various fields.
• Close Links with Museums:
• The program benefits from close links with renowned museums in Glasgow, providing students with access to valuable primary source materials and internship opportunities.
• Dynamic Research Community:
• The program is part of a dynamic and supportive research community with a growing global perspective.
• Dissertation Support:
• Students receive guidance and mentorship from faculty supervisors throughout the dissertation process.
• Opportunity to Participate in Research-Led Initiatives:
• Students are encouraged to participate in various research-led initiatives, such as seminar programs, reading groups, and research groups.

Please note:

• The availability of specific optional courses may vary depending on student enrollment and faculty availability.
• Not all courses are offered every year.
• The program structure and content may be subject to change.

MSc UK Full-time fee: £10650 Part-time fee: £1184 per 20 credits International & EU Full-time fee: £24000 PgDip UK Full-time fee: £7100 Part-time fee: £1184 per 20 credits International & EU Full-time fee: £16000