MA History

Program Overview

The MA History program at the University of Wolverhampton is a part-time, two-year program that offers a broad curriculum covering diverse themes within 20th century history. Students have complete freedom of module choice, allowing them to tailor the program to their interests. The program prepares students for further academic research or careers in various history-related fields, including teaching, government, journalism, and social work.

Program Outline

MA History

Degree Overview:

The MA History program at the University of Wolverhampton is a part-time, two-year program designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of 20th century history. The program's key features are:

• Taught by leading historians specializing in 20th century British history.
• Offers a broad curriculum covering diverse themes within 20th century history.
• complete freedom of module choice
• Features flexible scheduling with some modules offered in the evenings and others on Saturdays.
• Aims to prepare students for further academic research or careers in various history-related fields.

Modules:

The program consists of a total of 7 modules:

Year 1:

• Axis and Allies: Strategy, Diplomacy and Politics at War (20 credits): Analyzes the strategic approaches of Axis and Allied powers in World War II, focusing on coalition warfare, grand strategy formulation, and the link between wartime politics and diplomacy.
• Consumerism in Britain, c.1900-1939 (20 credits): Explores consumerism in Britain between the early 20th century and World War II, examining issues like poverty, working-class affluence, consumer practices, and the changing nature of leisure, shopping, and fashion.
• Politics and Strategy (20 credits): Introduces key historical debates surrounding politics and strategy in World War I, equipping students with methodological skills needed for the program.
• Poverty and the Welfare State in Modern Britain (20 credits): Examines the history of poverty and attempts to alleviate it in 20th-century Britain, focusing on health and welfare reforms and their relevance to contemporary policy debates.
• Prisons and Penal Reform in Twentieth-Century England and Wales (20 credits): Investigates the significant changes made to the English penal system throughout the 20th century, focusing on reforms, efforts to instigate alternatives to imprisonment, and the history of punishment in English society.
• Societies and Total War (20 credits): Provides an analysis of how societies functioned under the conditions of total war, focusing on Germany, the UK, the US, and the USSR, and examining the role of women and civilians.
• The Asia-Pacific War 1937-1945 (20 credits): Analyzes the conduct, impact, and outcome of the war between Japan and the Allies, focusing on their strategies, the war's effects on civilian populations, and its impact on the postwar world.

Year 2:

• Axis and Allies: Strategy, Diplomacy and Politics at War (20 credits): This module repeats in year 2, allowing students who haven't taken it in year 1 another opportunity to do so.
• Dissertation (60 credits): Students undertake an independent research project on a specific topic in 20th-century history, demonstrating their research and analytical skills.
• Choice of 6 modules from Year 1: Students select 6 additional modules from the list offered in Year 1 to complete their degree.

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Essays: Students write analytical essays on specific topics related to the modules they choose.
• Presentations: Students present their research findings and engage in critical discussions with peers and tutors.
• Final dissertation: The dissertation is assessed for its research depth, originality, critical analysis, and writing quality.

Teaching:

The program employs diverse teaching methods to engage students and facilitate learning:

• Interactive lectures: Lectures are delivered by experienced historians and incorporate active student participation through discussions and questions.
• Small group seminars: Students engage in focused discussions on specific topics, fostering critical thinking and collaborative learning.
• Independent research: Students conduct independent research on their chosen topics for assessments and the dissertation, developing essential research skills.

Careers:

The program prepares students for various career paths, including:

• Academic research and teaching in history or related fields.
• Work in government departments, archives, and historical societies.
• Roles in journalism, publishing, and museums.
• Careers in social work, law, or charity organizations.
• Opportunities for further postgraduate studies in history or related disciplines.

Other:

• The program offers a strong emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring students from diverse backgrounds feel supported and valued.
• Students have access to extensive support from dedicated faculty members and the University library, providing research guidance and assistance.
• The program encourages students to develop independent and critical thinking skills, allowing them to effectively analyze historical evidence and formulate insightful arguments.
• The program provides a solid foundation for students who consider pursuing further postgraduate research in related fields, preparing them for the rigors of academic study.