StudyQA — Master: Railway Studies and Transport History

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Description Contents Requirements

Institute of Railway Studies & Transport History is a recent initiative between the University and the National Railway Museum. Historical work lies at the core of the Institute's graduate programmes, although enquiries are very welcome even if you have not studied history before. There are opportunities both for advanced study and research.

The taught MA in Railway Studies & Transport History is offered by the Institute of Railway Studies and Transport History in conjunction with other departments in the University. This is a part-time programme of two years´ duration, although arrangements can sometimes be made to take it on a full-time basis in one year.

All students take the core modules:

* Railway development in the 19th and 20th centuries
* History and heritage

which examine the social, economic, political and technical history of railways, and the theory and practice of the interpretation of this history to wider publics. Particular topics raised in the core modules are developed in greater depth in the elective modules, two of which are taken during the year. The elective modules may include:

* Labour history and railway trades unionism
* History of urban transport
* Railway imperialisms, railway nationalisms

Training in research techniques is provided by attendance at the History department´s course, Introduction to Historical Research, and by an individual project leading to a dissertation of around 20,000 words.

If you are well qualified - normally an upper second or better in history or a related subject, although we do take into account the experience of those who graduated some time ago - you might be able to register directly for a research degree in railway studies. York offers unparalleled opportunities for research into all aspects of the history of transport, travel and mobility. The University's J B Morrell library has a good collection relating particularly to railways and urban transport, while resources elsewhere in York include the large collection of objects, and the archival, photographic and library resources at the National Railway Museum.

The programme consists of four taught modules (20 credits each) and a 20,000-word dissertation (100 credits), which make up the 180 credits that is normal for an MA in the UK higher education system. For students registered for part-time study that are organised across two academic years as follows:

First Year

Autumn Term (October-December)
All students take the Core module Railway Development in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. The module, taught by weekly seminar, develops students' study skills through their exploration of the theoretical perspectives and substantive debates relevant to railway studies.

* Core Module: Railway Development in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

Spring Term (January-March)
All students take an Option module chosen from a list approved by the Course Convenor.

* Option Module 1

Second Year

Autumn Term (October-December)
All students take an Option module chosen from a list approved by the Course Convenor.

* Option Module 2

Spring Term (January-March)
All students take an Option module chosen from a list approved by the Course Convenor.

* Option Module 3
* Independent research and writing of dissertation proposal

Summer Term and Summer Vacation (April-September)
During the Summer Term and over the Vacation, all students will write a research dissertation of up to 20,000 words on a subject of their own choosing and under the supervision of a member of staff, and submitted at the end of the second year. The dissertation counts for 55.6% of the total assessment, whilst the taught elements account for the rest.

Students receive advice about research topics and instruction in bibliography, plus additional specialist advice and guidance from a supervisor. Because of the range of expertise of staff members and the wealth of source material available in York, it is possible to provide supervision on a wide range of topics, both chronologically and geographically.

Full-time Students

Students registered for full-time study over one year would take Railway Development in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries plus an Option in Autumn Term plus two Options in the Spring Term. The planning of the dissertation begins in the Spring Term with the research and writing spread over the Summer Term and Summer Vacation.

English Language Requirements The University's absolute minimum English language requirements are: * IELTS: 7.0 (in the 'Academic' test) * TOEFL: paper-based 550/ computer-based (CBT): 213/ internet-based (iBT): 79 * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: A, B, C * Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 79 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.