Compulsory research modules (all MRes Humanities)
HIS-40017 Research Skills in the Humanities (15 credits, Semester 1)
You will receive training in the practical and technical skills necessary for postgraduate research in the humanities, so you will be able to plan, then find and use the necessary resources for your research and writing. This includes: relevant University regulations; procedures for managing a research degree; the differences between popular press dissemination of research and academic forms; how to identify issues of research ethic affecting your work; and how to use real-world and digital archives and be creative in looking for primary research sources, such as film archives, digitised magazines and pamphlets, first editions of out of print literature. You will also develop essential personal and professional skills in time, stress and project management.
HIS-40016 Reflective Practice in the Humanities (15 credits, Semester 2)
Reflective practice describes a systematic approach to reflection that involves creating a habit, structure and routine around reflecting on our experiences and engaging in continuous learning. Whether you choose to learn from experience as an individual or with others, there are many benefits to be gained from sharing ideas, experiences and considering how you can change or improve your creative practice. Throughout this module, you will be asked to explore the intellectual connections between your research area and wider fields of study. We look at ‘big ideas’ relevant to contemporary society, such as the concept of ‘post truth’, ‘big data’ and the pulling down of statues, and we work to understand them from the perspective of our disciplines.
Compulsory pathway-specific modules (History)
HIS-40002 Approaches to Historical Research (30 Credits, Semester 1)
This module introduces different approaches to the research and writing of history. It aims to broaden your understanding of debates on the status of historical knowledge and provide conceptual and other tools for your own research work. You will consider two broad questions to help you plan and prepare your dissertation: What methodological approach may best suit my project? What, if any, theories may suit my project? Throughout, you’ll be encouraged to reflect on the relevance of the material under consideration to their own research topic, examining the sources and resources available to you.
HIS-40010 Individual Research Orientation (30 credits, Semester 2)
One of the major strengths of our MRes is the high degree of flexibility in tailoring your programme. Working closely with your dissertation supervisor(s), you will agree a personal development plan to equip you with the skills and knowledge to conduct and report on your in-depth research. While you may expect to be given directed reading in your chosen research field, you will also have considerable freedom when determining activities for your individual research preparation. You could choose to: receive a bespoke tutorial from your supervisor focusing on a particular historiographical debate or theory; write a piece of work on a particular aspect of your field that underpins or develops your understanding of some aspect of their dissertation project; receive training in a particular skill or methodology, such as a course in Palaeography or learning a language; complete a work placement; or study a Master’s-level module in another discipline.
HIS-40009 Dissertation – History (90 credits)
Guided by extensive one-to-one supervision from a world leading expert in your field, you will research, plan and write a substantial piece of independent historical research. The module builds upon generic and subject-specific research skills acquired in accompanying modules to communicate the methods, results and conclusions on the research project. The final dissertation is 20,000 words, excluding footnotes. Dissertation topics chosen by previous students include the impact of the AIDS epidemic on the emotional atmosphere of the gay community, the Vietnam war in African American memory, Edwardian marriage and divorce, and smuggling on and around the Isle of Man: 1680 to 1715.
