Archives MRes

Program Overview

The MRes in Archives and Records Management provides a personalized introduction to postgraduate research in archives. It trains students to develop a research proposal, identify relevant sources, conduct research, and analyze and present their findings. The program includes a two-week placement at an archive repository and prepares students for doctoral research or careers in academia, media, or other research-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MRes provides a personalized and focused introduction to postgraduate research. It will enable you to develop into an independent researcher and produce an original research project, supported by an expert in archives. The program provides intensive preparation for doctoral research and your future career. You'll discover how to develop a research proposal, identify relevant evidence and sources, plan and undertake the research, and analyze and present your findings. Record-keeping theory and best practice will be complemented by a two-week placement at an archive repository. This will develop your cataloguing skills and test your understanding of archival description.

Outline:

• Semester One:
• RECORD-KEEPING THEORY AND PRACTICE (HIST577):
This core module introduces students to the key concepts associated with record-keeping and encourages them to consider how they may be applicable in various environments and for different purposes.
• RESEARCH PROJECT DEVELOPMENT BY DIRECTED STUDY (HLAC503): In light of the knowledge acquired in your subject / discipline-specific theory module you will be encouraged to consider the appropriate theoretical and methodological approach for your specific research project.
Under the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in your research area, you will be guided individually to create and carry through a programme of focused reading which will allow you to develop your knowledge of current approaches to research in your field. Assessment tasks comprise the building blocks necessary for successful completion of your particular project, for example a feasibility study, bibliography or preliminary literature review.
• HLC RESEARCH MASTERS DISSERTATION (HLAC501): With expert academic advice, guidance and support throughout the academic year, you will produce an original and extended piece of research which will be a contribution to knowledge in your chosen research field.
A major piece of independent study, your dissertation project will require you to identify relevant evidence and sources, and interpret and analyse that data in accordance with research best practice and a firm understanding of disciplinary conventions. The dissertation will provide a firm basis for further academic research or for a career within a research environment.
• Semester Two:
• HLC RESEARCH MASTERS DISSERTATION (HLAC501):
With expert academic advice, guidance and support throughout the academic year, you will produce an original and extended piece of research which will be a contribution to knowledge in your chosen research field. A major piece of independent study, your dissertation project will require you to identify relevant evidence and sources, and interpret and analyse that data in accordance with research best practice and a firm understanding of disciplinary conventions. The dissertation will provide a firm basis for further academic research or for a career within a research environment.
• Final Project:
• HLC RESEARCH MASTERS DISSERTATION (HLAC501):
With expert academic advice, guidance and support throughout the academic year, you will produce an original and extended piece of research which will be a contribution to knowledge in your chosen research field. A major piece of independent study, your dissertation project will require you to identify relevant evidence and sources, and interpret and analyse that data in accordance with research best practice and a firm understanding of disciplinary conventions. The dissertation will provide a firm basis for further academic research or for a career within a research environment.

Assessment:

You’ll be assessed through a learning blog, literature review and workplace practice report, as well as two additional written assignments you’ll co-design with your tutors. These tailored assessments could include source analyses, written reports, critical reviews, feasibility studies, annotated bibliographies, historiographical review essays and formal research proposals. The most suitable forms of assessment will depend on your intended research. The main piece of assessed work will be your dissertation.

Teaching:

The programme involves a combination of seminars, one-to-one supervision, small group work, independent study and a two-week placement at an archive repository. The course structure enables a student-centred approach with tailored reading and additional skills development, as well as guidance on ethical approval protocols as needed.

Careers:

Many MRes graduates continue their studies and progress to doctoral research, studying an MPhil or PhD. MRes History graduates have also gone into a wide range of professions. These include:

• Academia
• Media
• Public sector management
• Business consultancy
• Civil service
• Non-governmental organisations.

Other:

• The Department of History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square.
• We have a breath of expertise and knowledge that spans the medieval, early modern and modern periods and research across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas.
We are here to support you in your specific research interests.
• Dedicated small group teaching in seminars or workshops and through one-to-one tutorials, we believe this leads to the best collaboration between students and staff
• Students have a voice here and are represented on the School Postgraduate Committee.

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) Full-time place, per year £4,786 Part-time place, per year £2,393 International fees Full-time place, per year £23,400 Part-time place, per year £11,700 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 installments. 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.