Welsh History

Welsh History (MA)

The MA in Welsh History draws together expertise in early modern and modern Welsh 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, and gives you a thorough grounding in research skills and methods, theoretical concepts and the techniques of conducting and writing up a research project in Welsh History. In Historical Theory and Historical Methods - 30 credits (HST644) you are introduced to the use of theory in Welsh History with an emphasis on the practical implications for historical research and writing, while Key Research Skills - 10 credits (HST643) provides you with generic, career-related and transferable skills training. Historiographical Study I & II (10 credits each) train you in evaluating approaches and research methods and historical explanation, reflected in the historiographical development of your fields of study in Welsh History. Your research skills are further developed in the tailored research skills modules. In the Welsh History option modules (2 x 20 credits) you gain a firm subject-based knowledge as a preparation for your dissertation and further study. 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 Welsh History 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 Welsh History modules you have taken by doing research on a selected topic or question. The Dissertation - 60 credits (HST655) encourages a demonstration of your understanding of a 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.

Career Preparation

A particular strength of the Cardiff MA in Welsh 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 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 available. 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: