History MA

Program Overview

The MA History program at the University of Exeter allows students to specialize in a particular area of history or choose modules across different historical periods. The program emphasizes research skills, offers one-on-one guidance, and potential placements with local archives. Graduates are prepared for a range of careers, including within the growing heritage sector.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA History program at the University of Exeter offers a flexible and comprehensive learning experience. It allows students to specialize in a particular area of history or to choose a selection of modules across different historical periods. The program aims to:

• Provide students with a broad understanding of historical methods and research.

• Develop skills for a variety of professions, including archivist, strategic analyst, and roles within the growing heritage sector.

• Offer access to excellent historical archives and potential placements with local archives.

• Provide one-on-one guidance from experts in the field through the dissertation module.

Outline:

The MA History program is structured around modules, each assigned a specific number of credits. The program offers a maximum degree of freedom in study while ensuring students acquire essential research skills.

Modules:

The program offers a variety of modules, including:

• Critical Approaches to Early Modern History (HISM001): 30 credits
• Wealth, Poverty and Power in Early Modern Britain (HISM044): 30 credits
• Gender, Society and Culture in Early Modern Europe (HISM036): 30 credits
• Navy and Nation: The Royal Navy in the Long Eighteenth Century, 1688-1815 (HISM038): 30 credits
• Working with Medieval Manuscripts and Documents (HISM042): 30 credits
• Critical Approaches in Medieval Research (HISM019): 30 credits
• Interpreting the Middle Ages (HISM183): 30 credits
• Latin I (CLAM251): 30 credits (as appropriate)
• Classical Language and Texts: Latin II (CLAM252): 30 credits (as appropriate)
• Latin III (CLAM254): 30 credits (as appropriate)
• Latin IV (CLAM255): 30 credits (as appropriate)
• Critical Approaches to the Medical Humanities (HISM017): 30 credits
• Medicine Beyond Borders: History and Politics of International Health (HISM026): 30 credits
• Critical Approaches to Maritime and Naval Historical Studies (HISM002): 30 credits
• Critical Approaches to Imperial and Global History (HISM003): 30 credits
• The Cold War: A Global History (HISM027): 30 credits
• Critical Approaches to the History of Violence and Conflict (HISM043): 30 credits

Pathways:

Students can choose to specialize in one of the following pathways, which will be reflected in their degree title:

• Early Modern Studies: Requires at least 60 credits from Early Modern Studies modules and a dissertation relevant to the field.
• Medieval History: Requires at least 60 credits from Medieval History modules and a dissertation relevant to the field.
• Medical History: Requires at least 60 credits from Medical History modules and a dissertation relevant to the field.
• Maritime Historical Studies: Requires at least 60 credits from Maritime Historical Studies modules and a dissertation relevant to the field.
• Imperial and Global History: Requires at least 60 credits from Imperial and Global History modules and a dissertation relevant to the field.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: The program primarily utilizes small group seminars, allowing students to interact with academic staff and contribute to discussions and debates.
• Faculty: The History department boasts over 50 permanent staff, providing expertise across medieval, early modern, and modern history.
• Unique approaches: The program encourages students to participate in Departmental Research Seminars and become active members of the wider research community.

Careers:

• Potential career paths: The MA History program prepares students for a range of careers, including archivist, marketing executive, and strategic analyst.
• Opportunities: The program offers potential placements with local archives and provides support for students pursuing PhDs.
• Outcomes: The program equips students with valuable skills for a variety of professions, particularly within the heritage sector.

Other:

• Research: The program emphasizes research, with students encouraged to attend research seminars and engage with the research community.
• Research centers: The University of Exeter has several research centers relevant to the MA History program, including:
• Centre for Early Modern Studies
• Centre for Imperial and Global History
• Centre for Maritime Historical Studies
• Centre for Histories of Violence and Conflict
• Centre for Medical History
• Centre for Medieval Studies
• Institute of Cornish Studies
• Community: Students are encouraged to participate in research events and activities across the University.

2024/25 entry UK fees per year: £12,000 full-time; £6,000 part-time International fees per year: £24,300 full-time; £12,150 part-time