MA Historical Research

Program Overview

The Historical Research MA at Birkbeck, University of London, offers a flexible and personalized pathway for students to delve into advanced historical research. With a core module in research methods and a wide range of optional modules, students can tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to history, encompassing classics and archaeology, and equips graduates with transferable skills for various professional paths.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Historical Research MA is Birkbeck's most flexible postgraduate history degree.
It allows students to create a personalized pathway based on their interests and needs. Students take the core "Mastering Historical Research" module and then choose from a wide range of options in history, classics, and archaeology. They can design a bespoke course with modules across different regions and periods or opt for a research-focused route that equips them for PhD or independent historical research in a specific area.
• Objectives: The program aims to:
• Equip students with advanced research skills in history.
• Provide a solid foundation for students pursuing a PhD in history or independent research.
• Offer flexibility for students to design a program tailored to their specific interests and career goals.
• Offer a multidisciplinary approach to history encompassing classics and archaeology.
• Develop critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills relevant to various professional paths.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program consists of:
• Core Modules (30 credits):
• Mastering Historical Research: Birkbeck Approaches
• Research Skills for Historians
• Option Modules (90 credits):
Students choose three modules from a diverse range of options across different historical periods, regions, and themes. Some examples include:
• Arab-Israeli Question
• Contested Past, Troubled Present: Britain and Ireland since 1800
• Curating the Nineteenth Century
• Decolonising History/Histories of Decolonisation
• Epidemics and Pandemics in History
• Globalisation and the Rise of the Modern Consumer
• The Silk Road: Imagining Global Cultures from the Middle Ages to UNESCO and BRI
• To See the World in a Grain of Sand: Reading and Writing Microhistories
• Dissertation (60 credits):
Students write a 15,000-16,000-word dissertation under the supervision of a faculty member.
• Program Structure: The program is offered in various formats:
• Full-time (1 year):
On-campus, flexible learning, or online
• Part-time (2 years):
On-campus, flexible learning, or online
• Course Schedule:
• Full-time: Evenings, two to three times a week.
• Part-time: Evenings, one to two times a week.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Coursework assignments
• Essays
• Dissertation (60 credits)
• Assessment Criteria:
• Depth of research
• Critical analysis
• Writing and communication skills
• Originality and argumentation

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Independent research
• Faculty:
• The program is taught by a team of experienced and research-active academics in history, classics, and archaeology.
• Faculty profiles and research interests can be found on the program webpage.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to history.
• It provides personalized learning through flexible pathways and individual supervision.
• Students have access to research resources and facilities at Birkbeck and in London.

Careers:

• Career Paths:
• This Master's degree can lead to careers in various sectors, including:
• Private and public consultancy
• Education
• Policy and government
• NGOs and the charity sector
• Research
• The program also equips graduates with transferable skills relevant to a wide range of professional paths.
• Graduate Opportunities:
• Birkbeck Careers and Enterprise service provides support and guidance for career development.
• Alumni have pursued successful careers in various fields, including academia, research, heritage, journalism, and more.

Other:

• Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
• Start Dates: October 2024 or January 2025 (On-campus)
• Fees:
• Full-time Home students: £10,800 per year
• Full-time International students: £19,830 per year
• Part-time Home students: £5,400 per year
• Part-time International students: £9,915 per year
• Entry Requirements: A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent.
Applicants with relevant professional experience are also considered.
• International students requiring a student visa must choose full-time on-campus study.

Part-time home students: £5,400 per year Full-time home students: £10,800 per year Part-time international students: £9,915 per year Full-time international students: £19,830 per year