MA welcome 2023
Course overview
Find out about the University's regulations and Our Commitment agreement. As well as how the course works including modules and teaching, what to do if you need to miss a seminar and where to find all the information you need to do your assessment and achieve the results you want.
You can access the full current student information on our programme and assessment pages.
Key dates
Where to find key dates to help you get your bearings in the first few weeks of term and as you progress through the year:
Admission to the University is subject to the requirement that you will comply with the University's registration procedure and will duly observe the Charter, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations of the University. The General University Regulations apply to all students in all Faculties. Your attention is drawn to the 'General University Regulations' and the 'General Regulations for Higher Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates'.
You should also review the University’s Our Commitment information.
Our Commitment is a partnership document struck between teachers and students as members of the University.
The statement sets out what we all commit to do to ensure the best learning experience. It has been written by staff and students and is collectively owned by the University and the Students' Union.
Our commitment is best understood as a statement of collective ethos, setting out the qualities and responsibilities underpinning the education on University of Sheffield degree programmes. It has been endorsed by the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University and the President of the Students' Union, on behalf of all staff and students.
How the MA programme works
You will study 180 credits of modules over the year, or two years, of your degree. Together these modules form our programme, designed to be as flexible as possible.
Students taking a thematic programme will take 105 credits of core modules. Students taking Historical Research will take 120 credits of core modules. This includes a dissertation, Research Presentation and a core module specific to your chosen MA programme. Part-time students will take the Dissertation and Research Presentation modules in the second year of study.
For your remaining credits you will be able to choose from a wide range of option modules. These modules allow you to develop your research skills; pursue an interest in public history or expand your knowledge of particular historical periods or themes.
More information about the MA course structure is available in the current student pages:
Module choice advice and submission forms are available on our module advice page.
Teaching
MA teaching takes place on campus 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.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all seminars, and to prepare in advance for these classes, unless there is a reason why you can't i.e. illness.
This is particularly important at MA level where modules are shorter and the work is more intensive, requiring you to work at a higher level than during your BA degree, so missing multiple seminars can quickly have a detrimental effect on your studies.
See the attendance page [2023-24 page coming soon] for what to do if you do need to miss a seminar.
Assessment
The MA programme is assessed primarily through written essays. Standard word limits as follows:
30 credit modules: 4000 word essay (worth 80%). These modules also include an engagement and participation mark (worth 20%)
15 credit modules: 3000 words
Dissertation: 15,000 words
The Research Presentation module is assessed through a presentation day in May.
Some modules do vary, you should check individual module pages for exact assessment requirements. You should make sure to pay careful attention to word limits, as exceeding the limit by 5% or more will mean you receive a penalty.
As you begin preparing your assessments, you should make sure to read all of the guidance on the assessment page.
This includes marking criteria, information on how to correctly reference your work and avoid using unfair means, how to present your work, what penalties are applied if you submit work late or go over the word limit. This page also includes example essays and tells you how to submit your work.
You'll also find information about marking and feedback, what happens if you fail a piece of work, degree results and prizes.
How your assessment and degree are graded
Marking for MA degrees is on a 100 point scale. Work marked at 50+ is a pass, 60+ a merit and 70+ a distinction. You'll find more information in the marking criteria.
Where an overall module mark is made up of more than one component your mark will be averaged and you must pass both pieces.
MA degrees can be classified as Pass, Pass with Merit or Pass with Distinction. Classification is based on an average mark and number of credits at 50+, 60+ or 70+. See the degree results page for more information.
It is important that you meet all deadlines - work that is submitted late will incur penalties.
If you experience difficulties effecting your work that may require an extension you should get in touch with us as soon as possible and we'll be happy to discuss support with you.
See the support pages for more information.