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History at the University of Southampton is internationally recognised as a centre of research excellence. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) we were scored 2.95 GPA, ranking us seventh in the UK.
This course combines training in research skills and historiography with a wide range of options, from antiquity to the late 20th century. You may wish to follow one of our themed pathways: British History, European History, Imperial History, History of the Americas. These allow you to explore a region or concept across a number of modules, however you may prefer to adopt a pick-and-mix approach and choose modules that suit your own interests.Either way, you will be taught by leading scholars in their fields, gaining an insight into current research and making your own contribution through your dissertation.
A postgraduate degree from Humanities at Southampton offers you the wide and varied learning experience you should expect from a leading research university. We are committed to providing a relevant, modern and above all enjoyable experience which will ensure you graduate with the additional skills and understanding you need to start a career in any number of areas or to go on to further research.
How will you learn?
On a postgraduate taught programme teaching is led by academic staff, allowing you to engage with, and contribute to, the world-leading research carried out in Humanities at Southampton. You will complete a core programme of research skills development in tandem with a series of modules which you select according to your personal aims and objectives. Each programme offers a wide and fascinating range of modules related to our specialisms led by academics who are experts in their chosen fields of research and who wish to engage you with their experience.
Masters programmes have typically small seminar groups, facilitating your engagement with the ideas and themes that you feel passionate about. Activities particularly designed to enhance your research and thinking skills include tutor-led and student-led tutorials, class presentations, essays and the dissertation. You will find yourself challenged intellectually and exposed to new ideas, approaches and perspectives.
A large part of postgraduate study is independent learning. Programmes will develop your critical awareness, encouraging you to reflect on the methodologies employed in further study and to apply these to the reading and research you undertake as part of your degree.
Assessment
Essays and dissertations are the principal means used to assess your intellectual skills. Progression is recognised in the assessment scheme, which allows the development and practice of evaluative, descriptive and synthetic skills in the form of 4,000 word essays. The 20,000 word dissertation is a core element in establishing the acquisition of appropriate skills and the application of research techniques. Your supervisor will be available to provide regular and supportive advice, guidance and feedback on your progress.
Professional development
A masters degree will enable you to further develop the key skills employers seek such as: time management; problem solving; team work; deadline and project management; cultural awareness; working independently; using your initiative; relationship-building; critical thinking and research analysis. Above all, you will learn to communicate your ideas and enthusiasm to a wide range of audiences.
This programme is divided into 180 credits. 105 credits are obtained from taught modules with the remaining 75 credits relating to the dissertation.
Typical course contentThis programme is designed to cater both for those with a broad interest in historical studies for their own sake and for the needs of those intending to pursue research. The programme combines training in research skills and historiography with a wide range of options on periods ranging from the eleventh to the late twentieth century, allowing students to adopt either a picknmix approach to their course, or to follow a more focused informal pathway.
Year 1
The Core module in Research Skills and Dissertation Preparation provide serve to familiarise those students who may be coming to History from a cognate discipline, or returning to the discipline after a break in their studies and will help to familiarise them with the research process.
Students can choose in each semester any other MA module option offered by Humanities, but they must contact their MA Convenor in the first instance.
Students should choose an even split of credits in Semester 1 and 2, including core modules.
AHRC Block Grant; Humanities studentships may be available.