MA Early Modern History

Program Overview

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The MA Early Modern History program at the University of York provides students with in-depth knowledge and critical analysis skills in early modern history (1500-1800). Through core modules, option modules, and a dissertation, students develop advanced research capabilities, master source handling techniques, and cultivate transferable skills valued in various career sectors. The program benefits from renowned faculty, extensive archives, and a supportive university environment, fostering a vibrant learning community for students to explore their research interests and pursue their academic goals.

Program Outline

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MA Early Modern History at the University of York

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The MA Early Modern History program equips students with in-depth knowledge, critical analysis skills, and strong research training in the field of early modern history, covering the period roughly between 1500 and 1800. It delves into the political, religious, cultural, social, and economic facets of this era, encouraging students to explore thought-provoking topics through primary source examination and engagement with contemporary scholarship.

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Objectives:

• Develop a rich understanding of key changes and continuities within the religious, social, political, economic, and cultural landscapes of the Early Modern Period.
• Cultivate advanced research capabilities through designing, exploring, and formulating high-quality research questions for essays and the final dissertation.
• Master the critical evaluation of historical scholarship, situating research findings within relevant scholarly contexts.
• Learn diverse source handling techniques, including interpretation and analysis of printed materials, manuscripts, and visual sources.
• Employ research findings effectively through a variety of communication methods, including reports, presentations, and extended written pieces.

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Program Description:

• The MA Early Modern History program provides students with a unique blend of academic rigor, research opportunities, and community involvement.
• Students are encouraged to actively participate in departmental seminars, research training sessions, and the Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies events, fostering an intellectually stimulating and collaborative learning environment.
• The program's strength lies in its diverse faculty and rich source materials, enabling students to pursue research interests across a broad spectrum of topics within the early modern period.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

Core Modules

• Approaches to Early Modern History
• Research Training
Option Modules (Three selected)
• Examples from previous years:
• Speculation: Risk Taking and Money Making in England
• Medicine and Spiritual Healing in the Early Modern World
• The Organisation of Crime Since 1600
• Early Modern Palaeography
• Smell and the Past
• Women in Early Modern England: Gender, Print and Politics
• Becoming British?
Nations and Identities in the Early Modern Atlantic World
• Subject to change based on faculty expertise and current research interests.
Dissertation: 14,000 - 16,000 words on a chosen topic, requiring extensive research and analysis, supported by faculty guidance.

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Modules:

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Core Modules:

• Approaches to Early Modern History:
Provides a comprehensive foundation in the major historiographical trends and methodologies applied in the study of the early modern era.
• Research Training:
Equips students with the skillset and strategies necessary for conducting high-level historical research, including effective source analysis, referencing, and writing.

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Option Modules:

• Each option module delves into specific topic areas within early modern history, offering students the flexibility to personalize their learning journey and gain expertise in their chosen areas of interest.
Examples of past modules provide students with an idea of the range of options available.

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Dissertation:

• The dissertation represents the culmination of the MA program, allowing students to independently pursue a research project of their own design, showcasing their research and writing abilities, and deepening their understanding of a chosen historical topic.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Essays:
Regular essays throughout the program assess students on their understanding of key concepts, ability to synthesize information, and capacity to formulate historical arguments based on evidence.
• Dissertation:
The final dissertation undergoes rigorous assessment, evaluating the depth of research, quality of analysis, originality of arguments, and clarity of communication.

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Assessment Criteria:

• The program utilizes established criteria to ensure公平evaluation, focusing on:
• Originality of thought and argumentation
• Depth and accuracy of research
• Effective use of evidence and primary sources
• Theoretical and conceptual framing
• Clarity of writing and communication
• Adherence to academic norms and referencing

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Interactive seminars:
These discussions facilitate active learning, encouraging students to engage in dialogue, share perspectives, and critically analyze source materials.
• Research training workshops:
Hands-on sessions equip students with practical research skills and introduce them to various methodological approaches.
• Individual supervision:
Regular meetings with dissertation advisors provide guidance and support throughout the research and writing process.

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Faculty:

The program benefits from a team of internationally renowned academics with diverse expertise, covering various aspects of the early modern period. Their research interests shape the available option modules and contribute to a vibrant intellectual atmosphere.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program fosters a sense of community by actively involving students in departmental seminars, masterclasses, and research training workshops.
• Regular opportunities for engagement with leading scholars in the field provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
• Individualized dissertation support empowers students to pursue their own research interests with expert guidance.

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Careers:

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Career Opportunities:

The MA Early Modern History equips graduates with a versatile skillset applicable to various professional avenues, including:

• Research:
Further studies leading to PhD programs and careers in academic research or research-related institutions.

Teaching:

Opportunities to pursue careers in teaching history at various educational levels.
• Public history:
Roles in museums, archives, heritage organizations, or historical research units.
• Civil service:
Opportunities to contribute to policy development, historical analysis, or archival work.
• Archives:
Careers as professional archivists curating and managing historical documents.
• Law:
Positions requiring strong research, analysis, and argumentation skills.

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Transferable Skills:

The program cultivates transferable skills highly valued in diverse career sectors:

• Analytical thinking:
The ability to process and interpret complex information effectively.
• Formulation of original arguments:
Develop the capacity to construct well-reasoned and evidence-based arguments.
• Effective time management:
Hone the organization skills needed to manage research and writing projects efficiently.
• Communication skills:
Master the art of conveying ideas and information clearly and articulately.
• Research management:
Learn how to efficiently access, manage, and utilize diverse research materials and electronic resources.
• Independent research skills:
Gain confidence in conducting research using primary and secondary sources independently.
• Professional presentation skills:
Develop the ability to present research findings and ideas effectively in various formats.

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Other:

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Extensive Archives:

• Students benefit from access to the University's Borthwick Institute for Archives, a renowned repository housing historical records dating back to the 13th century, specializing in ecclesiastical institutions.
• Close proximity to the British Library Reading Room and other significant historical collections provides exceptional research opportunities.
• This access to rich archival materials directly enhances the quality and depth of student research projects.

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Location and History:

• The program benefits from its location in York, a city steeped in history and culture.
• Students can draw inspiration from the city's fascinating architecture and heritage sites, enhancing their learning experience and providing unique research settings.

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University Environment:

• The University of York offers a welcoming and supportive environment for postgraduate studies.
• Beautiful green campus facilities, diverse student life, and access to various academic resources contribute to a fulfilling and enriching academic journey.

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In Conclusion:

The MA Early Modern History program at York University offers a unique and stimulating environment for students to explore the rich and dynamic period of early modern history, delve into archival research, and develop strong academic skills while being surrounded by a vibrant departmental community. The program successfully combines academic rigor with individual research support, creating a perfect launching pad for further studies, professional careers, or personal historical inquiry.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Annual tuition fees for 2024/25

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Study mode

Full-time (1 year) £10,590 £23,900

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Part-time (2 years)

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£5,295 £11,950

• This is the year 1 fee.
Fees for future years are subject to confirmation.