MA Maritime History

Graduate destinations for our recent MA students include funded PhDs, PGCE teacher training, NHS graduate management training, public sector heritage business management, and account executive with an image library. Postgraduate study opens up many other careers in museums, heritage, archives and records.

Where could your history degree take you?

• Study Maritime History in Britain’s Ocean City and explore more than five centuries of fascinating maritime history.
  

• Work with world leading experts in maritime history from 1500 to the present day to develop your interests and research.

• Be part of a community of maritime historians who are shaping the future of the field with cutting edge research and publications.

• Develop your analytical skills with our exciting range of maritime and naval history modules.
  

• Showcase your research skills with a dissertation on a maritime history topic of your choice.

• Make the most of our excellent maritime history resources and partners in the University Library, The Box and wider city of Plymouth and region.

• Work with local and national maritime organisations; enjoy a wide range of field trips to sites of interest.

• Our MA is designed for a range of applicants including recent graduates and those with a broad interest in maritime history.

• Year 1

• You can study MA Maritime History full time over one year or part time split across two years. 

  Your studies consist of four modules, two of which are core: key debates and research methods in history – an assessment of current trends and methodologies in the discipline of history, and public history – an examination of the theory and practice of how the past is presented to public audiences. 

  You supplement these with two option modules, where you select the areas of history that interest you the most as you choose from the research specialisms of the history team.*
  
  The programme culminates in an independently researched MA History dissertation.

  Core modules

  • Key Debates and Research Methods in History (MAHI700)

    This module will provide students both with an understanding of current debates about approaches, theories and methodologies in History and a grounding in research skills such as locating and using primary source material and making effective use of library and database resources.

  • MA History Dissertation (MAHI702)

    In this module students complete a dissertation on an aspect of history of their own choosing. The topic is negotiated between students and teaching staff, who provide tutorial support and advice about all aspects of the project from initiation to completion.

  • All at Sea: Research Skills for Maritime History (MAHI730)

    This module will provide students with an understanding of current debates about approaches, theories and methodologies in Maritime History and a grounding in core maritime history research skills such as locating and using primary source material and making effective use of library and database resources.

  Optional modules

  • Piracy and Privateering, 1560-1816 (MAHI704)

    This module explores piracy and privateering activity in the seas around the British Isles and further afield from the reign of Queen Elizabeth to the end of the second Barbary War in 1816. This course focuses on the social history of piracy and privateering, the organisation of pirate society, and the economic impact of piracy and privateering.

  • Independent Research Project in History (MAHI718)

    A research project leading to an essay (8000 words), devised with tutorial supervision, in a field not offered in the History module options, or where the student has previously studied the topic within a module at BA level 6 and is consequently not permitted to take the MA option version (also, in exceptional circumstances where the module option timetable means that a student is unable to choose an option).

  • Anglo-American Relations in Maritime Perspective (MAHI727)

    This module introduces Masters students to the major themes of the history of British and American maritime strategy, naval competition, and international co-operation between 1775 and 1991. It challenges students to rethink the so-called ‘special relationship’ through a maritime lens, while providing an exploration of naval history and international relations since the beginning of the American Revolution.

  • Maritime Explorations and Encounters (MAHI728)

    This module challenges students to rethink their ideas about the use of navies in exploration, leading explorers such as Sir Francis Drake, Captain James Cook and Charles Darwin, the place of Plymouth in maritime exploration and the nature of encounters with native peoples.

  • Sea Power in History (MAHI729)

    This module examines the major concepts and themes of Sea Power. Exploring the role of sea power in war and peace from the ancient world to the 20th century, it challenges students to rethink ideas about the use of navies, the wider meaning of sea power, its place in politics and society, and ultimately to move beyond the primacy of battle in conventional narratives of the course of naval history.

  • Remembering the Past, Talking History: Oral History & Memory Studies (MAHI738)

    This module is designed to develop an intermediate-to-advanced level of critical theoretical, historiographical, and methodological knowledge in oral history, ‘talking’/reflective history approaches, and memory studies. Complementing this knowledge, students will have the option within the module to advance their knowledge and skills following one of two routes: 1. To develop essential practical skills in developing, planning, conducting, and critically/analytically processing real-world oral history research projects relating to their programme of study; OR 2. To explore scholarly topics of historical interest relating to their programme of study using oral history, memory studies, and/or other ‘talking’/reflective history approaches. This choice will enable students to acquire methodological competence and critical scholarly proficiency in ways that match their specific research identities and interests.

  • Coastal Cultures: Environmental and Maritime Anthropology (MAEH702)

    This module examines current issues in maritime anthropology focusing on the interaction between coastal cultures and the environment.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MA Maritime History programme specification 6922

An honours degree in history or a related subject, or a professional qualification recognised as being equivalent to a degree. 

Other qualifications accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered. Non-standard applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Graduates from other disciplines will be considered on an individual basis. References from previous university, employer or similar.

Accreditation of Prior Learning will be considered, where appropriate, on a case-by-case basis and in line with the University’s Academic Regulations.

International students: IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. English language requirements. We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full. 

Before you apply

• evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  
• evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  
• a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  
• your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  
• proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
  

Disability services

If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services website. 

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:

Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced by downloading our Student Admissions Policy Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.