Teaching is in small group seminars on weekday early evenings, led by members of the History Group. We may also offer Saturday sessions for the Research Methods II module. 

Your presentation of research in different formats will be an essential part of the Research Methods modules. This ‘hands-on history’ approach will develop your presentation skills in accessible as well as in standard academic formats. This is a distinctive feature of the course that will enhance the employability of those looking to use the MA as a stepping stone in their professional career and who may not be going on to further postgraduate study.

As one of our MA students you will benefit from being part of a diverse and active academic community. We see our postgraduate students as fellow researchers, and we place a great deal of importance on sharing and developing skills. Our ‘History café’ offers an informal get together with other Humanities postgraduates before classes, while each year the History Group arranges an off-campus staff-student weekend conference. 

We encourage our postgraduates to attend Institute of Historical Research (IHR) seminars convened by members of the History Group, which has institutional membership of the IHR. The History Group also encompasses the University’s Folklore Studies MA, which offers its students membership of the renowned Folklore Society and access to its library. 

Employability underpins what we do. Our graduates go on to a variety of careers, including teaching, law, the heritage industry and museums, and the civil service. The History Group has good connections with school and sixth-form teachers of History, both from among our alumni and our collaborators on pedagogical research projects. Through the University’s Heritage Hub and the Professional Doctorate in Heritage, we also have established connections with heritage organisations and employers such as John Lewis.

Work placement

Work placements are not part of the programme, although extra-curricular opportunities include working with our renowned staff-student Oral History team, whose recent BBC Radio 4 documentary was commended at the 2018 Royal Historical Society Public History Awards.  There are other extra-curricular opportunities within the Heritage i-teams, Heritage Hub activities with employers in the museums and heritage industry, and relevant training, including that currently provided by the Share Museums East programme.