Program Overview

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MA in Country House Studies by Research

Course Overview

The University of Buckingham’s Master’s programme in Country House Studies offers the opportunity to pursue research at Master’s level in any one of a wide range of country-house-related topics, from explorations of individual houses and their architects and decorators, to studies of their social and political use, and the role of the country house in literature and film.

Start and Duration

• Sep, 1 year
• Sep, 2 years

Level

• Research
• Research

Qualification

• Master of Arts by Research
• Master of Arts by Research

UK Fees

• £10,300
• From £5,150 per year*

International Fees

• £16,480
• From £8,240 per year*

Campus

• London
• London

School

• School of Humanities and Social Sciences

About the Course

The MA in Country House Studies by research: Hampton Court to ‘Downton Abbey’

The University of Buckingham’s Master’s programme in Country House Studies offers the opportunity to pursue research at Master’s level in any one of a wide range of country-house-related topics, from explorations of individual houses and their architects and decorators, to studies of their social and political use, and the role of the country house in literature and film.

Individual research topics are closely focused; but the approach of the course is to encourage students to investigate the interconnections between the country house’s multiple facets and roles, rather than to examine it in exclusively architectural-historical terms. Recent dissertations have surveyed, for example, the Baroque mural in country house decoration; the use of music in the country houses during the 1650s; and the professionalisation of the sale of country estates in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The choice of subject area is ultimately the student’s own.

The Master’s degree can be taken either full-time and completed in a single academic year, or taken part-time and extended over two years. Although original research it the prime focus of the programme, there is also a strongly collegial aspect to the course, as all research students meet regularly throughout the year for a series of early-evening seminars by some of the most distinguished scholars working in the history of early-modern England. The seminars are held in the Reform Club in Pall Mall, London, SW1, and provide an opportunity for students to meet and debate with the visiting speaker. Each seminar is followed by a working dinner at which discussion continues.

The seminars are of course academic events, with a talk by a visiting expert; but they also have a social dimension, bringing research students and senior scholars together to discuss matters of common interest in an informal and congenial atmosphere.

Defining a Subject for Research

Some students know from the outset the precise subject on which they intend to work. For most, however, the definition of a research proposal is usually a gradual process, with the student starting with a general area of interest, and then focusing on a more closely defined topic as a result of further reading and consultation, usually with the Course Director.

Research Seminars and Dining

Private research and supervision are complemented by a rich programme of seminars which give students direct access to some of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished scholars of the country house. These seminars, which are chaired by Professor Tinniswood and by Dr Ben Cowell (Director General, Historic Houses), take place in St James’s, at the Reform Club, 104 Pall Mall, in central London.

The seminar meets regularly between October and March in handsome accommodation at the Reform Club in Pall Mall. All seminars begin at 6:30 pm with the talk by the visiting speaker, and this is followed by a question session and discussion that runs to 7:45 pm. There is then a short break for pre-dinner drinks and the group reconvenes at 8:15 pm for a three-course dinner with wine, during which the historical discussion continues. Proceedings usually end at 9:30 pm.

Study Period

The usual period of Master’s degree research is one year for the those who engage in full-time study. Part-time study is also available, with students completing the dissertation in two years.

Research Supervision

Every Master’s student in School of Humanities is supported by two supervisors. There is a First (or Principal) Supervisor, who is the student’s regular guide during his or her research, and with whom the student meets regularly throughout the year. There is also a Second Supervisor, whom the student may consult on a more limited basis where a ‘second opinion’ on a particular draft chapter may be helpful.

Associate Students

For those who wish to attend the seminars and to join the post-seminar dinners with the visiting speakers, it is possible to join the programme as an Associate Student (what is known as an Audit Student in the United States). Associate Students do not enrol for the MA and do not have to submit any written work, but they are otherwise full members of the seminar and free to take part in discussion.

Entry Requirements

• a first or upper second-class honours degree from a recognised university or,
• a recognised professional qualification with relevant work experience.

Mature Students

Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.

International Students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

English Levels

If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements.

Selection Process

Candidates apply online, sending in their supporting documents, and will be assessed on this basis by the Programme Director.

Student Contract for Prospective Students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study.

Teaching and Assessment

The MA does not offer systematic instruction in factual knowledge; instead, the emphasis is on independent thought and research.

After Your Course

Many of the University’s research students have gone on to publish their MA or PhD dissertations, either in book-form or as articles in learned journals.

Course Fees

The fees for this course are:

• £10,300
• From £5,150 per year*

Postgraduate Loan Scheme

A system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK is available with support from the UK Government.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.

How to Apply

Apply online from this page as:

• You can apply until shortly before the course starts.
• There are no application fees.