History MA

Program Overview

Durham University's History MA program offers a blend of specialized and broad historical study, preparing students for research and careers in diverse fields. The program emphasizes independent study, discussion, and the application of skills through elective modules and a major research project (dissertation). With a focus on research practices and methodologies, graduates develop transferable skills in analysis, communication, and critical thinking, enhancing their employability across sectors.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Type: MA (Master of Arts)
• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Start Date: September 2024
• Location: Durham City
• Program Code: V1KC07
• Focus: Blending student's chosen area of specialization with broader historical discipline
• Structure:
• Major Research Project (Dissertation): 60 or 90 credits
• Core Modules: 0-90 credits
• Elective Modules: Make up remaining credits to reach 180 total
• Objectives:
• Prepare students for future research
• Develop research skills
• Deepen understanding of chosen historical area
• Provide opportunity for independent research and writing

Outline:

• Course Content:
• History broadly and chosen specialization
• Focus on research practices, theories, methodologies, and approaches
• Structure:
• 30-credit Core Module: "Themes, Readings, and Sources"
• 60-90 credits of Elective Modules chosen by the student
• Dissertation: 15,000-word (60 credits) or 20,000-word (90 credits) option
• Modules offered across various areas of historical study
• Individual Modules:
• Course Schedule:

Assessment:

• Methods: Essays, presentations, dissertation
• Dissertation: Major component, constituting one-third or half of total marks depending on chosen word count
• Grading: Rigorous and ongoing

Teaching:

• Delivery: Primarily small group seminars, some larger lectures
• Faculty: Subject specialists with expertise in diverse historical areas
• Unique Approach:
• Emphasis on independent study
• Encouragement of discussion and sharing ideas
• Opportunity to apply skills in optional modules and dissertation preparation
• Individual supervision for dissertation

Careers:

• Career Paths: Wide range, including research, academia, archives, museums, heritage, education, media, communications, policy, and more
• Opportunities: Dependent on chosen specialization and individual career aspirations
• Outcomes: Program equips graduates with transferable skills in research, analysis, communication, and critical thinking, enhancing their employability across diverse sectors

Other:

• Program Cost:
• Full-Time: £11,750 (Home), £24,900 (EU/International) per year
• Part-Time: £6,500 (Home), £13,700 (EU/International) per year
• Scholarships and Bursaries available
• Department of History website: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/history/
• Program highly ranked in various university league tables
• Department has strong research reputation and diverse areas of expertise
• Postgraduate community actively involved in academic activities and events
• Department resources include libraries, archives, special collections

Full Time Fees

• Tuition fees
• Home students: £11,750 per year
• EU students: £24,900 per year
• Island students: £11,750 per year
• International students: £24,900 per year

Part Time Fees

• Tuition fees
• Home students: £6,500 per year
• EU students: £13,700 per year
• Island students: £6,500 per year
• International students: £13,700 per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).