Modern History – (M.A.)

Contents

The programme consists of four taught modules (20 credits each) and a 20,000 word dissertation (100 credits), which make up the 180 credits that is normal for an MA in the UK higher education system. For students registered for full-time study they are organised across the academic year as follows:

Autumn Term (October-December)
All students take the core module Perspectives on Modern History. Taught by weekly seminar, this module introduces students to the key concepts, methods and practices which inform the work of historians of "modern times". Additionally, all students take an Option Module chosen from a list approved by the Course Convenor.

* Core Module: Perspectives on Modern History
* Option Module 1

Spring Term (January-March)
Students choose two optional modules which should include at least one related to their pathway. With the approval of the convenor they may also choose a module from other MA programmes, e.g. Politics or English.

* Option Module 2
* Option Module 3
* Independent research and writing of dissertation proposal

Summer Term and Summer Vacation (April-September)
During the Summer Term and over the Vacation, all students will write a research dissertation of up to 20,000 words on a subject of their own choosing and under the supervision of a member of staff, and submitted at the end of the academic year. The dissertation counts for 55.6% of the total assessment, whilst the taught elements account for the rest.

Students receive advice about research topics and instruction in bibliography, plus additional specialist advice and guidance from a supervisor. Because of the range of expertise of staff members and the wealth of source material available in York, it is possible to provide supervision on a wide range of topics, both chronologically and geographically.

Part-time Students
Students registered for part-time study over two years would take Perspectives on Modern History in their first Autumn Term plus an Option in the Spring Term of their first year. This would be followed by two more Option modules in their second Autumn and Spring Terms respectively, with the planning, research, and writing of their dissertation spread over the two years of their registration.