Part-time study
If you take the MA programme part-time you will study 180 credits, the same number as a full-time student, but over two years instead of one.
Thematic programmes
Modules
You will take three core modules totalling 105 credits: 30 credits in year one and 75 credits in year two.
Your remaining 75 credits will be made up of a selection of option modules appropriate to your chosen MA programme.
Core modules
Year one:
Core module appropriate to your chosen degree (30 credits)
Year two:
Research Presentation (15 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
Option modules
These modules allow you develop your research skills; pursue an interest in public history or expand your knowledge of particular historical periods or themes. You will choose 75 credits worth from the list of option modules available on your chosen degree programme.
We recommend taking skills based in the first year, so that you can benefit from the skills and knowledge that you acquire throughout your whole degree.
To view a list of option modules, select your degree programme here.
How does that look in practice?
Year one - autumn semester
Core module: 30 credits
Option module: 15 credits
Semester total: 45 credits
Year one - spring semester
Option modules: 45 credits
(including 1 x 30 credit option)
Semester total: 45 credits
Year two - autumn semester
Option module: 15 credits
Semester total: 15 credits
Year two - spring semester
Research presentation: 15 credits
Semester total: 15 credits
Year two - all year
Dissertation: 60 credits
Semester total: 60 credits
Historical Research
Modules
You will take three core modules totalling 120 credits: 30 credits in year one and 90 credits in year two.
Your remaining 60 credits will be made up of a selection of option modules.
Core modules
Year one:
Core module appropriate to your chosen degree (30 credits)
Year two:
Research Presentation (15 credits)
Dissertation (75 credits)
Option modules
These modules allow you develop your research skills; pursue an interest in public history or expand your knowledge of particular historical periods or themes. You will choose 60 credits worth from the list of option modules available on your chosen degree programme.
We recommend taking skills based in the first year, so that you can benefit from the skills and knowledge that you acquire throughout your whole degree.
To view a list of option modules, select your Historical Research here.
How does that look in practice?
Year one - autumn semester
Core module: 30 credits
Option module: 15 credits
Semester total: 45 credits
Year one - spring semester
Option modules: 45 credits
(including 1 x 30 credit option)
Semester total: 45 credits
Year two - autumn semester
no taught modules
Semester total: 0 credits
Year two - spring semester
Research presentation: 15 credits
Semester total: 15 credits
Year two - all year
Dissertation: 75 credits
Semester total: 75 credits
Teaching
Teaching takes place between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Our MA teaching focuses on small group seminars and masterclasses complimented by individual tutorials and supervision sessions.
Seminars are usually around 1 hour 50 minutes long and range from around 5-18 students in size. 30 credit modules run for 10 weeks and 15 credit modules usually run for 5 weeks.
Non-history modules may vary in teaching methods.
Balancing your studies
Students taking thematic programmes should normally have an even balance of 45 credits in each semester - 90 credits in each year - by taking four option modules in year one and one in semester one of year two. Historical Research students will normally take all of their option modules in year to balance with the dissertation credits.
If your personal circumstances mean you'd like discuss deviating from the standard pattern please get in touch with us before making your module choices. We are happy to be flexible where possible e.g. some students choose to move 15 credits of option modules to their second year because they are returning to education after a break and would like to take the first year at a slightly slower pace. This also creates a more even spread of taught modules, which can be useful if you need to balance your seminar attendance with working life.
When you are choosing your modules you should also think about the timetable and assessment deadlines.