History

History (MA)

The MA History is designed to act as a self-regulated year of further study, and provide a preparatory year for PhD candidates. It draws together a wide range of chronological, geographical and historiographic expertise in medieval, early modern and modern history to offer challenging and flexible programmes of study, with teaching and research tailored to the interests and needs of individual students.

Admissions requirements

Applicants should normally possess a first degree in History (or related field) with a first or upper second class Honours.You should note that as part of the application process, you must include a statement (around 500 words) outlining areas of interest and the topic upon which they hope to write their dissertation. This replaces the 'personal statement'.

Overview

Please note that some modules are subject to review and may change prior to academic year 2013-2014.

Through the core modules in Part One (October - May), the MA provides a wide range of transferable skills and training in research methods to give a thorough grounding in research skills and methods, theoretical concepts and the techniques of conducting and writing up a research project. In Historical Theory and Historical Methods (HST644) you are introduced to the use of theory in History with an emphasis on the practical implications for historical research and writing, while Key Research Skills (HST643) provides you with generic, career-related and transferable skills training. Historiographical Study I & II train you in evaluating approaches and research methods and historical explanation reflected in the historiographical development of particular specialist fields of study. Research skills are further developed in the tailored research skills modules. In the two option modules you study, you gain a firm subject-based knowledge as a preparation for your dissertation and further study. These modules allow you to work intensively in specialised fields of study with a tutor. Throughout, Part One you are encouraged to investigate different approaches - theoretical and practical - to the problems of understanding historical studies and research.

For a full list of modules available please visit our History Postgraduate Module page.

Part Two (June - September) comprises a dissertation, which provides you with an opportunity to build on one or more of the modules undertaken by doing research on a selected topic or question. The Dissertation (HST655) encourages a demonstration of your understanding of the selected topic or question coupled with an ability to apply appropriately the knowledge and experience gained during the MA and course of research. Much of the work is undertaken independently in consultation with your dissertation supervisor who will provide guidance and assistance.

By the end of the Cardiff MA in History you will be able to critically assess the work of others and of your own, to engage effectively in debate at an advanced level, to plan, design and carry out a coherent research strategy, and to produce detailed and coherent reports and presentations.

Length of the Course

The MA may be taken as a one-year full-time or as two-year part-time degree.

How the MA will be delivered

You will attend lectures, participate in small-group classes, tutorials and research seminars, and take part in skills related workshops and seminars. The taught modules are structured around compulsory skills and historiographical training, and options, which allow you to develop their particular historical interests. More advanced knowledge and understanding is acquired by independent study and through individual supervision of the dissertation element.

How the MA will be assessed

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework assignments, such as written reports; extended essays; historiographical essays; research skill portfolios; oral presentations; and the dissertation (not more than 20,000 words). You will receive oral and written feedback on all written formative and summative assessments, and oral feedback on assessed presentations.You must complete 120 credits in Part One in order to progress to the dissertation stage.

MA History Pathways

There are a number of pathways available through the MA History which provide the opportunity for more focused study. These currently include:

Asian Studies	Modern French History
Early Modern History	Medical History
Economic and Social History	Modern German History

Although all MA students take the common core modules, and the same number of options, historiographical studies and tailored research skills, each pathway has a slightly different range of option and research skills modules attached to them.

Separate degree schemes are available in MA in the History of the Crusades and MA Welsh History.

Career Progression

A particular strength of the Cardiff MA in History is the preparation it provides for students wishing to pursue non-historical careers. Thus, in addition to helping you obtain a detailed and critical historical knowledge, the Cardiff MA offers you the chance to acquire and perfect valuable skills critical to careers in many different fields. Often referred to as transferable skills, these skills expand your individual capabilities and make it easier for you to obtain employment and enter careers with abilities that are widely considered essential for professional success.

Funding Opportunities

History is one of the subject areas covered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Block Grant Partnership award to Cardiff for study at Masters level and the School has a number of MA scholarships. Further details on how to apply for these postgraduate studentships and on other scholarships and funding opportunities are available on our postgraduate funding page.

For more information contact: