History (MA)

The MA comprises two parts: part one involves six taught modules for a total of 120 taught credits, and part two a research dissertation worth 60 credits. Teaching will transition from seminars to one-to-one supervision with your chosen supervisor.

Part one: the taught stage
 

Our three core modules are designed to enable you to develop critical research skills and approaches essential to postgraduate study, and for undertaking an extended piece of historical research.
 

You will choose a further three modules which allow you to focus on themes and concepts most relevant to you and your interests. You will choose one option in semester one, and two options in semester two, to ensure an even balance of modules across both semesters.
 

There are also opportunities to take modules which give you the chance to explore how to communicate research and your ideas outside the university, and especially to the heritage sector.

Part two: the dissertation stage
 

The dissertation stage allows you the flexibility of choosing the pathway that best suits you and your career aspirations. You have two options:
 

- To undertake a research dissertation of up to 15,000 words on a subject of your choice, usually based on primary sources, which may later form part of a PhD research proposal.

- To focus on a public engagement or community action project that is outlined, explained, and evidenced in the form of a written dissertation of up to 15,000 words.

You begin to plan your project and develop your dissertation research in the second semester in consultation with a supervisor in the field, but most of the work on your dissertation project is conducted over the summer. The dissertation is submitted in mid-September.
 

Please note: participation in the employability-focused modules and/or community engagement research may depend on your successfully passing a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Academic Requirements
 

Typically you will need to have either:

• a 2:1 honours degree in History or in a related discipline, or an equivalent international degree

• a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification 

• or relevant professional experience evidenced by a reference.
   

If you are submitting your application based upon relevant professional experience, please provide a reference from your employer to evidence that you currently work in an area relevant to the programme. This should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
 

English Language Requirements
 

IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all subskills, or an accepted equivalent.
 

Application Deadline
 

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible.
 

Selection Process
 

We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.

Fees for home status

Tution Fees - £8,450

Fees for overseas status

Tution Fees - £19,450

Our Master’s degree graduates find work (or return to work) in a wide range of related and non-related professional and academic employment. For other graduates, our Master’s degree is an important step on the path to a PhD at Cardiff or elsewhere.
 

The programme equips you with the intellectual skills and personal development acquired through advanced historical study. These are much sought after in a variety of workplaces, and provide you with a depth of historical perspective that helps you to contribute in important ways to the advancement of your own society.
 

The skills you will develop through completing a Master’s degree at Cardiff will qualify you for a wide range of professions. Popular employment sectors include education, the law, journalism, publishing, advertising and marketing, the civil service, heritage, government, and other professional sectors.
 

From the outset, we encourage you to think about life beyond the University. In addition to taught modules and academic workshops, we offer dedicated sessions to increase your transferable skills and employability prospects to give you a competitive advantage on graduating.
 

Placements
 

The School of History, Archaeology and Religion has a dedicated Work Placements Officer who can support you with work experience opportunities both in and out of term time.
 

There is the option to take a credit-bearing module on employability which has placement opportunities, allowing you to gain experience of working in a professional environment within which the skills associated with historical research may be usefully employed. There is also the option of taking a specific Heritage module that offers you opportunities to work with the School’s heritage partners.