MA History

The MA in History at the University of Suffolk is designed to take your previous experiences of studying history to the next level. Whatever your motives for postgraduate study - for personal fulfilment, to progress in a career where the skills of a historian are required or valuable, or for preparation for doctoral studies – our MA in History will provide you with the necessary understandings, knowledge, skills and stimulation - and hopefully no small amount of enjoyment too!

Introduction

Our MA focuses on the modern period (broadly 1750 onwards) and explores topics and issues at both a national and transnational level which are not only some of the most relevant and pressing of our own times, but which are also at the forefront of current historiographical enquiry: environmental change, war and conflict, sexuality and gender, violence, identity and selfhood, decolonialisation, migration and globalisation.

As part of your studies will also gain the practical skills and competencies required to operate as a successful historian. You will learn how to interrogate the different types of evidence that historians use to interpret the past and be supported to develop your own innovative approaches to primary and secondary sources. In addition to participating in taught modules you will also develop and pursue your own research agenda in a final independent project. This is your opportunity to design and develop a unique piece of research which will mark the culmination of your studies and which will make a significant contribution to knowledge in your chosen area.
Our MA is also designed to help you secure your future career aims. Our relationship with a range of local heritage providers means that you will have the option to gain valuable training and experience in this growing sector, in museums, heritage attractions and public history partnerships, through formal placements and applied project-work. If you are considering a career in teaching, our links with local schools also afford similar opportunities for working alongside experienced teachers on school-based placements or curriculum-centred history projects. If teaching is what you want to do you, this experience will provide an insight into the profession and the chance to apply the knowledge you have acquired as a postgraduate in the classroom.

One of the unique features of the MA in History at University of Suffolk is our relationship with The Hold. The Hold is a partnership between the University and Suffolk Archives and much of your teaching will take place within the classrooms and reading rooms of this new purpose-built archive and learning centre. As a result, you will have unrivalled access to primary sources on the University campus site itself and opportunities to experience teaching and research within the archive itself, as well as the chance to work alongside professional archivists and heritage specialists on training placements and public history projects. Our partnership with The Hold also provides the opportunity to undertake training placements within the archive and public history sector and to gain experience through work on the variety of history projects that are being undertaken as part of The Hold initiative. Find out more.

Finally, you will be joining a History team with a growing national reputation. The BA History at University of Suffolk was ranked 2nd in The Guardian League Table in 2021 and is consistently ranked in the top 5 for History in the Complete University Guide for student satisfaction. It was awarded 100% in the National Student Survey in 2022 and has achieved this result in twelve of the last thirteen years.

* 60 credits will allow you to qualify for a Postgraduate Certificate. Professional Development Certification (Record of Achievement) may be available for individual modules. Please contact the Graduate School for more details.

Course modules

Year one

Making History (Mandatory)

Conflict, Landscape and Environment

Lives in Motion

Local Places and Global Processes

Modern Violence

The Time of their Lives? Childhood and Risk in the British World since 1800

Decolonisation

Dissertation (Mandatory)

Public History (Optional)

Career opportunities

The MA in History at the University of Suffolk is designed to help you achieve your future career aims. Our relationship with a range of local heritage providers means that you will have the opportunity to gain valuable training and experience in this growing sector, in museums, heritage attractions and public history partnerships, through formal placements and applied project-work. If you are considering a career in teaching, our links with local schools also afford opportunities for working alongside experienced teachers on school-based placements or curriculum-centred history projects. The MA in History at the University of Suffolk also provides the necessary training, preparation and qualification required for further academic study at doctoral level. Equally, if your aspirations lie in other employment sectors, perhaps in law, media, business, finance or government, the skills and experience that you will gain as part of our MA will stand you in good stead for these and any number of other career paths.

Fees and finance

2023-24

UK full-time tuition fee: £8,748 p.a
UK part-time tuition fee: £972 per 20 credits (please contact the Student Centre for further information)
International full-time tuition fee: £13,995 p.a

Further Information

At the University of Suffolk, your tuition fees provide access to all the usual teaching and learning facilities that you would expect. However, there may be additional costs associated with your course that you will need to budget for.