Modern History, MA

Course content

You'll study one core module in your first semester, introducing you to different research methodologies in history and allowing you to develop your skills. You'll also select from a wide range of optional modules throughout the year, allowing you to pursue topics that interest you such as the history of Yorkshire, the European Enlightenment or issues surrounding global security.

You'll also have the opportunity to work collaboratively with partner organisations, such as the West Yorkshire Archive Service, by studying the ‘Making History: Archive Collaborations' module.

This programme will equip you with in-depth subject knowledge, as well as high-level skills in research, interpretation and analysis. You'll be able to demonstrate these when you complete your dissertation on a modern history topic of your choice, which you'll submit by the end of the programme.

If you choose to study part-time, you'll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Research Methodology in History 30 credits
• Dissertation (History) 60 credits

Optional modules

• Making History: Archive Collaborations 30 credits
• Secrecy and Espionage in Early Modern Europe 30 credits
• Reformation(s): Belief and Culture in Early Modern Europe 30 credits
• Approaches to Contemporary European History 30 credits
• 'The continuation of war by other means? : Case Studies in Wartime Diplomacy 1931-1945 30 credits
• Medicine and Warfare in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries 30 credits
• Women, Gender and Sexuality: Archives and Approaches 30 credits
• Defending the Nation: Britain during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, 1793 to 1815 30 credits
• Stalinist Terror 30 credits
• Black Internationalism 30 credits
• India since 1947: Community, Caste and Political Violence 30 credits
• Sexuality and Disease in African History 30 credits
• Contesting Patriarchy: Debating Gender Justice in Colonial and Post-Colonial India. 30 credits
• The War on Terror 30 credits
• Latin America and the Caribbean from Rebellion to Revolution, 1765-1845 30 credits
• Guns and Global Security 30 credits
• Britain and the Slave Trade 30 credits
• Insurgency and Counterinsurgency 30 credits
• The Fragility of the Spanish State: Identity, Conflict and Resistance, 1808-1939 30 credits
• Anti-Apartheid: Cultures of the Struggle 30 credits
• Race and Second Wave Feminism in the US 30 credits
• Show more

For more information on typical modules, read Modern History MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Modern History MA Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We use a range of teaching and learning methods. The majority of your modules will be taught through weekly seminars, where you'll discuss issues and themes in your chosen modules with a small group of students and your tutors. Independent study is also crucial to this degree, giving you the space to shape your own studies and develop your skills.

Assessment

We use different types of assessment to help you develop a wide range of skills, including presentations, research proposals, case studies and essays, depending on the subjects you choose.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons) in History or a related subject.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of History postgraduate admissions team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Arts and Humanities (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Arts and Humanities (10 weeks).

How to apply

Documents and information you need:

A copy of your BA transcript, or a partial one if you are still studying.

Two academic references.

Evidence of your English language qualifications in English isn't your first language.

You may also be asked to provide a sample of your written work, such as an assessed undergraduate essay.

Deadlines:

We usually aim to process your application within 2-4 weeks. However, during the busy April-June period this can take up to six weeks.

We recommend that you apply as early as possible so you can leave enough time to make any arrangements before starting the programme, such as moving to Leeds or visa applications. Application deadlines for scholarships are likely to close much sooner.

Occasionally we may invite applicants to interview before deciding whether to offer them a place.

• Apply (Full time)
• Apply (Part time)

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: £7,250 (total)

International: £17,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Please view our Scholarships and Employment page for the latest information about School scholarships.

Career opportunities

This programme will heighten your cultural and social awareness as well as allowing you to build your historical knowledge. You'll also gain high-level research, analysis and communication skills that will prove valuable in a wide range of careers.

Graduates have found success in a wide range of careers in education, research and the private sector. Many others have continued with their studies at PhD level.

We offer different forms of support to help you reach your career goals. You'll have the chance to attend our career groups, meeting students with similar plans, or you could become a paid academic mentor to an undergraduate completing their final-year dissertation. You could also apply for one of the internships we offer each year.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

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