Entry requirements
You should normally hold an upper second class honours degree, or its equivalent, in history or in a related subject. If it is some time since you completed your undergraduate education and you do not meet the standard requirement, it may be possible to consider your application based on evidence of other relevant personal and professional experience, the support of your referees and examples of written work. Applicants may be asked to send a sample of recent academic writing in English together with the application form. If this is not possible, you may substitute a 1,500-word essay reviewing a recent academic book on a historical topic. If English is not your first language, you will need to provide certification of your English language proficiency. For this course you will need an IELTS score of at least 7, or TOEFL 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based). Applications should be received no later than 1 August, though it is advisable to apply much earlier than this. If you are intending to apply to the AHRC for a studentship award we must receive your application before 1 March. Further details are given in the School of Arts and Humanities' postgraduate prospectus, which can be obtained, together with an application form, from the senior tutor using the contact details below. Applicants for research degrees should normally hold a master's degree in a subject appropriate to the proposed research topic and the same level of English language proficiency as required for the master's programmes. Before submitting an application you are advised to contact the senior postgraduate administrator to arrange an informal discussion of your research plans with the tutor for research students.
Course description
MA / PGDip / PGCert
The MA in History provides a coherent yet flexible programme of graduate study, combining research training with intensive modules on specific historical themes and the opportunity to conduct advanced research on a dissertation topic of your choice. The programme provides an excellent preparation for students intending to go on to PhD research and will also be of interest to graduates wishing to pursue advanced study in history.
You will be studying in one of the top history departments in the UK, whose faculty offers research expertise in a broad range of topics, from the 16th century to the present. We also offer a specialised MA in History of Medicine. All students enjoy ready access to the outstanding libraries and archives in Oxford and London, and you will be invited to participate in our lively annual programme of seminars and conferences.
Shorter courses in history are also available: the postgraduate diploma and the postgraduate certificate, and it is possible to transfer between these and the MA programme.
Successful UK applicants may be eligible to apply to the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) studentship scheme. A number of previous students have been successful in this competition and have progressed to AHRC doctoral studentships.
Course content
The MA in History consists of four modules: a compulsory core module, two elective modules and a dissertation. Postgraduate diploma students take Modules 1,2 and 3; postgraduate certificate students take Module 1 and one elective module. Modules may change from time to time; an indicative list is shown below.
* Module 1: Key Concepts and Methods in Historical Research (History) Every student takes this compulsory core module in advanced historical studies, which is designed to help make the transition from undergraduate to graduate-level work. You will be introduced to a variety of perspectives on theory and method in history, and you will acquire the advanced study skills needed to develop the capacity to engage in independent research. You will also receive training in the use of electronic research resources. This module is taken in Semester 1 and is assessed by two written assignments.
* Modules 2 and 3: elective modules Master's students choose two elective modules, enabling the close study of topics in two different areas of historical analysis. The topics for these modules reflect the specific research expertise of the staff in the department and the programme offered varies from year to year. Topics include: International Eugenics; Family History; Race, Empire and Colonization; Themes and Techniques of Nazi Propaganda; The Hospital in History; Terrorism in its Socio-political and Psycho-historical Context; The History of Death and Dying in Britain, 1750-1900; Memory and Narrative: Uses and Practice of Oral History; The Protestant Reformation and the Arts; Behaving Badly: From Deviance to Modernity; Irish Migrations from the 16th to the 20th Century. The modules offered in the MA in History of Medicine are also available to you, and have included: The Hospital in History; The Origins and Development of the National Health Service; Doctors in the Medical Marketplace; International Eugenics in the 20th Century.
Each module lasts for one semester and is assessed by two or three written assignments. Full-time MA students take one elective module in each semester. Part-time MA students take their first elective in Semester 2 of the first year and their second elective in Semester 1 of the second year.
* Module 4: Dissertation This is the capstone of the master's programme. You will have the opportunity to conduct a major in-depth investigation into a historical topic of your choice, leading to the production of a 15,000-word thesis. The topic may be related to one of your elective modules or may be chosen from another area of your interest. You will be supported in your research by individual supervision from a specialist tutor and by group workshops on advanced research design that take place in Semester 2 (for part-time students this is taken in year two). The dissertation is completed over the summer and submitted by 1 September.
Higher degrees by research
The History Department welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates for MPhil and PhD research degrees in any of its areas of specialisation. Both degrees are available in full-time and part-time mode and are examined entirely by thesis. The MPhil takes two years (four years part-time) and requires the production of a thesis of 50,000 words (max). The PhD takes three years (six years part-time) and is examined by a thesis of 100,000 words (max). Most PhD students are required to register for the MPhil in the first instance and transfer to the PhD after 18-24 months without submitting for the MPhil. Research students are supervised by a team of tutors, including a director of studies and at least one other supervisor. You will benefit from further research training programmes offered by the School of Arts and Humanities and by the University.
Teaching, learning and assessment
The MA programme is taught through small-group seminars, workshops and individual tutorials. Classes are held in the evenings, and the sessions run from 6.30pm to 9.00pm. Part-time students attend the University one evening per week and should be able to devote an additional 12-15 hours per week to private study. Full-time students attend classes on two evenings per week and spend 30 hours per week in private study. Assessment is entirely by written work. There are no examinations.
