History MA

Program Overview

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The History MA at Lancaster University offers a customizable and research-intensive program, specializing in diverse areas of history from Roman religion to digital humanities. Students have access to renowned researchers, exceptional facilities, and flexible learning pathways, including Medieval and Early Modern or Heritage. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, heritage management, and related fields.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The History MA at Lancaster University offers a flexible and tailored learning experience, allowing students to delve deep into their chosen areas of history.

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Objectives:

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of historical research methods and techniques.
• To develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills.
• To enhance students' writing and communication skills.
• To prepare students for careers in research, teaching, heritage management, or other related fields.

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Program Description:

• Students can specialize in the topics that interest them the most.
• Access to world-leading researchers and experts in diverse areas, ranging from Roman religion and medieval politics to digital humanities and histories of healthcare.
• Two pathway options:
• Medieval and Early Modern: focuses on the history of Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, covering political, cultural, military, and social history.
• Heritage: builds upon the presence of the Regional Heritage Centre and relationships with regional and national heritage organizations.

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Outline:

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Core Modules:

• Dissertation:
This 18,000-20,000 word dissertation allows students to showcase their knowledge, understanding, research skills, and presentation techniques. Students choose a specific field of inquiry in consultation with a supervisor. Individual supervision is provided throughout the year to support taught modules, define and formulate a research hypothesis, identify relevant sources, and provide guidance on presentation.
• Researching and Writing History:
This module guides students through the process of conducting advanced historical research. It covers topics such as the nature of good history, identifying the cutting edge of the discipline, and developing effective writing skills.

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Optional Modules:

• A Special Relationship?
• The USA and Great Britain from World War II to the War on Terror: This module examines the relationship between the United States and Great Britain during the twentieth century, considering the decline of British influence and the rise of the US as a world power.
• Beyond the Text: Image, Sound and Object as Historical Evidence:
This module explores the use of visual, aural, oral, and artefactual sources in historical research.
• Bodies in Conflict: War, Health and Society, 1500-2000:
This module focuses on the impact of warfare on individuals and society, particularly through the lens of the body.
• Critical Heritage Studies:
This module examines the presentation of history to the public, focusing on the objects and spaces used to communicate historical knowledge.
• Digital Texts in the Humanities:
This module explores the digitization of historical sources and the use of corpus linguistics to analyze digital texts.
• Exploring the World of Digital Humanities:
This module provides an overview of theories and methods used in Digital Humanities research, covering topics such as Data Justice, Digital Inclusion, and Decolonial technology.
• From Peter to Putin: Russia as a Great Power:
This module examines the rise of Russia as a great power, covering its history from Peter the Great to the present day.
• Historical Research Project:
This bespoke module allows students to develop a particular research interest that cannot be accommodated within the dissertation or other taught modules.
• Introduction to Latin Translation for Historians:
This intensive course is for students with little or no previous knowledge of Latin, focusing on the basics of Latin grammar and vocabulary as used in the Medieval period.
• Medieval Primary Sources: Genre, Rhetoric and Transmission:
This module examines both manuscript studies and the decoding of medieval sources in their original and printed forms.
• Outreach, Heritage and Public History Placement:
This module offers students the opportunity to complete a professional placement at a heritage organization.
• School Placement:
This module is designed for students interested in a career in teaching.
• Spatial Technologies for Humanities Research:
This module covers the use of geospatial technologies in historical research.
• The Cold War in the Third World:
This module examines the impact of the Cold War on the Third World.
• The Early Modern World:
This module provides students with an overview of the Early Modern period, covering themes such as mobility, settlement, exploration, and the rise of global links.
• The Past is Never Dead: Colonial Legacies of the Atlantic and the Global South:
This module examines the historical context of colonial legacies and institutionalized inequalities in contemporary British society.
• Warfare in the Medieval World, 1100-1500:
This module explores the history of warfare in the medieval world, covering topics such as chivalry, military technology, and the development of battle tactics.

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Assessment:

• Dissertation:
18,000-20,000 word dissertation, assessed individually.
• Researching and Writing History:
Assessed by a portfolio of work developed throughout the course, including a feasibility study.
• Other Modules:
Assessment methods vary based on the individual module.

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Teaching:

• Lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision.
• A state-of-the-art Digital Scholarship Lab provides access to specialist software and equipment for research.
• Teaching team is actively involved in research projects around the world.

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Careers:

• Cultural heritage management
• Galleries, museums, and archives
• Research analysis
• Project management
• Geographic information systems
• Digital librarianship

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Other:

• The department offers scholarships of up to £5,000 for studying on one of its MA programs.
• The university provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support.
• The location of Lancaster, a city steeped in history, provides a valuable context for studying history.
• The program offers opportunities for heritage placements to gain on-the-job experience.

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• Home fees: £11,500 per year (full-time) or £5,750 per year (part-time)
• International fees: £23,875 per year (full-time) or £11,935 per year (part-time)

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Additional Costs:

• Students may incur additional costs for items like books, stationery, printing, photocopying, and subsistence on trips and visits.
• College Membership Fee: £40 per year for undergraduates and research students, £15 per year for students on one-year courses (subject to annual review)

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Payment Information:

• Application fee: £40 for most taught postgraduate applications (non-refundable)
Deadline will be provided in offer letter.