This MA offers you an in-depth knowledge and overview of how the world in which we live has been formed over the course of the modern age. You will investigate economic, cultural, social and religious change from 1800 onwards. And you will be introduced to key thinkers and theoretical models that have been used to make sense of modern societies. Most modules are taught by a team of experts, ensuring that you are exposed to as many different viewpoints and approaches as possible.
In the first term, you will study two core modules. ‘Theory, Skills and Methods’ provides a foundation in historical methods and theoretical frameworks used to study society and culture from the early modern period to the contemporary world. ‘Themes in Modern History’ interrogates the concept of ‘modernity’ across the world, giving you the opportunity to focus the writings of some of the most influential thinkers, historians and political figures of the modern age.
In the second term, you will select two optional modules in which you can explore themes and approaches to the historical study of religious cultures; gender and sexuality; science and technology; empire; consumption and the medical humanities.
The final key element is the dissertation - here you have a large amount of freedom to develop a project of your own choice with help and guidance from your supervisor who will meet with you throughout the third term. Throughout the year, you will be able to take advantage of the Department’s six research centres, including participating in the lively schedule of academic research seminars, lectures and conferences.
The programme will appeal equally to those wishing to undertake further postgraduate study and those pursuing a career outside of the University, equipping you with research, writing and critical thinking skills vital in a range of professions.
Core modules
Historical Research: Theory, Skills and Methods
This is a compulsory 30 CATS one-term MA module will equip you with the methodological skills needed to carry out an extended piece of historical research and writing. As a student on one of the four MA History courses, you are required to follow it during the Autumn Term. Teaching will be delivered in weekly two-hour seminars.
Themes and Methods in Medical History
This module is designed to introduce you to both major developments in medical thought and practice, and the main methodological approaches and debates used within the field of the history of medicine. It covers the early modern period to the twenty-first century, and invites you to think comparatively about medicine across space and time and includes sessions on Britain, Europe and global medicine and health. The module focuses on the evolution of ideas, language and technologies within medicine, the reception of these new approaches and lay responses to them, the structure of medical practice, and the scientific, social, and cultural context of medical intervention.
Dissertation (60 Credits)
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- Matters of Life and Death: Topics in the Medical Humanities
- Themes and Approaches to the Historical Study of Religious Cultures
- Themes and Approaches to the Historical Study of Consumption
- Themes and Approaches to the Historical Study of Empire
- Themes and Approaches to the Historical Study of Gender and Sexuality
- Themes in the History of Science, Technology, Environment and Society, 1500-today
You are required to take two of the above.
