Historical Research

at University of Sheffield

The taught component of the MA is designed to develop your understanding of key historiographical and methodological approaches. You will take a core module, which examines the essential workings of your chosen area of expertise and develops your skills in using relevant sources.
 

Optional modules allow you to undertake the technical training best suited to your research needs and study major historical themes in closer detail.
 

The dissertation provides you the opportunity to further develop your skills and apply your historical knowledge to an independent research project.
 

A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.
 

Core modules

You will take two core modules and one approaches module.
 

You can find out more about staff working in your area of interest on our research strengths page. The exact availability of staff to supervise MA dissertations varies from year to year.
 

• Research Presentation for Historians
• Dissertation in History
   

Approaches modules - one from:

• Approaching the Middle Ages
• Early Modernities
• Modernity and Power: Individuals and the State in the Modern World
• Approaches to the American Past.
• The World in Connection: Themes in Global History

A first-class BA honours degree or equivalent in history or another humanities or social science discipline.
 

You may be asked to supply examples of previous written work.
 

Entry requirements for international students
 

Overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or equivalent.

• Home ( annual fee) : £9,300
   
• Overseas (annual fee) : £20,400
   

The fee listed is for the advertised mode of study. If you're studying for an alternative qualification or via a different mode of study (eg full-time, part-time) then the fee could be different. Due to inflation, the fee for Home students could also increase after your first year of study.

An MA in history will further develop the range of transferable skills at your disposal. You will have the freedom to tailor your research and focus on the skills that are most important to you. We offer modules that are specifically designed to provide you with skills in public history - modules such as Presenting the Past and the work placement, give you real hand-on experience.
 

These kinds of skills are why our graduates are successful in both further study and a wide range of careers - from lecturing and working in the museum and tourist industry to business management, marketing, law and working in the media.