Early Modern History

Early Modern History at Durham University offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of a transformative period in world history, spanning roughly from the late 15th century to the late 18th century. This programme is designed to provide students with a nuanced understanding of the social, political, cultural, and economic changes that shaped the modern world during this crucial period. Students will engage with a diverse range of historical sources and methodologies, developing strong analytical and research skills that are highly valued in a variety of career paths. The curriculum covers key themes such as the Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Exploration, Scientific Revolution, and the early stages of colonialism and empire-building. Our expert faculty members are dedicated to providing personalized support and mentorship throughout your studies, fostering critical thinking and academic excellence. The programme combines lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, encouraging students to critically evaluate historical debates and develop their own interpretations. Opportunities for internships, conferences, and collaborative research are also integrated into the course, offering practical experience and networking opportunities. The department’s state-of-the-art facilities and extensive library resources facilitate a stimulating learning environment. Graduates of the Early Modern History programme have gone on to successful careers in academia, publishing, education, public history, and international organisations, thanks to the rigorous training and broad skill set gained during their studies. Whether your interest lies in the political upheavals of this period, the cultural developments, or the global impacts of early modern interactions, Durham’s programme provides a solid foundation and the intellectual tools needed to explore this fascinating era thoroughly. Join us to investigate the past that continues to influence our present and shape our future.

Content

The MA in Early Modern History is a one-year full-time programme (or two-years part-time). All students are allocated a supervisor at the beginning of the first term, and s/he guides each student through the year. The programme is structured as follows:

Michaelmas Term (October-December)

Archives and Sources (15 credits)

This module is designed to introduce you to advanced interpretation and analysis of primary sources, and has two elements. The first is based on archives, and will be led by specialist staff in the Library's Special Collections, as well as by members of the department. The second element is commentary on particular sources, chosen by you in consultation with your supervisor and the module convenors.

Issues in Early Modern History (30 credits)

This module introduces students to some of the major problems, issues and debates in early modern history. It is taught comparatively, with discussion of Britain, Europe and the Atlantic world, and covers the period c. 1500 - 1790. The topics studied will be chosen from a selection including: institutions and society; heterodoxy, orthodoxy and persecution; sex and gender; knowledge and expertise; micro versus macro-histories; material culture; texts and contexts; and images and iconography; though students will be able to specialise on a particular area/approach in their assessed work.

*Skill module (30 credits) - taken over Michaelmas and Epiphany Terms

Students may choose to take a skills module: these are mainly medieval/ancient languages (e.g. Old English, Old Norse, Latin, Greek), modern languages for reading (e.g. Academic French, Academic German), or research skills (e.g. palaeography). Students who take a skills module write a 60-credit dissertation instead of a 90-credit dissertation.

Epiphany Term (January-March)

Critical Practice (15 credits)

This module will develop and test your ability to offer a critical intellectual argument in an oral presentation, and your ability to participate effectively in critical discussions arising out of oral presentations. The training for this module involves lectures, seminars, one-to-one sessions with your supervisor, and a drama workshop. This module will encourage you to think critically about questions of structure and balance of content, timing and delivery in presentations through observing the work of others, and developing your own presentation.

Option module (30 credits)

Option modules allow students the opportunity to learn about a particular topic or issue in early modern history in depth, and to consider different historical approaches to this topic over a full term's study. In previous years, optional modules for early modern history included: Courts and Power in Early Modern Europe, Negotiating Life in the Early Modern World, and The Wealth of Nations (a full list of MA option modules is available here). Option modules are taught in weekly two-hour seminars for a full term's study.

Easter Term (April-June), and the summer vacation (until early September)

Dissertation (90 credits, or 60 credits if taking a *Skill module)

Students meet with their supervisors on an individual basis and will discuss the topic, direction and content of their dissertation, as well as the relevant early modern evidence and scholarship which they should explore. The dissertation is a substantial, independent piece of research: the 90-credit dissertation is 20,000 words, while the 60-credit dissertation is 15,000 words. You are not required to write your dissertation on a topic which is in the same period and area as your optional modules, but it is recommended that students discuss their individual programmes of work with their supervisors and/or with the Director of Taught Postgraduate Programmes.

The formal requirements and structure of the programme can be found here; a full list of optional modules is available here.

The MA can be taken part-time, over two years. In the first year the module combination consists of Archives and Sources, Critical Practice, Issues and in addition a Skills module OR Optional module. In the second year your work will consist of either a 90 credit, 20,000 word dissertation (if you took an Optional module in the first year) OR a 60 credit, 15,000 word dissertation, AND an Optional module (if you took a Skills module in the first year).

Additional courses can be taken on an audit-basis (not for credit), and can include language modules as well as optional modules. You will need to ask and receive the permission of the module leader before auditing a class. If the class is outside the department you will also need to inform the Director of Taught Postgraduates.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• A good 2.1 or GPA of 3.5, or equivalent. A first degree in History or a related subject is required.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

Financing for the Early Modern History programme at Durham University is primarily covered through a variety of funding sources available to international and domestic students. The university offers several scholarships and bursaries to assist with tuition fees and living costs. These include the Durham University Scholarships for Academic Excellence, which are awarded based on academic achievement and provide partial fee waivers. Additionally, students may be eligible for government-funded loans, such as the UK's Student Loans Company (SLC) loans, if they are UK residents, to help finance their studies. International students often seek external funding options, including government scholarships from their home countries, research grants, and private sponsorships. Durham University also provides specific scholarships for students from certain regions or backgrounds, such as the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships or the Durham International Scholarships. For postgraduate students, there are also research council grants and partnerships with cultural institutions that can provide additional funding opportunities. The university’s Financial Support Office offers guidance on applying for these funding options, as well as advice on budgeting for living expenses in Durham. International students are advised to plan their finances carefully, taking into account tuition fees, accommodation costs, health insurance, and daily living expenses. The university’s flexible payment plans allow students to spread payments over multiple installments, easing the financial burden. Furthermore, employment opportunities such as part-time jobs within the university or in the local community may be available to help students supplement their income during their studies. Overall, the financing of the Early Modern History programme is designed to be flexible and accessible, ensuring that students from diverse financial backgrounds can pursue their academic interests without undue hardship, supported by a range of scholarship programs, governmental loans, external funding options, and institutional assistance tailored to meet their individual needs.

The Early Modern History programme at Durham University offers an in-depth exploration of the period roughly spanning from the late 15th century to the late 18th century. This comprehensive course is designed to equip students with a nuanced understanding of a transformative era characterized by significant political, social, cultural, and intellectual changes across Europe and beyond. The curriculum covers a range of topics including the Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Discovery, scientific revolution, and the early modern political landscape, allowing students to analyse critical historical developments and their lasting impacts.

Students engage with a variety of primary and secondary sources to develop critical thinking and historiographical skills essential for historical analysis. The programme emphasizes both broad thematic studies and detailed case studies, encouraging a multidisciplinary approach that integrates history, literature, philosophy, and art history. Through lectures, seminars, and independent research, students learn to interpret historical evidence, construct well-supported arguments, and critically evaluate differing historical perspectives.

The programme also offers opportunities for students to develop advanced research skills, including archival research and the use of digital history tools. Internationally oriented, the course examines the Early Modern Period within a global context, exploring interactions between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Field trips, visiting speakers, and dissertation projects allow students to deepen their engagement with the material and gain practical experience in historical research and presentation.

Graduates of the Early Modern History programme acquire a broad set of transferable skills including detailed research capabilities, analytical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to evaluate complex information—skills that are highly valued in careers such as education, museums, publishing, journalism, and public policy. The programme benefits from Durham’s renowned Department of History, which provides access to extensive library resources, special collections, and expert faculty members committed to high-quality teaching and research. The course is suitable for those passionate about understanding one of the most dynamic periods in world history and is designed to prepare students for advanced postgraduate study or diverse professional paths in heritage and cultural sectors.