History MA
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
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100% of NTU's research in History was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent - REF 2021 -
Combines the coherence and support of a taught MA with the challenges of a research degree. -
Study in a city steeped in history, with museums and heritage sites on your doorstep.
The MA History represents an exciting opportunity to study new areas of historical enquiry, and to then undertake your own primary research in a field of your choice.
MA History combines the coherence and support of a taught MA with the challenges of a research degree. This makes it ideal for those wishing to pursue a historical interest beyond undergraduate level or as a preparation in research skills for those aspiring to PhD study.
Teaching on the course directly reflects the internationally recognised expertise of our staff that includes medieval and early modern British and European history; modern and contemporary history; public history and global history. Case studies include Crusades and Crusaders; Early Modern Religions and Cultures; Race and Lynching; Memory, Genocide, Holocaust; Social History and ‘The Spatial Turn'.
Why study History and Heritage at NTU?
With hundreds of local museums and heritage sites to visit, Nottingham is the perfect place to develop your skills as a budding historian or heritage specialist.
What you’ll study
The course is structured thematically around the core principles of historical study allowing you to gain the ability to apply this practical structure to your own unique historical interest area.
Teaching on the course directly reflects the world-leading research expertise of our staff that includes; medieval and early modern British and European history; modern and contemporary history; public history; and global history. The course combines the coherence and support of a taught MA with the challenges of a research degree.
Throughout the course, you will actively research, interpret, analyse, and write alongside our team of experts. The history team at NTU pride itself on its accessible, student-centred approach to teaching and are available for one-to-one tutorial support and guidance. To further support your learning throughout the year we run a series of history and heritage workshops delivered by a wide range of visiting experts.
This course is divided into modules, which are worth a number of credit points, and are separately taught and assessed. To get your degree you have to pass all modules to collect 180 credit points.
- Making History - (80 credits): This year-long module has four strands: Making, Archives, Relations, and Space. These correspond to themes of Memory, Early Modern History, Medieval History, and Modern US History.
- Engaging Research - (20 credits): This module focuses on preparing you for your research dissertation. You’ll study research project development, historical methods and the nature and availability of a range of archival sources. By the end of this module, you will have determined your research topic and your supervisor.
- Postgraduate Futures - (20 credits): You have the opportunity of learning core employability skills by either undertaking a History research practice internship or a History research practice work placement or a non-history focussed work placement.
- Dissertation (60 credits): The dissertation is a 15,000-word piece of independent research. It is an opportunity for you to follow your own interests, demonstrate your strengths and produce a rigorously researched dissertation on a specific subject.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
Assessment
Assessment on the course involves coursework, report writing, presentations and group work. There are also class tests, critical reviews, and critical bibliographies to prepare. There are no formal examinations on the course. You will write a 15,000-word dissertation, and prepare work on research methods including an assessed dissertation proposal as part of the research training element of the degree.
Study and support
Teaching is by a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, archive visits and one-to-one tutorials. There is a programme of regular research seminars and lectures delivered by visiting specialists. The course encourages, supports, and requires substantial independent study. Students are allocated a personal tutor. Additional support is offered via the University's Virtual Learning Environment and through email contact with members of the teaching team.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study, you also have the opportunity to learn another new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Further information
Expert Teaching Staff
You will be taught by academics with world-leading research expertise in the following fields:
- Medieval and early modern
- Modern and contemporary history
- Public history
- World history
- Memory studies
Dr Jenny Woodley is the Course Leader for MA History.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 found 67% of NTU’s History research to be of world-leading or international quality. The REF History panel commended our impact statement for providing an outstanding account of the Unit’s approach, strategy, and future plans.
Careers and employability
Your career development
History graduates are highly employable due to their demonstrable versatility developed throughout their experiences. Students can go on a wide range of careers including archives, marketing, education, law, museum management, planning, and public relations.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, it is vocationally focused and will help you to develop a broad range of transferable skills.
Our students have gone on to a wide range of careers, securing roles in sectors that include archiving, marketing, education, law, museum management, and public relations. In addition, this course provides excellent preparation for undertaking a PhD. Many of the graduates of MA History have successfully secured postgraduate funding, and are now studying at PhD level in early modern, modern, and contemporary history.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
- A UK honours (minimum 2.2) degree in History or a related subject, or equivalent.
Applications from candidates with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
You will need the equivalent to:
- A UK honours (minimum 2.2) degree in History or a related subject.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for September 2023:
Course | Full-time Home (UK) tuition | Part-time Home (UK) tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA History | £9,300 | £4,650 |
* Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Fees may be subject to change.
Alumni Discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Scholarships are available for students who have been offered a place on this course for September 2023
Home (UK) students funding
- Dr Pauline Polkey Postgraduate Bursary - apply
- The Research Pathway Scholarship - apply
- UK Postgraduate Masters Scholarship - apply
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Tuition fees for September 2023:
Course | Full-time International and EU tuition | Part-time International and EU tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA History | £16,800 | £8,400 |
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your postgraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us?
Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide. You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide. Here you’ll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.