Program Overview

Postgraduate Certificate History

The Postgraduate Certificate History is a rigorous, flexible, and wide-ranging course that allows students to explore the history that excites them. The course consists of the same choice of modules and assessed work as the MA History, without the dissertation element.

Overview

• Course: History
• Start date: October 2026
• Study mode: Full-time
• Duration: 9 months
• Location: Colchester Campus
• Based in: Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)

The course provides students with the freedom to choose modules that best suit their interests, alongside a practical module in research techniques. Historical research at Essex concentrates on the period from 1500 to the present, covering a wide geographical area that includes British and European history, as well as Latin America, the USA, China, Russia, and Africa.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 degree, or international equivalent, in any discipline.
• Relevant work experience may be considered for applicants with a lower-class degree.

International & EU Entry Requirements

• A wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries are accepted.
• English language requirements: IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.

Structure

Course Structure

The course consists of three taught modules, with core modules combined with optional modules to enable students to gain either in-depth specialization or a breadth of understanding across several topics.

Components and Modules

• Components are the blocks of study that make up the course, with each component having a status and carrying a certain number of credits towards the qualification.
• Modules are the individual units of study for the course, with each module having its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Year 1

• COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY
  • Rethinking History: Approaches, Theories and Concepts (20 credits)
• COMPONENT 02: OPTIONAL
  • History option from list (20 credits)
• COMPONENT 03: OPTIONAL
  • History option from list (20 credits)

Teaching

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

Assessment

• Students must submit one 5,000-word essay (or equivalent) for each assessed module.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: Ł4,410
• International fee: Ł9,550
• Scholarships and financial support may be available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

• Open Days: The University holds Open Days for all applicants throughout the year, providing an opportunity to tour the campus and accommodation, and meet with students and staff.
• Applying: Students can apply for the course online, with the University aiming to respond to applications within two weeks.

Related Courses

• MA History: A related course that provides students with the opportunity to explore history in more depth, with a dissertation element.