Course description
Programme highlights
-This is the only MA of its kind in the region
-It embraces both long-standing areas of interest to social historians, such as those of religion and family, as well as relatively newer concerns such as the history of sport
The MA provides an approach that will give students a detailed knowledge of aspects of social history in Britain and western Europe from the 15th century through to the present day, exploring issues such as religion, family life, gender, crime, poverty and sport
It draws from, and is based upon, considerable staff research expertise in the field of social history. The teaching team are all actively engaged in research relating to the MA, contributing to a range of publications in their respective areas of expertise
It will provide training and transferable skills that will be of value either in employment or in conducting further research, such as proceeding to registration for a PhD
Further study, research and employment opportunities
MA Social History will prepare the ground particularly for those wishing to pursue a career in research and/or academia, acting as a bridge between undergraduate work and MPhil/PhD programmes (in which the History team at Plymouth University has been actively engaged, with several completions, for many years). In addition, MA Social History offers opportunities for continuing professional development, notably for teachers of history in primary or secondary schools, and for lecturers in further education colleges, who are seeking to augment their qualifications.
The University Careers Service provides an information library, organises workshops and visiting speakers from the professions and has a qualified Careers Advisor who gives individual guidance. Students on the programme will be made fully aware of the assistance and resources available, and discussion of career options will form an integral part of the tutorial support.
Graduates are also eligible to apply for Knowledge Transfer Partnership positions. These are generally 2-3 year projects and a great opportunity to launch your career by getting involved with business development. Companies looking for that competitive edge work in collaboration with the university, who select a specialist graduate with the right skills and experience.
General programme structure
The programme is based on four taught modules (each worth 30 credits), plus a dissertation on a topic of the student’s choice, negotiated in agreement with course tutors (60 credits).
A module on research methods and approaches to History will be followed by three modules taken from (subject to availability each year): ‘Family and society in early Modern Britain’, ‘Celtic society and religious change, 1500-1700’, ‘Crime and poverty in 18th century England’, and ‘Sport and society in Britain since c1880’. The programme culminates in the independently researched dissertation, which tests student ability to manage a large-scale project and to evaluate complex ideas in an original way.
Students must achieve 180 credits for an MA award, but may be awarded a postgraduate certificate upon successful completion of 60 credits or a postgraduate diploma when completing 120 credits.
The programme employs a range of teaching, learning and assessment strategies, aimed at fostering high-level written and oral communication skills and academic debate. Assessment methods include essays, projects and oral presentations.
Detailed programme structure
-Key debates and research methods: evolution, aims and methodologies of history
-The family and society in early Modern Britain: developments in interpersonal relationships 1450-1700
-Celtic society and religious change: late medieval religious culture in Celtic Ireland, Brittany and Cornwall
-Crime and poverty in 18th-century England: legacy of crime and poverty at various levels of society
-Sport and society in Britain: how sport has reflected and influenced society since c1880
-Sport and society in Britain since c1880: how sport reflected, interacted with and influenced the development of British societ
