• Choose your own path through six centuries of human history by proposing your own research topic for your masters thesis.
• Work closely with internationally recognised researchers* who are experts in a range of historical fields as you develop the skills that will allow you to begin a career in historical research, with the knowledge and expertise to progress onto MPhil or PhD studies.
• Join the thriving postgraduate research community at Plymouth University with students across a vast range of arts and humanities subjects supported by the Arts Institute.
• Explore history with your friends and colleagues by joining the History Society, a lively and supportive community hosting educational and social events.
• Discover the most up-to-date ways of studying history through our online resources including a vast eBook library. Build links with local record offices and archives, accessing opportunities to develop your expertise in the local and regional history of Plymouth and the South West.
• Flexible study allows you to complete a masters degree, full or part-time, so you can tailor your time at university to meet your needs by fitting your study around work and personal commitments
• You will take the same modules regardless of whether you choose to study full or part-time, and will complete an extended research-based thesis in a subject of your choosing. 
• In the full-time mode, you’ll submit your thesis between 18-24 months; in part-time mode, you’ll submit your thesis between 24-36 months (two years of part-time study with 12 months to work on your thesis).
• With one eye on further study you may be eligible to transfer directly into our PhD programme after two years, rather than submitting a ResM thesis.

* In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, 97.6% of the History team’s research outputs (primarily books and journal articles) were considered to be internationally recognised in terms of significance, originality and rigour.

• Year 1

• • You can study the ResM in History full-time (up to two years) or part time (up to three years). 
  • Your studies will consist of three modules – two taught modules (60 credits) that must be passed, providing you with the knowledge, research skills and expertise to excel in the third, your 25,000 to 30,000 word research masters thesis on a subject of your choosing. 
  • The Key Debates and Research Methods in History module (MAHI700) will provide you with both the knowledge and skills to conduct postgraduate historical research. The Research in the Arts and Humanities module (MARE700) rounds out your knowledge further with training in research methods across the broad range of subjects within arts and humanities, giving you the capability to be flexible and original in your research. 
  • The pinnacle of your studies will be your Masters Thesis in the Humanities and/or Performing Arts (MARE701). This is an original piece of historical research focused on a subject of your choosing from anywhere within the past six centuries of human history. As an individual research project, the thesis is largely self-directed. You will be given tutorial guidance that includes clear milestones and expectations, working closely with your chosen supervisor to create and present.

  Core modules

  • MAHI700 Key Debates and Research Methods in History

    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.

  • MARE700 Research in the Arts and Humanities

    This module provides students with research skills training and a critical awareness of different methodological approaches in the arts, humanities, cultural industries and associated fields, to enable them to make appropriate choices in their own research. It is designed to complement and support individual research projects carried out by students.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

UK/EU

A relevant degree with honours or an equivalent professional qualification. Other qualifications accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered. Non-standard applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

International

Please view the country specific pages for further information regarding the equivalency of your degree. International applicants will be required to provide evidence of their English language ability, for example by achieving an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent. Pre-sessional English language courses are available if you do not meet these requirements.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for postgraduate taught programmes. Tell me more about scholarships and bursaries.

Submitting your application

You are strongly encouraged to contact the ResM History programme leader (Dr James Gregory) to discuss the proposed research before you apply.

Application is by project proposal and evidence that you are prepared to successfully complete this project. Your proposal must provide a suitable basis for a dissertation of 25,000 words. Your proposal should be 2,500 words maximum: setting out the scope, aims and schedule for carrying out the project (including bibliography of primary and secondary sources set out in appropriate scholarly format) and should conform to the MHRA style guidelines (Style Guide is free to download as an Adobe Acrobate PDF file from www.mhra.org.uk).

This material will be used to determine both your aptitude for the programme and the suitability of your proposed project, as well as the availability of an appropriate supervisor. We will also consider the ability of the department to support your research project with resources appropriate to your needs.

Please attach your project proposal to your application form as a separate document.

All applicants will be interviewed, either in person or by Skype/telephone, prior to being accepted onto the ResM History programme.

Complete your application and upload supporting documents to the Doctoral College by completing our online application form.

Questions on the application process?

We're here to help. Please contact the Doctoral College administration team and we'll be happy to assist you.

You can view or download our postgraduate research admissions policy.

If you have a disability and would like further information on the support available, please visit our Disability Services website.

International Student Advice (ISA) provides support for our international students.