Location:

Exmouth, United Kingdom

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

History

Program Overview

Program Description:

MA History We offer teaching and research specialisms particularly in the following areas: 16th and 17th century British and European social, religious and political history; imperialism, colonialism and decolonisation in the modern period, with particular reference to South Asia; the political and social history of 19th century Britain; Ireland since 1900; British military and diplomatic history during the 20th century; European integration; politics and society in the USA since 1900; and British social and political history from the First World War to the era of New Labour. We encourage students to become reflective and autonomous learners, with a range of academic, personal and practical skills that make them competitive in the job market. We aim to provide our students with: • a deep and systematic understanding of knowledge in a range of historical fields • an advanced understanding of the methodology of historical study • skills to undertake independent and original research, preparing them for the dissertation and for future PhD study • ‘work-facing’ experience, notably by exploring the theory and practice of how the past is presented to public audiences. Programme content The programme comprises four modules, two of which are compulsory: • Key debates and research methods in history – an assessment of current trends and methodologies in the discipline of history • Public history – an examination of the theory and practice of how the past is presented to public audiences. There are also two option modules drawn from the research specialisms of History staff (these vary from year to year). The programme culminates in an independently researched MA History dissertation on a topic of the student’s choice, negotiated in agreement with programme tutors. MRes History The programme comprises three modules. The first is key debates and research methods in history (30 credits), delivered in term one, the aim of which is to give students disciplinespecific skills and an understanding of current debates among historians. The second is an interdisciplinary module on research in the arts and humanities (30 credits), delivered across terms one and two, which is assessed via a project proposal, learning journal/critical log and a research presentation. The third module, the masters thesis (120 credits), is taught through intensive one-on-one supervision, and involves producing a dissertation of 25,000–30,000 words. Assessment also includes a viva based on the dissertation. Students can devise their own topic but must bear in mind that tutors can best provide support and guidance in their areas of expertise. These currently include early modern British and European history; 19th century England; British military and diplomatic history during the 20th century; and British social and political history from the First World War to the era of New Labour. All applicants should include on the application form a proposal for a research project (maximum 500 words). Applicants who are not Plymouth graduates should also attach a sample of critical writing, such as an undergraduate essay (maximum 3,000 words). Programme content Key debates and research methods in history • Assessed tasks revolve around contextual study and literature review Research in the arts and humanities • Compulsory module for all MRes students • Assessment via project proposal, critical learning journal and presentation to a live audience Masters thesis in the Faculty of Arts • Assessed via thesis on a topic in history and viva • Students encouraged to attend training opportunities in term three

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Not applicable

Financial Aid:

No

Requirements:

Applicants should normally hold at least a second-class honours degree in history or a related subject, or a degree of a comparable standard from a university in another country.

International Requirements:

IELTS score of 7 or equivalent required for overseas students.