Program Overview

MA History

The MA History program at the University of Essex is a rigorous, flexible, and wide-ranging course that allows students to explore the history that excites them. With a global expertise and topical diversity, students have an unrivalled opportunity to pursue their historical passions and discover new ones.

Overview

• Course: History
• Start date: October 2026
• Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
• Location: Colchester Campus
• Based in: School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 degree or international equivalent in one of the following subjects (with no module requirements):
  • Archaeology
  • Anthropology
  • Art History
  • Foreign/Modern Languages
  • History
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Politics
  • Sociology
  • Other History or Humanities degrees such as Theology, Religious Studies, or Philosophy
• We will also consider applicants with any other 2:2 degree or above which includes two modules in the following disciplines:
  • History
  • Humanities

International & EU Entry Requirements

• We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.
• Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept.

English Language Requirements

• If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.
• If you do not meet our IELTS requirements, then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Structure

Course Structure

• Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field.
• The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

Components and Modules Explained

• Components are the blocks of study that make up your course.
• A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.
• Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Year 1

• COMPONENT 01: CORE - Dissertation (80 credits)
• COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY - Making History, Sharing History: Sources, Methods, and Audiences for Historical Research (20 credits)
• COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY - Rethinking History: Approaches, Theories and Concepts (20 credits)
• COMPONENT 04: OPTIONAL - History option from list (50 credits)
• COMPONENT 05: OPTIONAL - History option from list (20 credits)

Teaching

• Core modules can be combined with optional modules to enable you to gain either in-depth specialisation or a breadth of understanding across several topics.
• You study five taught modules.
• You can attend all departmental and research group seminars.

Assessment

• You must submit one 5,000-word essay (or equivalent) for each assessed module.
• Receive expert supervision as you develop a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: ｣11,025
• International fee: ｣23,875
• Scholarships and financial support: There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

What's Next

• Open Days: We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year.
• Applying: You can apply for this postgraduate course online.
• Visit Colchester Campus: Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland, our Colchester Campus is easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.