University of Wales, Swansea

Programme overview

The MA in History at Swansea covers a wide chronological span and thematic range — art, culture, empire, warfare, society, heritage and identity — while focusing on the emergence and characteristics of modernity (urbanisation, capitalism, bureaucracy, industry, science and technology). Teaching is delivered on the Singleton Park Campus and draws on staff expertise in medieval, early modern and modern history, including specialisms in Welsh, British, European and global history, economic and industrial history, identity and nationality, imperialism, medicine, politics, sexuality and sport.

What you'll study

In the taught part of the degree you take six 20-credit modules made up of compulsory and optional units that introduce approaches to early modern and modern history and a range of research methods. Optional offerings include modules on modern Welsh history and on social movements in the early modern and modern periods, and you can choose option modules from related MA programmes such as Medieval Studies, Public History and Heritage, and War and Society. The programme concludes with a 60-credit dissertation developed and supervised by faculty. The course also offers a guaranteed placement module providing 100 hours of graduate-level practical experience with internal or external heritage providers, supported by group seminars and individual tutorials and assessed by an extended reflective essay.

Research and study resources include the Richard Burton Archive and the South Wales Miners’ Library on-site, links with the National Library of Wales and the National Galleries and Museums of Wales, a dedicated postgraduate common room and an electronic resources room in the James Callaghan Building. You are encouraged to join departmental activities such as the Medieval and Early Modern Research Group (MEMO), the Conflict, Reconstruction, and Memory Research Group (CRAM), seminars, public lectures, masterclasses, the pan-Wales medieval colloquium and contribution to the student-run journal and blog.

Entry requirements

Applications are considered on individual merit and the department welcomes candidates with a wide range of qualifications. Specific comparable-entry details are provided by the university's admissions guidance.

Career prospects

The programme emphasises transferable skills — independent research, academic writing, presentation and project work — and prepares graduates for roles in education, museums and heritage, culture and leisure, government and civil service, policy development, journalism, publishing, broadcasting and media, marketing, business and advertising, libraries and archives, or for further research degrees and academic careers. The placement module delivers practical experience relevant to museum work, community heritage projects, interpretation and policy roles.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding and scholarship information is handled centrally by Swansea University; prospective applicants should consult the university's postgraduate funding pages for up-to-date details on fees, scholarships and any discipline-specific support.