History: Eighteenth-Century Worlds MA

Program Overview

The MA Eighteenth-Century Worlds program at the University of Liverpool immerses students in the vibrant and influential era of the 18th century, offering an interdisciplinary approach to studying history, literature, and culture through the lens of global interactions. Students benefit from expert research-active tutors, access to renowned museums and libraries in Liverpool, and potential exchange opportunities with the University of Paris-Diderot. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, media, public sector management, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Eighteenth-Century Worlds pathway is an interdisciplinary postgraduate course that explores the history, literature, visual and material culture of Europe and its interactions with the wider world during the 18th century. It offers a unique opportunity to study in Liverpool, a city rich in 18th-century history, architecture, and culture, and home to numerous national museums and galleries. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the global world during the 18th century, with a focus on the Atlantic to Asia.

Objectives:

The course aims to:

• Place students in a city whose history is inextricably linked to the rich culture of the 18th century.
• Provide access to the expertise of research-active tutors in the global world of the 18th century and beyond.
• Offer unique exchange opportunities in Semester two in collaboration with the University of Paris-Diderot.
• Involve students with an active research network via the Eighteenth-Century Research Centre.

Outline:

Structure:

The MA program is a full-time 12-month or part-time 24-month program.

Course Schedule:

• Semester One:
• HIST521 (30 credits): Approaches to the Global Eighteenth Century
• HIST527 (15 credits): Historical Research
• 1 x 15 credit module from a list of options across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Semester Two:
• HIST522 (30 credits): Revolution and Social Change: Politics, Cultures and Societies in the 18th-Century World
• HIST504 (15 credits): Feasibility Study
• 1 x 15 credit module from a list of options across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Final Project:
• HIST550 (60 credits): Dissertation, undertaken and completed during the summer term.

Module Descriptions:

• HIST521: Approaches to the Global Eighteenth Century: This module introduces students to key themes and methodological approaches in studies of the 18th century.
It offers a range of disciplinary perspectives, including social, cultural, and intellectual history and literary study, and encourages students to adopt an interdisciplinary approach.
• HIST527: Historical Research: This module investigates the role of theory in historical inquiry, exploring major theoretical influences on historical research in recent decades, including Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism.
It encourages students to reflect upon the theoretical and conceptual foundations of current research relating to their potential dissertation topics.
• HIST522: Revolution and Social Change: Politics, Cultures and Societies in the 18th-Century World: This module examines revolution and social change in British, European, and colonial North American societies between 1688 and 1840, focusing on the impact of trade, warfare, and commercial culture on changing lifestyles, political discourse, protest, and the material world.
It analyzes the American, French, and Haitian revolutions as interdiscursive events, exploring their impact on British and Continental European societies and their role in defining competing models of statehood and society. It is designed to ensure that students are well prepared to undertake their dissertation project successfully.
• HIST550: Dissertation: This module involves the completion of a 60-credit dissertation during the summer term.
Students receive guidance and advice from a dedicated supervisor through up to five 45-minute meetings.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary according to the nature of the modules, research project, and the needs of the student. They may include:

• Source analyses
• Written reports
• Critical reviews
• Feasibility studies
• Annotated bibliographies
• Historiographical review essays
• Formal research proposals

Teaching:

• Most modules are taught in small seminar groups, supplemented by independent study.
• Seminars are weekly two-hour sessions, with students leading discussions and receiving guidance on further reading from the module tutor.
Graduates go into a wide range of professions, including:
• Academic researcher or school teacher
• Broadcast/Media journalist
• Public sector management
• The Department of History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square.
• Students are encouraged to take part in the activities of the Eighteenth-Century Research Centre, which includes research seminars with invited speakers, workshops, and conferences.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year £10,800 Part-time place, per year £5,400

International fees

Full-time place, per year £22,400 Part-time place, per year £11,200 Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. You can pay your tuition fees in instalments. All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship. International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.